For information and procedures on obtaining a Restraining Order, call the Family Intake Unit at 954-831-5520 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday though Friday.  They are located at the Broward County Courthouse, 201 S.E. 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33301, Room 248.

You may contact the Women in Distress hotline for counseling and shelter at 954-761-1133, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You may obtain a Domestic Violence Restraining Order against a husband, wife, ex-husband, ex-wife, blood relative residing in the same household or any other person you are, or were, residing with as a family.  You may also obtain a Restraining Order against a person with whom you had a child, whether you are living together or not.

However, for an act of Repeat Violence, you may file for a Restraining Order against anyone.  There must have been two (2) occurrences or acts of physical or sexual abuse, and one (1) occurrence must have been in the last six (6) months.  The judge may require you to furnish the police reports as filed.

A dating violence restraining order may be filed by individuals who have or have had a continuing and significant relationship of a romantic or intimate nature.  The dating relationship must have existed within the last 6 months.

A sexual violence restraining order may be filed for any one incident of sexual battery, lewd or lascivious act committed upon or in the presence of a person younger than 16 years of age, luring or enticing a child, sexual performance by a child or any other forcible felony wherein a sexual act is committed or attempted.

To obtain a Restraining Order, you must appear in person, in the Domestic Violence Division in Room 248 of the Broward County Courthouse, 201 Southeast 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  Please do not bring children with you, as there is limited space and you may be at the Courthouse for at least 3 to 5 hours.  You must have a photo I.D. with signature.

If you have a Police Report, please bring this with you.  The Domestic Violence Unit will provide the forms and assist you with filling out the papers.  The file will then be reviewed by the assigned judge.  It is recommended that you come as early as possible as your stay through this process may take 3 to 5 hours. 

The Clerk’s hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, however, no new petitions will be processed after 5:00 p.m. unless you cannot find shelter through family, friends, or local shelters until the next business day.