Florida Clerks Promoted Domestic Violence Resources

The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers highlighted protection options during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Safety

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a neoclassical pillar and envelope, symbolizing institutional legal protection for domestic violence victims. — The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers are promoting domestic violence injunctions and the Hope Card Program throughout October to improve victim access to legal protection. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers have launched an awareness campaign to assist victims of violence and stalking. The initiative highlights the availability of court-ordered protection throughout the month of October.

Why it matters

Domestic violence injunctions provide critical legal safety nets for vulnerable residents. By simplifying access to protective orders, the state aims to ensure that victims can secure legal assistance without financial barriers.

The clerks' offices processed 75,218 applications for injunctions and restraining orders in 2025. Filing for these protections in Florida involves no filing fee.

The players

Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers

This professional organization represents the elected clerks of court and comptrollers who manage essential records and judicial administrative services across all 67 Florida counties.

The details

Clerks throughout Florida manage the essential processing of applications for restraining orders and injunctions related to stalking or violence. The statewide efforts also promote the Hope Card Program, which provides victims with standardized cards to facilitate easier verification of protective status by law enforcement officers.

The Domestic Violence Awareness Project was first declared by Congress in 1989.
The Hope Card Program was officially launched in 2024.
Florida clerks processed 75,218 protection applications in 2025.
Awareness month activities are being observed throughout October 2026.

Seasonal Patterns

The statewide clerk initiative follows the historical precedent set by the 1989 Congressional declaration of the Domestic Violence Awareness Project. This campaign updates current outreach figures to align with long-term national efforts to increase victim support visibility.

Residents seeking protection can file for a domestic violence or stalking injunction at their local clerk’s office without paying a filing fee. Individuals requiring immediate assistance should contact the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119.

The takeaway

Victims of stalking or violence have direct, fee-free access to court-ordered protection through their county clerk offices. Standardizing these legal tools remains a core focus of ongoing state efforts to enhance safety for vulnerable populations.