Broward County Democrat Seeks To Change Injunction Law

The most recent available data from Florida authorities estimates that around 106,500 crimes of domestic violence were reported to law enforcement, with untold numbers more not being reported at all due to fears of future violence. In an effort to protect victims of such crimes, State Senator Sharief filed a bill in September 2025 seeking to change the way domestic violence injunctions are obtained.

“Repeat Or Serious Violence”

As of this writing, a domestic violence injunction is obtained in Florida by a petitioner who establishes that they have either been the victim of domestic violence, or fear that they will become the victim of future violence. Normally, one must show evidence of repeat violence, but Sen. Sharief’s bill would seek to change that to “repeat or serious violence,” making it significantly easier for alleged victims to obtain injunctions to protect themselves.

The bill has its supporters, though currently no House equivalent bill exists. The state’s definition of domestic violence is any criminal offense that results in physical injury or death to a certain class of victim (not only spouses, but also ex-spouses, unmarried co-parents, and others living in the alleged perpetrator’s household). If someone is the victim of one instance of such behavior, they have been abused, and they should have the right to seek protection.

Future Unknown

This bill is the third brought before Florida’s legislature in recent years, seeking to alter the requirements for obtaining a domestic violence injunction, though neither of the first two bills received a hearing in the last legislative session. While it remains to be seen whether this bill will receive a hearing, similar initiatives in other states have failed due to perceived vagueness in the language. A benchmark would have to be set as to what constitutes “serious” violence.

If you have been the victim of a crime of domestic violence, a domestic violence injunction can be of great help in protecting you and your children, but for some people, it may do more harm than good. Contacting an attorney, if you feel safe to do so, can help to clarify your options. The stakes are too high to navigate alone.

Contact A West Palm Beach Domestic Violence Attorney

While the ultimate outcome for Sen. Sharief’s bill remains in doubt, the point remains that many domestic violence victims in Florida go unheard. If you have been the victim of this kind of violence, you are not alone. A West Palm Beach domestic violence attorney from Perlet & Shiner, P.A. can help to answer your questions and manage your concerns about the legal process. Contact our office today to speak to an attorney.

Source:

myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/domestic-violence/resources/domestic-violence-statistics