Step-by-Step: How to Get a Restraining Order in Tampa
Overview
In Florida, what most people call a “restraining order” is legally an Injunction for Protection.
These injunctions are civil court orders that prohibit a person (the respondent) from contacting, threatening, or harming you.
If you live in Tampa / Hillsborough County, this guide explains the types of injunctions, where to file, and what to expect before and after the hearing.
1️⃣ Understand the Five Types of Florida Injunctions
Type | When to Use It | Statute | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
Domestic Violence Injunction | Abuse or threats by a spouse, partner, co-parent, or household member | Fla. Stat. § 741.30 | Up to 1 year (renewable) |
Dating Violence Injunction | Abuse or threats by someone you’re or were romantically involved with | § 784.046 | Up to 1 year |
Repeat Violence Injunction | Two or more incidents of violence/stalking by anyone | § 784.046 | Up to 1 year |
Sexual Violence Injunction | Non-consensual sexual act or threat thereof | § 784.046 | Up to 1 year |
Stalking / Cyberstalking Injunction | Repeated harassment or electronic stalking | § 784.0485 | Up to 1 year |
All injunctions can be extended by the court for continued protection.
2️⃣ Where to File in Tampa / Hillsborough County
All petitions are handled at:
🏛 Hillsborough County Courthouse (George E. Edgecomb Courthouse)
800 E. Twiggs Street, Room 205, Tampa, FL 33602
📞 (813) 272-5894 (Domestic Violence Injunction Office)
🕘 Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Alternate filing location (South County residents):
Plant City Courthouse – 301 N. Michigan Ave, Plant City, FL 33563
Online option:
You can begin electronically via the Florida Courts ePortal at www.myflcourtaccess.com and then visit the courthouse to finalize.
3️⃣ Fill Out the Petition Forms
At the courthouse or online, complete the correct Petition for Injunction for Protection form:
Domestic Violence → Form 12.980(a)
Repeat / Dating / Sexual Violence → Form 12.980(b)–(d)
Stalking / Cyberstalking → Form 12.980(t)
You’ll need to:
Identify the respondent (name, address, DOB if known).
Describe specific incidents of violence, threats, stalking, or harassment — include dates, times, places, and details of fear or injury.
Request specific protections (no contact, move-out, custody, firearms surrender, etc.).
Check “request for temporary injunction” if you need immediate protection.
There is no filing fee for injunction petitions in Hillsborough County.
4️⃣ Request a Temporary (Ex Parte) Injunction
A judge reviews your petition the same day you file.
If the facts show “immediate and present danger,” the court issues a Temporary Injunction without notifying the respondent first (an ex parte order).
The temporary order is valid until the final hearing, usually within 15 days.
Once granted, it becomes enforceable after the respondent is served.
5️⃣ Service of Process
The injunction is not active until served.
Service is handled by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Civil Process Section — at no cost.
📍 1800 N. Tampa Street, Tampa, FL 33602
☎️ (813) 247-8210
🌐 teamhcso.com
Provide as much information as possible: address, work schedule, vehicle, or photo of the respondent.
If service cannot be completed before the hearing, the temporary order can be extended.
6️⃣ The Hearing (Final Injunction)
Within about two weeks, you’ll attend a final hearing before a Hillsborough County judge.
Both parties can appear and present evidence.
Bring:
A copy of your petition and temporary order
Police reports / 911 logs
Photos, texts, emails, social media messages
Medical records
Witnesses or sworn statements
If the judge grants a Final Injunction for Protection, it typically lasts 1 year but can be extended or made permanent.
7️⃣ After the Order — Enforcement & Renewal
Keep certified copies with you, at work, and at your child’s school.
The injunction is entered into Florida’s FCIC/NCIC databases so all police can verify it.
If the respondent violates it, call 911 — violation is a criminal offense under § 784.047.
Before it expires, you can request an extension using the Motion for Extension of Injunction (Form 12.980(i)).
🧾 Evidence Checklist
✅ Detailed timeline of incidents (dates, times, descriptions)
✅ Police or incident reports
✅ Photos/videos of injuries or property damage
✅ Texts, emails, voicemails, DMs, or social media posts
✅ Witness statements or affidavits
✅ Medical or counseling records
✅ Proof of cohabitation or relationship (if applicable)
✅ Prior injunctions or criminal records
💬 Tampa / Hillsborough County Survivor Resources
Organization | What They Do | Contact |
|---|---|---|
Spring of Tampa Bay | 24-hour domestic violence shelter, crisis hotline, legal advocacy | (813) 247-7233 • thespring.org |
Hillsborough County Clerk – DV Office | Files injunction petitions & provides court support | (813) 272-5894 • hillsclerk.com |
Hillsborough County Sheriff – Domestic Violence Unit | Serves injunctions, enforces violations | (813) 247-8210 |
Bay Area Legal Services | Free legal help for victims of abuse | (800) 625-2257 • bals.org |
Florida Domestic Violence Hotline | 24/7 statewide crisis line | (800) 500-1119 • fcadv.org |
⏱ Typical Timeline (Tampa)
Step | Approx. Duration |
|---|---|
File petition | Same day |
Judge reviews for temporary order | Same day |
Service by Sheriff | 1–3 days |
Final hearing | ~15 days after filing |
Final injunction duration | Up to 1 year (renewable) |
❓ FAQs
Do I need a police report?
No, you can still apply without one. A report helps but is not required.
How much does it cost?
It’s free to file an injunction for protection in Florida.
Can I apply online?
Yes, via myflcourtaccess.com (Florida Courts ePortal).
Can the judge make the abuser move out?
Yes — if you share a residence, the judge can grant you exclusive use of the home.
What happens if they contact me after being served?
Call 911 immediately — any contact is a violation and may result in arrest.
⚠️ Final Safety Advice
Always call 911 if you feel unsafe or if the order is violated.
Save important documents (order, evidence, photos) in a safe location or secure digital folder.
Consider informing neighbors, coworkers, or school staff about your protective order.
For confidential 24-hour help in Tampa Bay:
The Spring of Tampa Bay: (813) 247-7233
Florida DV Hotline: (800) 500-1119
You have the legal right to protection and to live free from abuse — and Tampa’s network of advocates, law enforcement, and courts is here to help ensure your safety.