1. Victim and Witness Rights
- Florida Department of Children and Families – Victim Resources
Provides crisis counseling, relocation assistance, and legal information for victims of abuse, harassment, and stalking. - Florida Office of the Attorney General – Victim Services
Offers compensation, rights education, and victim assistance during criminal proceedings.
2. Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid Programs
- Florida Legal Services
A nonprofit providing civil legal aid, including for restraining orders, harassment, and cyber abuse cases. - Florida Law Help
Online legal help center for civil issues with referrals to free legal clinics and nonprofit law groups across Florida.
3. Relevant Laws
- Stalking: Fla. Stat. § 784.048
What it means: Involves willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly following, harassing, or cyberstalking another person. Aggravated stalking includes threats or violations of protective orders. - Harassment: Addressed under stalking and cyberstalking laws (Fla. Stat. § 784.048)
What it means: Harassment is defined as a course of conduct causing substantial emotional distress and serving no legitimate purpose. Applies to online and in-person behavior. - Bullying: No adult criminal statute. Addressed in schools under Fla. Stat. § 1006.147.
What it means: Public schools must adopt anti-bullying and harassment policies. Includes cyberbullying, peer abuse, and retaliation. Schools may discipline offenders or report to authorities. - Defamation: Civil tort, not criminal. Based on Florida case law and common law principles.
What it means: Defamation lawsuits may be filed for false written (libel) or spoken (slander) statements. Florida recognizes “defamation per se” in certain serious allegations. No criminal statute applies.
4. Reporting and Hotlines
- Dial 911 if you are in immediate danger or facing threats.
- Non-emergency incidents may be reported to local police departments or school administrators.
- Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence (via DCF)
Connects victims with shelters, legal advocacy, and hotline support throughout the state. - Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-500-5373
Available 24/7 to provide confidential help, referrals, and safety planning.
5. Support Organizations
- Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Coordinates statewide survivor services including emergency housing, legal support, and education. - Women’s Resource Center
Offers counseling, advocacy, and legal assistance in Florida’s Gulf Coast region for those facing abuse or harassment.
6. Civil Remedies and Protection Orders
Victims may request an Injunction for Protection (commonly referred to as a restraining order) under Florida law. These may be granted in cases involving stalking, cyberstalking, harassment, or threats. Legal aid offices and clerk’s offices provide filing assistance and forms.
Important Note on Jurisdiction: If the individual you are seeking a restraining order against lives in a different state, your local court may not have jurisdiction to enforce that order. In most cases, you must file for protection in the state where that individual resides or where the conduct occurred. This applies even in situations involving online harassment, defamation, or stalking. Contact legal aid services in both your state and the other person’s state for guidance.
7. Youth and School Resources
- Florida Department of Education – Bullying Prevention
Provides school guidelines, prevention strategies, and reporting tools for bullying and harassment cases.
8. Court Forms and Filing Help
- Florida Courts – Family Law Self-Help Center
Offers restraining order forms, legal instructions, and self-representation tools for abuse-related filings.
9. Online Safety and Privacy Tools
- NNEDV Tech Safety Toolkit
Helps victims protect personal information and respond to stalking or harassment across digital platforms.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
