Opinion

In Re: Amendments to the Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Forms—12.980(a), 12.980(f), 12.980(g), 12.980(i), 12.980(j), 12.980(n), 12.980(q), 12.980(t), and 12.980(w)

Court: Supreme Court of Florida
Filed: Jun 20, 2024
Status: Published
Cited by: 0 cases
Authority: More cited than 18.7%

The opinion

Supreme Court of Florida

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No. SC2024-0802

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IN RE: AMENDMENTS TO THE FLORIDA SUPREME COURT

APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORMS—12.980(a), 12.980(f),

12.980(g), 12.980(i), 12.980(j), 12.980(n), 12.980(q), 12.980(t),

and 12.980(w).

June 20, 2024

PER CURIAM.

Pursuant to the procedures approved in Amendments to the

Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure & Family Law Forms, 810 So.

2d 1, 13-14 (Fla. 2000), this Court has reviewed the Florida

Supreme Court Approved Family Law Forms and has determined

that amendments to forms 12.980(a) (Petition for Injunction for

Protection Against Domestic Violence), 12.980(f) (Petition for

Injunction for Protection Against Repeat Violence), 12.980(g)

(Supplemental Affidavit in Support of Petition for Injunction for

Protection Against Domestic, Repeat, Dating, or Sexual Violence, or

Stalking), 12.980(i) (Motion for Extension of Injunction for

Protection Against Domestic, Repeat, Dating, or Sexual Violence, or

Stalking), 12.980(j) (Motion for Modification of Injunction for

Protection Against Domestic, Repeat, Dating, or Sexual Violence, or

Stalking), 12.980(n) (Petition for Injunction for Protection Against

Dating Violence), 12.980(q) (Petition for Injunction for Protection

Against Sexual Violence), 12.980(t) (Petition for Injunction for

Protection Against Stalking), and 12.980(w) (Petition by Affidavit for

Order to Show Cause for a Violation of Final Judgment of

Injunction for Protection Against Domestic, Repeat, Dating, or

Sexual Violence, or Stalking) are needed.1 Input was received from

the Advisory Workgroup on the Florida Supreme Court Approved

Family Law Forms, which conducted an expedited review of the

forms due to recent changes in Florida law.

We amend the forms’ verification requirements by removing

language requiring a notary in accordance with amendments to

sections 741.30, 784.046, and 784.0485, Florida Statutes (2023).

See ch. 2024-152, Laws of Fla. Other changes are also made to

improve clarity and promote consistency across the forms.

1. We have jurisdiction. See art. V, § 2(a), Fla. Const.

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The amended forms are hereby adopted as set forth in the

appendix to this opinion, fully engrossed. The amended forms shall

become effective on July 1, 2024, at 12:01 a.m. and may be

accessed and downloaded from the Florida State Courts’ website at

https://www.flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Office-of-Family-

Courts/Family-Court-in-Florida/Family-Law-Forms. We direct that

the forms be published for comment. Interested persons shall have

seventy-five days from the date of this opinion to file comments with

the Court. 2

It is so ordered.

MUÑIZ, C.J., and CANADY, LABARGA, COURIEL, GROSSHANS,

FRANCIS, and SASSO, JJ., concur.

THE FILING OF A MOTION FOR REHEARING SHALL NOT ALTER

THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THESE AMENDMENTS.

2. All comments must be filed with the Court on or before

September 3, 2024, as well as a separate request for oral argument

if the person filing the comment wishes to participate in oral

argument, which may be scheduled in this case. If filed by an

attorney in good standing with The Florida Bar, the comment must

be electronically filed via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal (Portal).

If filed by a nonlawyer or a lawyer not licensed to practice in

Florida, the comment may be, but is not required to be, filed via the

Portal. Any person unable to submit a comment electronically must

mail or hand-deliver the originally signed comment to the Florida

Supreme Court, Office of the Clerk, 500 South Duval Street,

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1927; no additional copies are required

or will be accepted.

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Original Proceeding – Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure

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Appendix

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED

FAMILY LAW FORM 12.980(a)

PETITION FOR INJUNCTION FOR PROTECTION AGAINST

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (06/24)

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self-Represented Litigants found at the beginning of

these forms. The words that are in bold underline are defined in that section. The clerk of the circuit court or family

law intake staff can help you complete any necessary domestic violence forms and can give you information about

local domestic violence victim assistance programs, shelters, and other related services. You may also call the

Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119. For further information, see Chapter 741, Florida Statutes, and Rule

12.610, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure.

When should this form be used?

If you are a victim of any act of domestic violence or have reasonable cause to believe that you are in imminent

danger of becoming a victim of domestic violence, you can use this form to ask the court for a protective order

prohibiting domestic violence. Because you are making a request to the court, you are called the petitioner. The

person whom you are asking the court to protect you from is called the respondent. Domestic violence includes:

assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking,

kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any other criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death to petitioner by

any of petitioner’s family or household members. In determining whether you have reasonable cause to believe you

are in imminent danger of becoming a victim of domestic violence, the court must consider all relevant factors

alleged in the petition, including, but not limited to the following:

1. The history between the petitioner and the respondent, including threats, harassment, stalking, and

physical abuse.

2. Whether the respondent has attempted to harm the petitioner or family members or individuals closely

associated with the petitioner.

3. Whether the respondent has threatened to conceal, kidnap, or harm the petitioner’s child or children.

4. Whether the respondent has intentionally injured or killed a family pet.

5. Whether the respondent has used, or has threatened to use, against the petitioner any weapons such as

guns or knives.

6. Whether the respondent has physically restrained the petitioner from leaving the home or calling law

enforcement.

7. Whether the respondent has a criminal history involving violence or the threat of violence.

8. The existence of a verifiable order of protection issued previously or from another jurisdiction.

9. Whether the respondent has destroyed personal property, including, but not limited to, telephones or

other communications equipment, clothing, or other items belonging to the petitioner.

10. Whether the respondent has or had engaged in a pattern of abusive, threatening, intimidating, or

controlling behavior composed of a series of acts over a period of time, however short, which evidences a

continuity of purpose and which reasonably causes the petitioner to believe that the petitioner or his or

her minor child or children are in imminent danger of becoming victims of any act of domestic violence.

11. Whether the respondent engaged in any other behavior or conduct that leads the petitioner to have

reasonable cause to believe that he or she is in imminent danger of becoming a victim of domestic violence.

Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(a), Petition for Injunction for Protection

Against Domestic Violence (06/24)

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The domestic violence laws only apply to your situation if the respondent is your spouse, former spouse, related to

you by blood or marriage, living with you now or has lived with you in the past (if you are or were living as a family),

or the other parent of your children whether or not you have ever been married or ever lived together. With the

exception of persons who have a child in common, the family or household members must be currently residing

together or have in the past resided together in the same single dwelling unit. If the respondent is not one of the

above, you should look at Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Repeat Violence, Florida Supreme Court

Approved Family Law Form 12.980(f), to determine if your situation will qualify for an injunction for protection

against repeat violence, or Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Dating Violence, Florida Supreme Court

Approved Family Law Form 12.980(n), to determine if your situation will qualify for an injunction for protection

against dating violence, or Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Sexual Violence, Florida Supreme Court

Approved Family Law Form 12.980(q), to determine if your situation will qualify for an injunction for protection

against sexual violence.

If you are under the age of eighteen and you have never been married or had the disabilities of nonage removed by

a court, then one of your parents, custodians, or your legal guardian must sign this petition with you.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. You should complete this form (giving as much detail as possible)

and sign it. You must file this form electronically pursuant to Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial

Administration 2.525 OR bring the form to a clerk in the county where you live. You should keep a copy for your

records. If you have any questions or need assistance completing this form, a court clerk or family law intake staff

can help you.

What should I do if the judge grants my petition?

If the facts contained in your petition convince the judge that you are a victim of domestic violence or that an

imminent danger of domestic violence exists, the judge will sign either an immediate Temporary Injunction for

Protection Against Domestic Violence with Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form

12.980(c)(1) or an immediate Temporary Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence without Minor

Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(c)(2). A temporary injunction is issued without

notice to the respondent. The clerk will give your petition, the temporary injunction, and any other papers filed with

your petition to the sheriff or other law enforcement officer for personal service on the respondent. The temporary

injunction will take effect immediately after the respondent is served with a copy of it. It lasts until a full hearing

can be held or for a period of 15 days, whichever comes first. The court may extend the temporary injunction beyond

15 days for a good reason, which may include failure to obtain service on the respondent.

The temporary injunction is issued ex parte. This means that the judge has considered only the information

presented by one side—YOU. The temporary injunction gives a date that you must appear in court for a hearing. At

that hearing, you will be expected to testify about the facts in your petition. The respondent will be given the

opportunity to testify at this hearing, also. At the hearing, the judge will decide whether to issue either a Final

Judgment of Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence with Minor Child(ren) (After Notice), Florida

Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(d)(1), or a Final Judgment of Injunction for Protection Against

Domestic Violence without Minor Child(ren) (After Notice), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form

12.980(d)(2). Either of these final judgments will remain in effect for a specific time period or until modified or

dissolved by the court. If either you or the respondent do not appear at the final hearing, the temporary injunction

may be continued in force, extended, or dismissed, and/or additional orders may be granted, including entry of a

permanent injunction and the imposition of court costs. You and respondent will be bound by the terms of any

injunction issued at the final hearing.

IF EITHER YOU OR RESPONDENT DO NOT APPEAR AT THE FINAL HEARING, YOU WILL BOTH BE BOUND BY THE

TERMS OF ANY INJUNCTION ISSUED IN THIS MATTER.

Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(a), Petition for Injunction for Protection

Against Domestic Violence (06/24)

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If the judge signs a temporary or final injunction, the clerk will provide you with the necessary copies. Make sure

that you keep one certified copy of the injunction with you at all times!

What can I do if the judge denies my petition?

If your petition is denied solely on the grounds that it appears to the court that no imminent danger of domestic

violence exists, the court will set a full hearing, at the earliest possible time, on your petition, unless you request

that no hearing be set. The respondent will be notified by personal service of your petition and the hearing. If your

petition is denied, you may: amend your petition by filing a Supplemental Affidavit in Support of Petition for

Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence, Repeat or Dating Violence, Florida Family Law Form 12.980

(g); attend the hearing and present facts that support your petition; and/or dismiss your petition.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E-FILING

The Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration now require that all petitions, pleadings, and

documents be filed electronically except in certain circumstances. Self-represented litigants may file petitions or

other pleadings or documents electronically; however, they are not required to do so. If you choose to file your

pleadings or other documents electronically, you must do so in accordance with Florida Rule of General Practice and

Judicial Administration 2.525, and you must follow the procedures of the judicial circuit in which you file. The rules

and procedures should be carefully read and followed.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E-SERVICE

After the initial service of process of the petition or supplemental petition by the Sheriff or certified process server,

the Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration now require that all documents required or

permitted to be served on the other party must be served by electronic mail (e-mail) except in certain circumstances.

You must strictly comply with the format requirements set forth in the Rules of General Practice and Judicial

Administration and you must review Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.516. You may

find this rule at www.flcourts.org through the link to the Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration

provided under either Family Law Forms: Getting Started, or Rules of Court in the A-Z Topical Index.

SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANTS MUST SERVE DOCUMENTS BY E-MAIL UNLESS OTHERWISE EXCUSED. If a self-

represented litigant has been excused from serving documents by e-mail and then elects to serve and receive

documents by e-mail, the procedures must always be followed once that election is made.

To serve and receive documents by e-mail, you must designate your e-mail addresses by using the Designation of

Current Mailing and E-mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915, and you must

provide your e-mail address on each form on which your signature appears. Please CAREFULLY read the rules and

instructions for: Certificate of Service (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.914;

Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915; and

Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.516.

Special notes . . .

With this form you may also need to file the following:

● Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit, Florida Supreme Court

Approved Family Law Form 12.902(d), must be completed and filed if you are asking the court to

Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(a), Petition for Injunction for Protection

Against Domestic Violence (06/24)

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determine issues with regard to your parenting plan or time-parenting plan means a document

created to govern the relationship between the parents relating to the decisions that must be made

regarding the minor child(ren) and must contain a time-sharing schedule for the parents and child(ren).

The issues concerning the minor child(ren) may include, but are not limited to, the child(ren)’s

education, health care, and physical, social, and emotional well-being. In creating the plan, all

circumstances between the parents, including their historic relationship, domestic violence, and other

factors must be taken into consideration. The parenting plan shall be developed and agreed to by the

parents and approved by a court, or established by the court, with or without the use of a court-ordered

parenting plan recommendation. If the parents cannot agree, or if the parents agreed to a plan that is

not approved by the court, a parenting plan shall be established by the court. “Time-sharing schedule”

means a timetable that must be included in the parenting plan that specifies the time, including

overnights and holidays, that a minor child will spend with each parent. If developed and agreed to by

the parents of a minor child, it must be approved by the court. If the parents cannot agree, of if their

agreed-upon schedule is not approved by the court, the schedule shall be established by the court.

● Notice of Related Cases, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(h), must be completed

and filed.

● Notice of Social Security Number, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(j), must

be completed and filed if you are asking the court to determine issues of temporary child support.

● Family Law Financial Affidavit, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c), must be

completed and filed if you are seeking temporary alimony or temporary child support.

● Child Support Guidelines Worksheet, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e), MUST be

filed with the court at or prior to a hearing to establish or modify child support.

Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer

helps you fill out this form, that person must give you a copy of a Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida Family Law

Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out this form also must

put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every form he or she helps

you complete.

Additionally, if you fear that disclosing your address to the respondent would put you in danger, you should complete

a Request for Confidential Filing of Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(h), and file

it with the clerk of the circuit court and write “confidential” in the space provided on the petition.

Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(a), Petition for Injunction for Protection

Against Domestic Violence (06/24)

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,

IN AND FOR COUNTY, FLORIDA

, Case No.:

Petitioner,

Division:

and

Respondent.

PETITION FOR INJUNCTION FOR PROTECTION

AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

I, {full legal name} , declare under penalties of perjury,

that the following statements are true:

SECTION I. PETITIONER

(This section is about you. It must be completed. However, if you fear that disclosing your address to the respondent

would put you in danger, you should complete and file a Request for Confidential Filing of Address, Florida Supreme

Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(h), and write “confidential” in the space provided on this form for your

address and telephone number.)

1. Petitioner’s current address is: {street address}

{city, state, and zip code}

Telephone Number: {area code and number}

Physical description of Petitioner:

Race: _____ Sex: Male _____ Female _____ Date of Birth:

2. Petitioner’s attorney’s name, address, and telephone number is:

(If you do not have an attorney, write none.)

SECTION II. RESPONDENT

(This section is about the person you want to be protected from. It must be completed.)

1. Respondent’s current address is: {street address, city, state, and zip code}

Respondent’s Driver’s License number is: {if known} .

Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(a), Petition for Injunction for Protection Against

Domestic Violence (06/24)

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2. Respondent is: {Indicate all that apply}

a. the spouse of Petitioner.

Date of Marriage:

b. the former spouse of Petitioner.

Date of Marriage:

Date of Dissolution of Marriage:

c. related by blood or marriage to Petitioner.

Specify relationship:

d. a person who is or was living in one home with Petitioner, as if a family.

e. a person with whom Petitioner has a child in common, even if Petitioner and Respondent never

were married or living together.

3. Petitioner has known Respondent since {date}

4. Respondent’s last known place of employment:

Employment address:

Working hours:

5. Physical description of Respondent:

Race: _____ Sex: Male _____ Female _____ Date of Birth:

Height: Weight: Eye Color: Hair Color:

Distinguishing marks or scars:

Vehicle: (make/model) Color: Tag Number:

6. Other names Respondent goes by (aliases or nicknames):

7. Respondent’s attorney’s name, address, and telephone number is:

(If you do not know whether Respondent has an attorney, write unknown. If Respondent does not have an

attorney, write none.)

SECTION III. CASE HISTORY AND REASON FOR SEEKING PETITION (This section must be completed.)

1. Has Petitioner ever received or tried to get an injunction for protection against domestic violence against

Respondent in this or any other court?

Yes No If yes, what happened in that case? {Include case number, if known}

Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(a), Petition for Injunction for Protection Against

Domestic Violence (06/24)

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2. Has Respondent ever received or tried to get an injunction for protection against domestic violence against

Petitioner in this or any other court?

Yes No If yes, what happened in that case? {Include case number, if known}

3. Describe any other court case that is either going on now or that happened in the past, including a

dissolution of marriage, paternity action, or child support enforcement action, between Petitioner and

Respondent {Include city, state, and case number, if known}:

4. Petitioner is either a victim of domestic violence or has reasonable cause to believe he or she is in imminent

danger of becoming a victim of domestic violence because respondent has: {Mark all sections that apply

and describe in the spaces below the incidents of violence or threats of violence, specifying when and where

they occurred, including, but not limited to, locations such as a home, school, place of employment, or time-

sharing exchange}

a. committed or threatened to commit domestic violence defined in s. 741.28, Florida Statutes, as

any assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery,

stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any criminal offense resulting in

physical injury or death of one family or household member by another. With the exception of

persons who are parents of a child in common, the family or household members must be currently

residing or have in the past resided together in the same single dwelling unit.

b. previously threatened, harassed, stalked, or physically abused the petitioner.

c. attempted to harm the petitioner or family members or individuals closely associated with the

petitioner.

d. threatened to conceal, kidnap, or harm the petitioner’s child or children.

e. intentionally injured or killed a family pet.

f. used, or has threatened to use, against the petitioner any weapons such as guns or knives.

g. physically restrained the petitioner from leaving the home or calling law enforcement.

h. a criminal history involving violence or the threat of violence (if known).

i. another order of protection issued against him or her previously or from another jurisdiction (if

known).

j. destroyed personal property, including, but not limited to, telephones or other communication

equipment, clothing, or other items belonging to the petitioner.

k. engaged in a pattern of abusive, threatening, intimidating, or controlling behavior composed of a

series of acts over a period of time, however short.

l. engaged in any other behavior or conduct that leads the petitioner to have reasonable cause to

believe he or she is in imminent danger of becoming a victim of domestic violence.

Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(a), Petition for Injunction for Protection Against

Domestic Violence (06/24)

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Below is a brief description of the latest act of violence or threat of violence that causes Petitioner to

honestly fear imminent domestic violence by Respondent.

{Please begin your narrative below. Use additional pages if necessary but please do not write in the margins

or on the back of any of the pages Please indicate below if you are using additional pages.}

On {date} , at {location} ___________________________________,

Respondent:

Please indicate here if you are attaching additional pages to continue these facts.

5. Additional Information

{Indicate all that apply}

a. Other acts or threats of domestic violence as described on attached sheet.

b. This or other acts of domestic violence have been previously reported to {person or

agency}:

c. Respondent owns, has, and/or is known to have guns or other weapons.

Describe weapon(s):

d. Respondent has a drug problem.

e. Respondent has an alcohol problem.

f. Respondent has a history of mental health problems. If checked, answer the following, if known:

Has Respondent ever been the subject of a Baker Act proceeding? _____ Yes _____ No

Is Respondent supposed to take medication for mental health problems? Yes No

If yes, is Respondent currently taking his/her medication? _____ Yes _____ No

Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(a), Petition for Injunction for Protection Against

Domestic Violence (06/24)

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SECTION IV. TEMPORARY EXCLUSIVE USE AND POSSESSION OF HOME (Complete this section only if you want the

Court to grant you temporary exclusive use and possession of the home that you share with the Respondent.)

1. Petitioner claims the following about the home that Petitioner and Respondent share or that Petitioner left

because of domestic violence:

{Indicate all that apply}

a. Petitioner needs the exclusive use and possession of the home that the parties share at {street

address} ,

{city, state, zip code} .

b. Petitioner cannot get another safe place to live because:

c. If kept out of the home, Respondent has the money to get other housing or may live without

money at {street address} ,

{city, state, zip code} .

2. The home is:

{Choose one only}

a. owned or rented by Petitioner and Respondent jointly.

b. solely owned or rented by Petitioner.

c. solely owned or rented by Respondent.

SECTION V. TEMPORARY PARENTING PLAN WITH TEMPORARY TIME-SHARING SCHEDULE FOR MINOR CHILDREN

(Complete this section only if you are asking the court to provide a temporary parenting plan, including a temporary

time-sharing schedule with regard to, the minor child or children of the parties which might involve prohibiting or

limiting time-sharing or requiring that it be supervised by a third party. You must be the natural parent, adoptive

parent, or guardian by court order of the minor child or children. If you are asking the court to provide a temporary

parenting plan, including a temporary time-sharing schedule with regard to, the minor child or children of the parties

which might involve prohibiting or limiting time-sharing or requiring that it be supervised by a third party, you must

also complete and file a Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit, Florida

Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(d)).

Note: If the paternity of the minor children listed below has not been established through either marriage or

court order, the Court may deny a request to provide a temporary parenting plan, including a temporary time-

sharing schedule with regard to, the minor child or children, and/or a request for child support.

1. Petitioner is the natural parent, adoptive parent, or guardian by court order of the minor children whose

name(s) and age(s) are listed below.

Name Birth date

Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(a), Petition for Injunction for Protection Against

Domestic Violence (06/24)

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2. The minor children for whom Petitioner is asking the court to provide a temporary parenting plan, including

a temporary time-sharing schedule with regard to:

{Choose one only}

a. saw the domestic violence described in this petition happen.

b. were at the place where the domestic violence happened but did not see it.

c. were not there when the domestic violence happened this time but have seen previous acts of

domestic violence by Respondent.

d. have not witnessed domestic violence by Respondent.

3. Name any other minor children who were there when the domestic violence happened. Include children’s

name, age, and parents’ names.

4. Temporary Parenting Plan and Temporary Time-Sharing Schedule

{Indicate all that apply}

a. Petitioner requests that the Court provide a temporary parenting plan, including a temporary time-

sharing schedule, with regard to the minor child or children of the parties, as follows:

b. Petitioner requests that the Court order supervised exchange of the minor children or exchange

through a responsible person designated by the Court. The following person is suggested as a

responsible person for purposes of such exchange. {Explain}:

c. Petitioner requests that the Court limit time-sharing by Respondent with the minor children.

{Explain}:

d. Petitioner requests that the Court prohibit time-sharing by Respondent with the minor children

because Petitioner genuinely fears that Respondent imminently will abuse, remove, or hide the

minor children from Petitioner. {Explain}:

e. Petitioner requests that the Court allow only supervised time-sharing by Respondent with the

minor children. {Explain}:

Supervision should be provided by a Family Visitation Center, or other (specify):

Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(a), Petition for Injunction for Protection Against

Domestic Violence (06/24)

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SECTION VI. EXCLUSIVE CARE, POSSESSION, OR CONTROL OF FAMILY PET(S) (Complete this section only if you are

seeking exclusive care, possession, or control of an animal owned, possessed, harbored, kept, or held by you (the

Petitioner), the Respondent, or a minor child residing in either your residence or household or Respondent’s residence

or household. The court may order the Respondent to have no contact with the animal and may prohibit the

Respondent from taking, transferring, encumbering, concealing, harming, or otherwise disposing of the animal. You

may not request to have exclusive care, possession, or control of an animal owned primarily for a bona fide

agricultural purpose, as defined in section 193.461, Florida Statutes, or a service animal, as defined in section 413.08,

Florida Statutes, if Respondent is the service animal’s handler.) {Indicate all that apply}.

1. Petitioner requests to have exclusive care, possession, and control of the following animal(s) which are

owned, possessed, harbored, kept, or held by Petitioner, Respondent, or a minor child residing in

Petitioner’s or Respondent’s residence or household:

2. Petitioner requests that Respondent have no contact with the following animal(s) and be prohibited

from taking, transferring, encumbering, concealing, harming, or otherwise disposing of them:

SECTION VII. TEMPORARY SUPPORT (Complete this section only if you are seeking financial support from the

Respondent. You must also complete and file a Family Law Financial Affidavit, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure

Form 12.902(b) or (c), and Notice of Social Security Number, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form

12.902(j), if you are seeking child support. A Child Support Guidelines Worksheet, Florida Family Law Rules of

Procedure Form 12.902(e), must be filed with the court at or prior to a hearing to establish or modify child support.)

{Indicate all that apply}

1. Petitioner claims a need for the money he or she is asking the Court to make Respondent pay, and that

Respondent has the ability to pay that money.

2. Petitioner requests that the Court order Respondent to pay the following temporary alimony to

Petitioner. (Petitioner must be married to Respondent to ask for temporary alimony.) Temporary

Alimony Requested $ every: week other week month.

3. Petitioner requests that the Court order Respondent to pay the following temporary child support to

Petitioner. (The Respondent must be the natural parent, adoptive parent, or guardian by court order

of the minor children for the court to order the Respondent to pay child support.) Temporary child

support is requested in the amount of $ every: week other week

month.

Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(a), Petition for Injunction for Protection Against

Domestic Violence (06/24)

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SECTION VIII. INJUNCTION (This section summarizes what you are asking the Court to include in the injunction.

This section must be completed.)

1. Petitioner asks the Court to enter a TEMPORARY INJUNCTION for protection against domestic violence that

will be in place from now until the scheduled hearing in this matter.

2. Petitioner asks the Court to enter, after a hearing has been held on this petition, a final judgment on

injunction prohibiting Respondent from committing any acts of domestic violence against Petitioner and:

a. prohibiting Respondent from going to or within 500 feet of any place the Petitioner lives;

b. prohibiting Respondent from going to or within 500 feet of the Petitioner’s place(s) of employment or

school; the address of Petitioner’s place(s) of employment or school is:

;

c. prohibiting Respondent from contacting Petitioner by mail, by telephone, through another person, or in

any other manner;

d. prohibiting Respondent from knowingly and intentionally going to or within 100 feet of Petitioner’s motor

vehicle;

e. prohibiting Respondent from defacing or destroying Petitioner’s personal property;

{Indicate all that apply}

f. prohibiting Respondent from going to or within 500 feet of the following place(s) Petitioner or

Petitioner’s minor children must go often {include address}:

;

g. granting Petitioner temporary exclusive use and possession of the home Petitioner and

Respondent share;

h. granting Petitioner on a temporary basis 100% of the time sharing with the parties’ minor children;

i. establishing a temporary parenting plan including a temporary time-sharing schedule for the

parties’ minor children;

j. granting Petitioner exclusive care, possession, or control of the animal(s) identified in paragraph 1

of Section VI which are owned, possessed, harbored, kept or held by Petitioner, Respondent, or a

minor child residing in Petitioner or Respondent’s residence or household;

k. prohibiting Respondent from having any contact with the animal(s) identified in paragraph 2 of

Section VI or from taking, transferring, encumbering, concealing, harming, or otherwise disposing

of them;

l. granting temporary alimony for Petitioner;

m. granting temporary child support for the minor children;

n. ordering Respondent to participate in treatment, intervention, and/or counseling services;

Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(a), Petition for Injunction for Protection Against

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o. referring Petitioner to a certified domestic violence center; and any other terms the Court deems

necessary for the protection of Petitioner and/or Petitioner’s children, including injunctions or

directives to law enforcement agencies, as provided in Section 741.30, Florida Statutes.

I UNDERSTAND THAT BY FILING THIS PETITION, I AM ASKING THE COURT TO HOLD A HEARING ON THIS PETITION,

THAT BOTH THE RESPONDENT AND I WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE HEARING, AND THAT I MUST APPEAR AT THE

HEARING. I UNDERSTAND THAT IF EITHER RESPONDENT OR I FAIL TO APPEAR AT THE FINAL HEARING, WE WILL

BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF ANY INJUNCTION OR ORDER ISSUED AT THAT HEARING.

UNDER PENALTIES OF PERJURY, I DECLARE THAT I HAVE READ THE FOREGOING DOCUMENT AND THAT THE FACTS

STATED IN IT ARE TRUE. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE STATEMENTS MADE IN THIS PETITION ARE BEING MADE UNDER

PENALTIES OF PERJURY, PUNISHABLE AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 92.525, FLORIDA STATUTES.

Dated:

Signature of Petitioner

Printed Name:

{Do not write your address if you are filing or have filed a

Request for Confidential Filing of Address, Form 12.980(h).}

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Telephone Number:

Designated E-Mail Address(es):

IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW:

[fill in all blanks] This form was prepared for the: {choose only one} ( ) Petitioner ( ) Respondent

This form was completed with the assistance of:

{name of individual} ,

{name of business or individual} ,

{address} ,

{city} _____________________,{state} ,______ {telephone number} .

{email address} .

Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(a), Petition for Injunction for Protection Against

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW

FORM 12.980(f),

PETITION FOR INJUNCTION FOR

PROTECTION AGAINST REPEAT VIOLENCE

(06/24)

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self-Represented Litigants found at the beginning of

these forms. The words that are in bold underline are defined in that section. The clerk of the circuit court or family

law intake staff can help you complete any necessary domestic violence forms and can give you information about

local domestic violence victim assistance programs, shelters, and other related services. You may also call the

Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119. For further information, see Chapter 741, Florida Statutes, and Rule

12.610, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure.

When should this form be used?

If you or a member of your immediate family are a victim of repeat violence, you can use this form to ask the court

for a protective order prohibiting repeat violence. Repeat violence means that two incidents of violence have been

committed against you or a member of your immediate family by another person, one of which must have been

within 6 months of filing this petition. Repeat violence includes assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated

battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, or false imprisonment, or any

criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death. Because you are making a request to the court, you are called

the petitioner. The person whom you are asking the court to protect you from is called the respondent. If you are

under the age of eighteen and have never been married or had the disabilities of nonage removed by a court, one

of your parents or your legal guardian must sign this petition on your behalf.

The parent or legal guardian of any minor child who is living at home may seek an injunction for protection against

repeat violence on behalf of the minor child. With respect to a minor child who is living at home, the parent or legal

guardian must have been an eye-witness to, or have direct physical evidence or affidavits from eye-witnesses of,

the specific facts and circumstances that form the basis of the petition.

If the respondent is your spouse, former spouse, related to you by blood or marriage, living with you now or has

lived with you in the past (if you are or were living as a family), or the other parent of your child(ren), whether or

not you have ever been married or ever lived together, you should use Petition for Injunction for Protection Against

Domestic Violence, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(a), rather than this form.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. You should complete this form (giving as much detail as possible)

and sign it. You must file this form electronically pursuant to Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial

Administration 2.525 OR bring the form to a clerk in the county where you live. You should keep a copy for your

records. If you have any questions or need assistance completing this form, a court clerk or family law intake staff

can help you.

What should I do if the judge grants my petition?

If the facts contained in your petition convince the judge that you or a member of your immediate family are a victim

Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(f), Petition for Injunction for Protection

Against Repeat Violence (06/24)

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of repeat violence and that an immediate and present danger of repeat violence to you or that family exists, the

judge will sign a Temporary Injunction for Protection Against Repeat Violence, Florida Supreme Court Approved

Family Law Form 12.980(k). A temporary injunction is issued without notice to the respondent. The clerk will give

your petition, the temporary injunction, and any other papers filed with your petition to the sheriff or other law

enforcement officer for personal service on the respondent. The temporary injunction will take effect immediately

after the respondent is served with a copy of it. It lasts until a full hearing can be held or for a period of 15 days,

whichever comes first. The court may extend the temporary injunction beyond 15 days for a good reason, which

may include failure to obtain service on the respondent.

The temporary injunction is issued ex parte. This means that the judge has considered only the information

presented by one side—YOU. Section I of the temporary injunction gives a date that you should appear in court for

a hearing. You will be expected to testify about the facts in your petition. The respondent will be given the

opportunity to testify at this hearing, also. At the hearing, the judge will decide whether to issue a Final Judgment

of Injunction for Protection Against Repeat Violence (After Notice), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law

Form 12.980(l), which will remain in effect for a specific time period or until modified or dissolved by the court. If

you and/or the respondent do not appear, the temporary injunction may be continued in force, extended, or

dismissed, and/or additional orders may be granted, including entry of a permanent injunction and the imposition

of court costs. You and respondent will be bound by the terms of any injunction or order issued at the final

hearing.

IF EITHER YOU OR RESPONDENT DO NOT APPEAR AT THE FINAL HEARING, YOU WILL BOTH BE BOUND BY THE

TERMS OF ANY INJUNCTION OR ORDER ISSUED IN THIS MATTER.

If the judge signs a temporary or final injunction, the clerk will provide you with the necessary copies. Make sure

that you keep one certified copy of the injunction with you at all times!

What can I do if the judge denies my petition?

If your petition is denied on the grounds that it appears to the court that no immediate and present danger of repeat

violence exists, the court will set a full hearing on your petition. The respondent will be notified by personal service

of your petition and the hearing. If your petition is denied, you may: amend your petition by filing a Supplemental

Affidavit in Support of Petition for Injunction for Protection, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form

12.980(g); attend the hearing and present facts that support your petition; and/or dismiss your petition.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E-FILING

The Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration now require that all petitions, pleadings, and

documents be filed electronically except in certain circumstances. Self-represented litigants may file petitions or

other pleadings or documents electronically; however, they are not required to do so. If you choose to file your

pleadings or other documents electronically, you must do so in accordance with Florida Rule of General Practice and

Judicial Administration 2.525, and you must follow the procedures of the judicial circuit in which you file. The rules

and procedures should be carefully read and followed.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E-SERVICE

After the initial service of process of the petition or supplemental petition by the Sheriff or certified process server,

the Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration now require that all documents required or

Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(f), Petition for Injunction for Protection

Against Repeat Violence (06/24)

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