Court Opinion

ID: 2689237
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2014-08-01 16:28:49.887272+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:49:42.526214
License: Public Domain

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.
      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.

                                        -2-
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

                                   -3-
                                                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)
                                                      -4-
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)
                                                      -5-
{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(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)
                                                      -6-
                    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)
                                                    -7-
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)
                                                    -8-
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)
                                                    -9-
        ______________________________________________________________________________
        ______________________________________________________________________________.

        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)
                                                    - 10 -
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)
                                                   - 11 -
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

Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(u), Temporary Injunction for Protection Against Stalking
(07/14)
                                                   - 12 -