A parent or legal guardian may file an injunction (restraining order) on behalf of a minor child against an individual who is committing violence, harassment, or stalking—particularly in cases of domestic, dating, or sexual violence.

A parent or legal guardian of any minor child living at home may seek an injunction for protection against repeat violence on behalf of the child.

For a minor child living at home, the parent or legal guardian must either:

• Be an eyewitness to the incident, or
• Have direct physical evidence or affidavits from eyewitnesses supporting the facts and circumstances forming the basis of the petition.

The petition must be filed in the county where the child resides, where the respondent resides, or where the incident occurred. Forms are available at your local courthouse or online at the Florida State Courts System:

A judge may issue a temporary injunction before a hearing is held.

If the respondent is your spouse, former spouse, a relative by blood or marriage, someone currently living with you or who has lived with you in the past (if you were living as a family), or the other parent of your child(ren)—regardless of whether you were ever married or lived together—you should use Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(a).