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Order to Show Cause

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TEMPORARY INJUNCTION FOR PROTECTION AGAINST STALKING

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,

IN AND FOR COUNTY, FLORIDA

Case No.:

Division:

,

Petitioner,

and

,

Respondent.

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 , 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 , 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.

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 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.

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 or any residence to which Petitioner may move;

c. Petitioner’s current or any subsequent place of employment ;

d. where Petitioner attends 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:

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 or Designated E-Mail Address(es). Respondent shall notify the Clerk of the Court of any change in either his or her mailing address or designated e-mail address(es) within 10 days of the change. All further papers (excluding pleadings requiring personal service) shall be served either by mail to Respondent’s last known mailing address or by e-mail to Respondent’s designated e-mail address(es). Service shall be complete upon mailing or e-mailing.

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:

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

COPIES TO:

Sheriff of County

Petitioner (or his or her attorney):

by U. S. Mail

by hand delivery in open court

by e-mail to a designated e-mail address

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:

Enter text✕

What an Order to Show Cause Is and when it’s used

An Order to Show Cause is a court-issued or court-requested document that directs a party to appear and explain why the court should not take a proposed action. It typically accompanies a motion seeking temporary relief—for example, a stay, injunction, attachment, or expedited hearing—and sets a specific return date and time. The document frames the relief requested, the legal and factual basis, and the procedures for service and response. Courts use Orders to Show Cause for urgent or time-sensitive matters where routine motion notice schedules would cause prejudice.

Why an Order to Show Cause matters to litigants

An Order to Show Cause expedites judicial attention and establishes a clear timetable for response and hearing, which is critical in emergencies or when immediate interim relief is required.

Why an Order to Show Cause matters to litigants

Who prepares and who responds to an Order to Show Cause

Typical users include litigants, their attorneys, and court clerks who schedule emergency hearings.

  • Plaintiffs and petitioners preparing expedited relief requests; they draft supporting affidavits and proposed orders.
  • Defense parties served with the Order to Show Cause; they must decide whether to respond, appear, or seek continuance.
  • Clerks and judges who calendar the return date and manage service and filing requirements.

Proper preparation and timely service ensure the court can consider the request and preserve the requesting party’s rights.

Core components of a professional Order to Show Cause

A well-structured Order to Show Cause combines procedural detail, factual support, and precise relief language so the court and opposing parties understand the request and timing.

Caption

Court name, docket number, case title and party names appear at the top to identify the proceeding.

Relief Requested

Clear statement of the temporary or preliminary relief sought and the statutory or rule authority for it.

Return Date

Specific date and time when the responding party must appear or file an opposition.

Factual Basis

Concise recitation of facts and evidence supporting the request, often supported by affidavit or declaration.

Service Instructions

How the Order must be served, the deadline for service, and any methods authorized (personal, mail, e-service).

Proposed Order

A clean copy of the proposed court order for the judge to sign if relief is granted.

Essential data fields to include

Case Caption: Court name, county, case number, and party names
Requesting Party: Name and contact information of the movant or counsel
Relief Sought: Specific interim or emergency relief requested
Return Date: Date and time for appearance or opposition filing
Service Deadline: Last date by which opposing party must be served
Supporting Evidence: List of affidavits, declarations, exhibits, or proposed orders

Step-by-step: preparing and filing an Order to Show Cause

Follow these sequential steps to prepare the motion, ensure proper service, and get the matter calendared.

  • 01
    Draft the Motion: Prepare the underlying motion and a concise memorandum of law.
  • 02
    Prepare Declarations: Attach sworn declarations and exhibits supporting urgency and facts.
  • 03
    Proposed Order: Draft a clear, judge-ready proposed order for signature.
  • 04
    File and Serve: File with the clerk and serve opposing parties per local rules.

How to customize the process for eFiling and eService

Configure your digital workflow to meet court rules: name files, combine exhibits, select correct event codes, and set service methods.

File Naming Use court-approved naming: CaseNumber_Party_DocType
Combine Exhibits Merge supporting exhibits into a single PDF with bookmarks
Event Code Select the correct eFiling event for Orders to Show Cause
Service Method Choose eService, mail, or personal delivery per local rule
Calendar Entry Notify clerk and opposing counsel of return date after filing

Where to file and how the court processes the Order

Understand the standard routing so your filing is accepted and the hearing is scheduled without clerical delay.

  • Clerk’s Office: File the Order using the court’s filing portal or in-person counter.
  • Judicial Review: Judge or staff review the proposed order and motion for sufficiency.
  • Calendar Entry: Clerk sets a return date and posts it to the docket.
  • Service Certificate: File proof of service showing opposing parties were notified.

Digital signing and eSubmission essentials for court use

Courts and clerks have varied rules for eFile, eService, and electronic signatures; confirm local rules before relying on e-signatures.

  • eFiling Portals: Most state and federal courts require documents via their approved portals or e-filing vendors
  • Signature Acceptance: Some courts accept scanned signatures with a signed declaration; others require in-person originals or notarizations
  • Authentication: Use secure signer authentication (email plus code or platform account) when delivering signed affidavits

When in doubt, contact the court clerk to confirm whether an electronically signed affidavit, declaration, or proposed order satisfies local filing and evidentiary rules.

Critical deadlines and timing expectations

Orders to Show Cause are time-sensitive; follow statute, local rules, and the court’s calendaring procedures to avoid waiver or rejection.

Return Date Selection:

Set a return date that meets notice periods in local rules

Service Deadline:

Serve opposing parties within the period required before the return date

Temporary Relief Timing:

Request interim relief and specify any ex parte hearing needs

Filing Proof:

File proof of service or eService certificate promptly after service

Opposition Timing:

Provide the time allowed for any opposition, typically set by local rules

Key milestones from filing to hearing

Track a short sequence of milestones so each procedural deadline is met and the hearing proceeds as scheduled.

01

Drafting Complete

Motion, declarations, proposed order, and exhibits compiled and reviewed

02

File with Clerk

Electronic or in-person filing is completed and a docket entry is made

03

Serve Opposing Parties

Certified service or eService completed and certificate prepared

04

Return Hearing

Party appears and the court hears argument on the Order to Show Cause

Common drafting and filing mistakes to avoid

  • Failing to cite the statutory or rule basis for interim relief, which weakens the motion
  • Listing a return date without confirming the court’s calendar or clerk availability
  • Improper service method or late service that results in continuance or denial
  • Submitting exhibits out of order or without a sworn declaration authenticating them

Consequences of errors or noncompliance

Hearing Delay: Missed deadlines can force continuances and delay relief
Denial of Relief: Procedural defects may lead the court to deny the request on technical grounds
Sanctions: Courts may impose sanctions for improper filings or bad-faith urgency claims
Service Defect: Improper service may require re-service and re-filing
Evidence Exclusion: Unsponsored exhibits may be excluded from consideration
Jurisdictional Risk: Incorrect venue or caption errors can void the filing

Representative examples of when an Order to Show Cause is used

Real situations illustrate typical uses and supporting materials needed.

Emergency Injunction Example

A business seeks an immediate asset freeze to prevent dissipation of funds

  • Supporting affidavit details imminent transfer of funds
  • The court scheduled an emergency return hearing and granted a temporary freeze pending full briefing and hearing.

Discovery Sanction Example

Plaintiff files an Order to Show Cause after defendant fails to produce critical documents

  • Motion shows repeated discovery demands and certifications
  • The judge ordered production and set sanctions for noncompliance at the return date.

eSignature vendor comparison for executing and routing Orders to Show Cause

Common eSignature platforms vary by price, bulk-send, audit trail features, and HIPAA support. The table compares starting prices and core capabilities.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial No No Yes, limited Yes, limited
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies Varies Varies

Frequently asked questions about Orders to Show Cause

Answers below address common procedural, service, and electronic filing questions that arise when preparing an Order to Show Cause.


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