If you have filed for or been served with a restraining order, it’s natural to worry about who can see this information and how it might affect your life. In Florida, whether a restraining order is considered public record depends on factors such as the type of injunction, how the case was resolved, and whether any violations occurred.
An Orlando domestic violence attorney can help you understand how these records work—and the potential consequences of an injunction—can be especially important in family law matters involving custody, divorce, or shared parenting arrangements.
What Is a Restraining Order?
A restraining order—also known as an injunction or order of protection—is a court order designed to prevent one person from contacting, harassing, or harming another. In family law cases, restraining orders often arise in connection with domestic violence allegations or disputes between spouses, partners, or family members.
A domestic violence injunction may prohibit the respondent from committing or threatening acts of abuse, and it can also bar contact with the petitioner entirely. In some cases, the court may require the surrender of firearms or restrict communication through certain channels.
Although restraining orders are civil in nature, violating one can have serious consequences. Beyond possible criminal penalties, violations can influence future court decisions regarding child custody, visitation, or other family law matters.
Types of Restraining Orders in Florida
Florida Statutes § 741.30, § 784.046, and § 784.0485 provide the right for alleged victims to seek various types of restraining orders, including the following:
- Domestic violence injunctions that an alleged victim files against a family or household member due to violence, threats, or stalking
- Dating violence injunctions for individuals who have been in a romantic or dating relationship filed against the romantic partner, based on allegations of abuse or threats
- Sexual violence injunctions filed by individuals who claim to be victims of sexual assault or other sexual misconduct
- Repeat violence injunctions, which are filed by a victim who alleges to have been subjected to two or more acts of violence or stalking
- Stalking injunctions, which are filed by people who claim the respondent has harassed, followed, or stalked them in person or online
A family law attorney can help determine which type of injunction applies to your situation and explain how it may affect your divorce, custody, or co-parenting arrangements.
Do Restraining Orders Appear on Background Checks?
In Florida, restraining orders are generally considered public records, which means they can be accessed through online court databases. Although they are civil matters—not criminal convictions—they may still appear in certain background searches conducted by employers, landlords, or professional licensing agencies.
For parents or spouses involved in ongoing family law disputes, the existence of a restraining order can also affect custody and visitation decisions. Courts often consider injunctions and related findings when determining what arrangement serves the best interests of the child.
Violating a restraining order can also have far-reaching effects. In addition to possible criminal penalties, a violation can damage credibility in family court, affect parenting time, or influence future court orders.
Are There Ways To Make a Restraining Order Less Public?
In certain situations, steps can be taken to limit the public exposure and long-term impact of a restraining order. The filing of a petition does not guarantee that an order will be granted, and the respondent has the right to contest it through the appropriate legal channels.
If the allegations are false or exaggerated, your attorney can petition the court to dismiss the case. It may also be possible to request that specific personal information be redacted from the public record to preserve your privacy and reputation.
Discuss Your Domestic Violence Case With a Family Law Attorney
If you are involved in a domestic violence or restraining order case—whether as the petitioner or the respondent—it’s crucial to understand your rights and how the outcome may affect your family’s future.
The result can influence not only your reputation but also child custody, visitation, and other aspects of your personal life. A skilled Florida family law attorney can help you navigate the legal process, challenge false or exaggerated claims, and pursue solutions that protect your privacy and your family’s well-being.
For more information, contact our experienced Orlando divorce lawyers at Conti Moore Law Divorce Lawyers, PLLC, by calling (407) 831-0203 to schedule a free consultation.
We serve all through Orange County and its surrounding areas. Visit our office at:
Conti Moore Law Divorce Lawyers, PLLC
815 N Magnolia Ave Suite 100
Orlando, FL 32803
(407) 831-0203
