Title: In Re: Amendments to Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Forms

State: florida

Issuer: Florida Supreme Court

Document:

Supreme Court of Florida 
 
 
____________ 
 
No. SC13-305 
____________ 
 
 
IN RE:  AMENDMENTS TO FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED 
FAMILY LAW FORMS. 
 
[July 3, 2014] 
 
PER CURIAM. 
 
This matter is before the Court for consideration of proposed amendments to 
the Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Forms.  We have jurisdiction.  
See art. V, § 2(a), Fla. Const. 
 
Previously, in this case, the Court adopted three new forms relating to a new 
cause of action for protection against stalking and revisions to ten existing forms 
regarding domestic, repeat, dating, and sexual violence.  The new and revised 
forms were necessitated by then recent legislation.  See ch. 2012-153, §§ 3, 4, 
Laws of Fla. (amending chapter 784, Florida Statutes, and creating cause of action 
for an injunction for protection against stalking) (effective October 1, 2012).  The 
new and amended forms were published for comment.   
 
 
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After consideration of the comments filed and receiving input from the 
Advisory Workgroup on the Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Forms 
(Workgroup), we adopt additional amendments to forms 12.980(b)(1) and 
12.980(u).  The “Findings” section of Form 12.980(b)(1) (Order Setting Hearing 
on Petition for Injunction Without Issuance of an Interim Temporary Injunction), is 
amended to better reflect the findings that should be made by the trial court when it 
denies an ex parte temporary injunction and sets a hearing on the petition for an 
injunction.  Form 12.980(u) (Temporary Injunction for Protection Against 
Stalking), is amended to delete a provision requiring the respondent “to participate 
in treatment, intervention, or counseling services to be paid for by the respondent.”   
Accordingly, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Forms 
12.980(b)(1) and 12.980(u) are amended, as set forth in the appendix to this 
opinion. The amended forms are fully engrossed and ready for use.  The forms 
may also be accessed and downloaded from the Florida State Courts’ website at 
www.flcourts.org/resources-and-services/family-courts/family-law-self-help-
information/family-law-forms.stml.  By adoption of the amended forms, we 
express no opinion as to their correctness or applicability.  The forms shall become 
effective immediately upon release of this opinion.   
It is so ordered. 
LABARGA, C.J., and PARIENTE, LEWIS, QUINCE, CANADY, POLSTON, 
PERRY, JJ., CONCUR. 
 
 
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THE FILING OF A MOTION FOR REHEARING SHALL NOT ALTER THE 
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THESE AMENDMENTS.  
 
Original Proceeding – Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Forms 
 
 
 
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(b)(1), Order Setting Hearing on Petition for Injunction 
for Protection Against Domestic Violence, Repeat Violence, Dating Violence,  Sexual Violence, or Stalking, without 
Issuance of an Interim Temporary Injunction (07/14) 
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APPENDIX 
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE                   JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 
IN AND FOR                          COUNTY, FLORIDA 
 
Case No.: _________________                                                        
Division:   _________________                                                        
                                    __________________, 
Petitioner, 
 
and 
 
                                      __________________, 
Respondent. 
 
ORDER SETTING HEARING ON PETITION FOR INJUNCTION 
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST 
(     ) DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (     ) REPEAT VIOLENCE  
(     ) DATING VIOLENCE   (     ) SEXUAL VIOLENCE (    ) STALKING 
WITHOUT ISSUANCE OF AN INTERIM TEMPORARY INJUNCTION 
 
 
A Petition for Injunction for Protection Against: Domestic Violence filed under section 741.30, Florida 
Statutes; Repeat, Dating, or Sexual Violence filed under section 784.046, Florida Statutes; or Stalking 
filed under section 784.0485, Florida Statutes, has been reviewed.  This Court has jurisdiction of the 
parties and of the subject matter.  Upon review of the Petition, this Court concludes that a Temporary 
Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence; Repeat, Dating, or Sexual Violence; or Stalking, 
pending the hearing scheduled below, NOT be entered at this time but that an injunction may be 
entered after the hearing, depending on the findings made by the Court at that time. 
 
FINDINGS 
 
The Court finds that based upon the facts, as stated in the Petition alone and without a hearing on the 
matter, there is no appearance of an immediate and present danger of domestic violence; repeat, 
dating, or sexual violence; or stalking, or that stalking exists.  Therefore, there is not a sufficient factual 
basis upon which the court can enter a Temporary Injunction for Protection Against Domestic, Repeat, 
Dating, or Sexual Violence, or Stalking, prior to a hearing.  A hearing is scheduled on the Petition for 
Injunction for Protection Against Domestic, Repeat, Dating, or Sexual Violence, or Stalking, in Section II 
of this Order.  Petitioner may amend or supplement the Petition at any time to state further reasons 
why a Temporary Injunction should be ordered which would be in effect until the hearing scheduled 
below. 
 
NOTICE OF HEARING 
 
Petitioner and Respondent are ordered to appear and testify at a hearing on the Petition for Injunction 
 
 
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(b)(1), Order Setting Hearing on Petition for Injunction 
for Protection Against Domestic Violence, Repeat Violence, Dating Violence,  Sexual Violence, or Stalking, without 
Issuance of an Interim Temporary Injunction (07/14) 
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for Protection Against Domestic, Repeat, Dating, or Sexual Violence, or Stalking on:  
{date}                        ,at      _ a.m./p.m. at {location}_________________________________________ 
at which time the Court will consider whether a Final Judgment of Injunction for Protection Against 
Domestic, Repeat, Dating, or Sexual Violence, or Stalking should be entered.  If entered, the injunction 
will remain in effect until a fixed date set by the Court or until modified or dissolved by the Court.  At the 
hearing, the Court will determine whether other things should be ordered, including, for example, such 
matters as time-sharing and support. 
 
If Petitioner and/or Respondent do not appear, orders may be entered, including entry of a permanent 
injunction and the imposition of court costs.  Petitioner and Respondent will be bound by the terms of 
any injunction or order issued at the final hearing. 
 
IF EITHER PETITIONER OR RESPONDENT DO NOT APPEAR AT THE FINAL HEARING, HE OR SHE WILL BE 
BOUND BY THE TERMS OF ANY INJUNCTION OR ORDER ISSUED IN THIS MATTER. 
 
All witnesses and evidence, if any, must be presented at this time.  In cases where temporary support 
issues have been alleged in the pleadings, each party is ordered to bring his or her financial affidavit 
(Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c)), tax return, pay stubs, and other evidence 
of financial income to the hearing. 
 
NOTICE:  Because this is a civil case, there is no requirement that these proceedings be transcribed at 
public expense.   
 
YOU ARE ADVISED THAT IN THIS COURT: 
 
a. ____ a court reporter is provided by the court. 
 
b. ____ electronic recording only is provided by the court.  A party may arrange in  
  
 
    advance for the services of and provide for a court reporter to prepare a written  
   
 
     transcript of the proceedings at that party’s expense. 
 
c. ____ in repeat, dating, and sexual violence cases, no electronic recording or court    
  
 
    reporting services are provided by the court.  A party may arrange in advance for the   
 
    services of and provide for a court reporter to prepare a written transcript of the  
 
    proceedings at that party’s expense. 
 
A RECORD, WHICH INCLUDES A TRANSCRIPT, MAY BE REQUIRED TO SUPPORT AN APPEAL.  THE PARTY 
SEEKING THE APPEAL IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HAVING THE TRANSCRIPT PREPARED BY A COURT REPORTER.  
THE TRANSCRIPT MUST BE FILED WITH THE REVIEWING COURT OR THE APPEAL MAY BE DENIED 
If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order 
to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the 
provisions of certain assistance. Please contact: 
__________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(b)(1), Order Setting Hearing on Petition for Injunction 
for Protection Against Domestic Violence, Repeat Violence, Dating Violence,  Sexual Violence, or Stalking, without 
Issuance of an Interim Temporary Injunction (07/14) 
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{identify applicable court personnel by name, address, and telephone number} at 
least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance , or immediately upon 
receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less 
than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. 
 
Nothing in this order limits Petitioner’s rights to dismiss the petition. 
 
DONE AND ORDERED in _______________________, Florida, on                   _______________________. 
 
 
 
 
 
CIRCUIT JUDGE 
 
 
 
 
COPIES TO: 
Petitioner: 
 
___   by hand delivery in open Court 
       ___  by U.S. mail 
 
Respondent: 
       ___  forwarded to sheriff for service 
 
Other:                                                                                  __ 
 
I CERTIFY the foregoing is a true copy of the original Order Setting Hearing on Petition for Injunction as 
it appears on file in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of                      _________ County, Florida, 
and that I have furnished copies of this order as indicated above. 
 
CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT 
(SEAL) 
By:  
 
      Deputy Clerk 
 
 
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(u), Temporary Injunction for Protection Against Stalking 
(07/14) 
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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE                               JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 
IN AND FOR                            ___________ COUNTY, FLORIDA 
 
Case No.:  
 
Division:  
 
                                    __________________, 
Petitioner, 
 
and 
 
                                      __________________, 
Respondent. 
 
 
TEMPORARY INJUNCTION FOR PROTECTION AGAINST STALKING 
 
The Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Stalking under Section 784.0485, Florida Statutes, and 
other papers filed in this Court have been reviewed.  Under the laws of Florida, the Court has jurisdiction 
of the Petitioner and the subject matter, and has jurisdiction of the Respondent upon service of the 
temporary injunction.  The term Petitioner as used in this injunction includes the person on whose 
behalf this injunction is entered. 
 
It is intended that this protection order meet the requirements of 18 U.S.C. Section 2265 and 
therefore intended that it be accorded full faith and credit by the court of another state or Indian tribe 
and enforced as if it were the order of the enforcing state or of the Indian tribe. 
 
SECTION I.   NOTICE OF HEARING 
 
Because this Temporary Injunction for Protection Against Stalking has been issued without notice to 
Respondent, Petitioner and Respondent are instructed that they are scheduled to appear and testify at a 
hearing regarding this matter on {date} _______________________, at ________ a.m./p.m., when the 
Court will consider whether it should issue a Final Judgment of Injunction for Protection Against Stalking, 
which shall remain in effect until modified or dissolved by the Court, and whether other things should be 
ordered. The hearing will be before The Honorable {name} ____________________________________, 
at the following address:  
____________________________________________________ _________________________, Florida.  
If Petitioner and/or Respondent do not appear, this 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.  All witnesses and evidence, if any, must be presented at 
this time. Petitioner and Respondent will be bound by the terms of any injunction or order issued at 
the final hearing. 
 
 
 
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(u), Temporary Injunction for Protection Against Stalking 
(07/14) 
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IF EITHER PETITIONER OR RESPONDENT DO NOT APPEAR AT THE FINAL HEARING, HE OR SHE WILL BE 
BOUND BY THE TERMS OF ANY INJUNCTION OR ORDER ISSUED IN THIS MATTER. 
    
NOTICE:  Because this is a civil case, there is no requirement that these proceedings be transcribed at 
public expense. 
 
YOU ARE ADVISED THAT IN THIS COURT: 
 
a.____ a court reporter is provided by the court. 
 
b.____ electronic recording only is provided by the court.  A party may arrange in advance for the 
services of and provide for a court reporter to prepare a written transcript of the proceedings at that 
party’s expense. 
 
A RECORD, WHICH INCLUDES A TRANSCRIPT, MAY BE REQUIRED TO SUPPORT AN APPEAL.  THE PARTY 
SEEKING THE APPEAL IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HAVING THE TRANSCRIPT PREPARED BY A COURT REPORTER.  
THE TRANSCRIPT MUST BE FILED WITH THE REVIEWING COURT OR THE APPEAL MAY BE DENIED. 
 
If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order 
to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the 
provision of certain assistance.  Please contact __________________________ 
__________________________________________________________________ 
{identify applicable court personnel by name, address, and telephone number} at 
least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon 
receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less 
than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. 
 
SECTION II.  FINDINGS 
 
The statements made under oath by Petitioner make it appear that Section 784.0485, Florida Statutes, 
applies to the parties, and that stalking exists.    
 
SECTION III.  TEMPORARY INJUNCTION AND TERMS 
 
This injunction shall be in effect until the hearing set above and in no event for longer than 15 days, 
unless extended by court order.  If a final order of injunction is issued, the terms of this temporary 
injunction will be extended until service of the final injunction is effected upon Respondent.  This 
injunction is valid and enforceable in all counties of the State of Florida. The terms of this injunction 
may not be changed by either party alone or by both parties together. Only the Court may modify the 
terms of this injunction. Either party may ask the Court to change or end this injunction. 
 
 
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(u), Temporary Injunction for Protection Against Stalking 
(07/14) 
- 9 - 
 
Willful violation of the terms of this injunction, such as: committing an act of stalking against  Petitioner; 
going to or being within 500 feet of Petitioner's residence, place of employment, school, or other place 
prohibited in this injunction; knowingly and intentionally coming within 100 feet of Petitioner’s motor 
vehicle, whether or not that vehicle is occupied; committing any other violation of this injunction 
through an intentional unlawful threat, word or act to do violence to Petitioner; telephoning, contacting 
or communicating with Petitioner, unless indirect contact through a third party is specifically allowed 
by this injunction; defacing or destroying Petitioner’s personal property, including Petitioner’s motor 
vehicle; or refusing to surrender firearms or ammunition if ordered to so by the Court, constitutes a 
misdemeanor of the first degree punishable as provided by Sections 775.082 and 775.083, Florida 
Statutes. 
Any party violating this injunction may be subject to civil or indirect criminal contempt proceedings, 
including the imposition of a fine or imprisonment, and also may be charged with a crime punishable 
by a fine, jail, or both, as provided by Florida Statutes.   
ORDERED and ADJUDGED: 
1. Prohibited Actions.  Respondent shall not commit, or cause any other person to commit, any acts 
of stalking against Petitioner, including stalking, cyberstalking, aggravated stalking, or any criminal 
offense resulting in physical injury or death.  Respondent shall not commit any other violation of 
this injunction through an intentional unlawful threat, word, or act to do violence to Petitioner. 
 
       2. No Contact.  Respondent shall have no contact with the Petitioner unless otherwise provided 
in this section. 
a. Unless otherwise provided herein, Respondent shall have no contact with Petitioner.  
Respondent shall not directly or indirectly contact Petitioner in person, by mail, e-mail, fax, 
telephone, through another person, or in any other manner, including any electronic means or 
use of social media.  Further, Respondent shall not contact or have any third party contact anyone 
connected with Petitioner's employment or school to inquire about Petitioner or to send any 
messages to Petitioner.  Unless otherwise provided herein, Respondent shall not go to, in, or 
within 500 feet of:   
 
b.  Petitioner’s current residence {list address} 
 
________________________________________________________________________ 
or any residence to which Petitioner may move;  
 
c. Petitioner’s current or any subsequent place of employment {list address of current 
employment}  
 
________________________________________________________________________  
 
d.  where Petitioner attends school {list address of school} 
 
______________________________________________________________________; or  
 
e.  the following other places (if requested by Petitioner) where Petitioner, specific members of 
Petitioner’s family, or individuals closely associated with Petitioner, regularly frequent: 
 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
 
 
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(u), Temporary Injunction for Protection Against Stalking 
(07/14) 
- 10 - 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
______________________________________________________________________________. 
 
 
               
   
f.  Respondent shall not knowingly and intentionally come within 100 feet of Petitioner’s motor 
vehicle at any time, whether or not that vehicle is occupied;      
 
 
g. Other provisions regarding contact:_____________________________________________ 
____________________________________________________________________________ 
____________________________________________________________________________. 
 
     3.    Firearms. 
 
{Initial all that apply; write N/A if not applicable} 
 
 
 
a. ____Respondent is a state or local officer, as defined in section 943.10(14), Florida Statutes,   
              who holds an active certification, who receives or possesses a firearm or ammunition for use in     
               performing official duties on behalf of the officer’s employing agency, and is not prohibited by 
 
the court from having in his or her care, possession, or control any firearm or ammunition. 
 
 
 
b. ____Respondent shall not use or possess a firearm or ammunition. 
   
 
 
c. ____Respondent shall surrender any firearms and ammunition in the Respondent's 
possession to the___________________ County Sheriff's Department. 
 
 
 
d. _____Other directives relating to firearms and ammunition:____________________ 
____________________________________________________________________________ 
____________________________________________________________________________ 
____________________________________________________________________________ 
    
   4.  
Mailing Address.  Respondent shall notify the Clerk of the Court of any change in his or her 
mailing address within 10 days of the change.  All further papers (excluding pleadings requiring 
personal service) shall be served by mail to Respondent’s last known address of record.  Such 
service by mail shall be complete upon mailing. Rule 12.080, Florida Family Law Rules of 
Procedure; Section 784.0485, Florida Statutes. 
 
   5. 
Additional order(s) necessary to protect Petitioner from stalking: 
_________________________________________________________________________ 
_________________________________________________________________________ 
_________________________________________________________________________ 
_________________________________________________________________________ 
   
   6.       Referral to Appropriate Services for Petitioner: 
             Petitioner may contact the following services as needed: 
              ____________________________________________________________________________ 
              _____________________________________________________________________________. 
               
 
 
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(u), Temporary Injunction for Protection Against Stalking 
(07/14) 
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SECTION IV.  OTHER SPECIAL PROVISIONS 
(This section to be used for inclusion of local provisions approved by the chief judge as provided in Florida 
Family Law Rule 12.610.) 
__________________________________________________________________________________ 
__________________________________________________________________________________ 
__________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
SECTION V.  DIRECTIONS TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER IN ENFORCING THIS INJUNCTION   
(Unless ordered otherwise by the judge, all provisions in this injunction are considered mandatory 
provisions and should be interpreted as part of this injunction.) 
 
 1. 
The Sheriff of ______________ _____County, or any other authorized law enforcement officer, 
is ordered to serve this temporary injunction upon Respondent as soon as possible after its 
issuance. 
 
2. 
This injunction is valid and enforceable in all counties of the State of Florida.  Violation of this 
injunction should be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency.  Law enforcement 
officers of the jurisdiction in which a violation of this injunction occurs shall enforce the 
provisions of this injunction and are authorized to arrest without a warrant pursuant to Section 
901.15, Florida Statutes, for any violation of its provisions, which constitutes a criminal act 
under Section 784.0487, Florida Statutes.  
 
3. 
THIS INJUNCTION IS ENFORCEABLE IN ALL COUNTIES OF FLORIDA AND LAW ENFORCEMENT 
OFFICERS MAY EFFECT ARRESTS PURSUANT TO SECTION 901.15(6), FLORIDA STATUTES. The 
arresting agent shall notify the State Attorney’s Office immediately after arrest. 
 
4. 
Reporting alleged violations.  If Respondent violates the terms of this injunction and has not been 
arrested, Petitioner may contact the clerk of the circuit court of the county in which the violation 
is alleged to have occurred. The clerk shall assist Petitioner in preparing an affidavit in support of 
reporting the violation or direct Petitioner to the office operated by the court that has been 
designated by the chief judge of that circuit as the central intake point for violations of injunctions 
for protection where Petitioner can receive assistance in the preparation of the affidavit in 
support of the violation. The affidavit shall be immediately forwarded by the office assisting 
Petitioner to the state attorney of that circuit and to the judge designated by the chief judge as 
the recipient of affidavits of violations of an injunction. Procedures relating to reporting alleged 
violations are governed by section 784.0487, Florida Statutes. 
 
 
 
DONE AND ORDERED in ____________________________, Florida, on                     _________________. 
 
 
 
 
 
CIRCUIT JUDGE 
 
 
 
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(u), Temporary Injunction for Protection Against Stalking 
(07/14) 
- 12 - 
COPIES TO: 
Sheriff of                               ________ County 
 
Petitioner:  
      __ by U. S. Mail   
      __ by hand delivery in open court              
 
Respondent:   
      __ forwarded to sheriff for service 
____ State Attorney’s Office 
      __ Other:                                                                            
 
I CERTIFY the foregoing is a true copy of the original Temporary Injunction for Protection Against 
Stalking as it appears on file in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of __________________ 
County, Florida, and that I have furnished copies of this order as indicated above. 
 
CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT 
(SEAL) 
 
By:_______________________________________ 
   Deputy Clerk