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The injunction process begins when you file for an injunction at one of the intake locations listed above. The Intake Unit staff will help you complete all the necessary paperwork, which is taken to a judge to review. If the judge decides the sworn allegations contained in the paperwork meet the requirements of Florida law for the issuance of an injunction, the judge will enter a Temporary Injunction, which will be valid for 15 days . A hearing will be set within 15 days, and the Sheriff's Office will attempt to personally serve the person who the injunction is filed against (the respondent) with the injunction paperwork. The Temporary Injunction can require the respondent to have no contact with the person filing the injunction (the petitioner), stay away from the petitioner's home and workplace, vacate a shared residence, award temporary custody of minor children and require the surrender of firearms.
At the court hearing, the judge will decide whether to grant a Permanent Injunction after taking testimony from the parties and witnesses, and considering any evidence which is presented. If a Permanent Injunction is granted, it will be effective until it is changed or ended by the judge at either party's request, after notice and hearing, or until a specific date set by the judge (i.e., 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, etc.). The Permanent Injunction can require the respondent to have no contact with the petitioner, stay away from the petitioner's home and workplace, award custody, visitation, child and spousal support, and require the surrender of firearms. The Permanent Injunction can also order the respondent to attend a batterers' intervention program and victims and children can be referred to support groups and counseling programs, free of charge.