Reporting Stalking to Florida Officials
Every hotline, state agency, and court resource you need to report stalking in Florida.
In danger now? Call 911 · National DV Hotline 1-800-799-7233 · Crisis Line 988
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How to use this guide
This guide covers statewide Florida resources: the government agencies, hotlines, and courts that serve every county. Each section also tells you how to find the right local office for your specific county.
Start here: Florida has a stalking-specific court injunction that covers cyberstalking, costs nothing to file, and works regardless of your relationship to the stalker.
Before you call: have your documentation ready — dates, what happened, any messages or photos saved, and whether a report has already been filed elsewhere.
If you're in danger: call 911 first. Every other number in this guide is for follow-up support, not emergency response.
Emergency & Immediate Danger
Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical
911
Call if you are in immediate danger, right now.
Florida Highway Patrol (find your local Troop)
Via flhsmv.gov
For highway matters and non-emergency support in areas without local police.
Florida VINE (offender custody notification)
1-877-884-2846
Free, confidential notification if a stalker is released from jail or prison.
Can't speak safely? In areas where Text-to-911 is supported, you can text instead of calling — check with your mobile carrier for coverage in your county.
Florida — Statewide Agencies
Florida Attorney General — Crime Victims' Services
1-800-226-6667
TTY/Florida Relay 800-955-8771 · The Capitol PL-01, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1050 · Compensation and referrals statewide.
myfloridalegal.com/victim-services ↗Florida Courts — Injunction for Protection Against Stalking
No fee to file
Form 12.980(t) explicitly covers cyberstalking · Available against anyone, regardless of your relationship to them.
flcourts.gov ↗Florida Abuse Hotline (Dept. of Children and Families)
1-800-962-2873
1-800-96-ABUSE · TTY 711 or 800-955-8771 · 24/7, for suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult.
myflfamilies.com ↗Reporting to Local Police & Sheriffs
Stalking is usually reported to the police department in the city where you live or work, or to your county sheriff outside city limits.
Your local police department (non-emergency line)
Dial 911, or search “[your city] police non-emergency”
Stalking can be reported at any city police department or county sheriff's office.
Your county sheriff's office
Varies by county
Primary law enforcement in unincorporated parts of Florida.
Your county's Circuit Court
Find yours via flcourts.gov
File where you live, where the stalker lives, or where the stalking occurred — whichever is easiest for you.
Good to know: you can file a report at any police department, not only the one nearest the stalker. Ask for the officer's name, a complaint or case number, and how to follow up.
Injunction for Protection Against Stalking in Florida
What it is: a civil court order, built specifically for stalking, that can require a person to stop all contact and stay away — available no matter your relationship to them.
Covers cyberstalking: the official petition form explicitly includes repeated unwanted contact through electronic communication, not just in-person following.
Cost: there is no fee to file this injunction in Florida.
Florida Courts — Family Law Self-Help
Publishes Form 12.980(t) and step-by-step instructions.
flcourts.gov ↗Where to file
The circuit court where you live, where the stalker lives, or where the stalking happened — whichever works best for you.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect
Filing a Police Report
- 1Go to any police department or county sheriff's office — you do not have to go to the one nearest the stalker.
- 2Ask to speak with an officer and say clearly that you want to report stalking or harassment.
- 3Bring your documentation: dates, messages, photos, and names of any witnesses.
- 4Ask for the report's complaint number before you leave, and request a copy if possible.
- 5Ask about victim assistance resources — many departments have a victim advocate or can refer you to Crime Victims' Services.
Getting a Protective Order
- 1Go to your county's Circuit Court Clerk and ask for the Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Stalking (Form 12.980(t)).
- 2Describe each incident with as much detail as possible — dates, what happened, and whether it included electronic contact.
- 3File the petition with the clerk; there is no filing fee in Florida.
- 4A judge can issue a temporary injunction the same day, often without the other party present.
- 5The injunction is served on the other party by law enforcement — keep a copy with you, at home, and at work.
Specialized Support
Florida Abuse Hotline — Child Abuse (press 1)
1-800-962-2873
24/7 statewide reporting for suspected child abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
Florida Abuse Hotline — Elder & Vulnerable Adult Abuse (press 2)
1-800-962-2873
Same number as above — select option 2 for elder or vulnerable-adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Quick-Reference Contact Sheet
| Agency | Phone | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical | 911 | Emergency |
| Florida Highway Patrol (find your local Troop) | Via flhsmv.gov | Emergency |
| Florida VINE (offender custody notification) | 1-877-884-2846 | Emergency |
| Florida Attorney General — Crime Victims' Services | 1-800-226-6667 | Statewide |
| Florida Courts — Injunction for Protection Against Stalking | No fee to file | Statewide |
| Florida Abuse Hotline (Dept. of Children and Families) | 1-800-962-2873 | Statewide |
| Florida Abuse Hotline — Child Abuse (press 1) | 1-800-962-2873 | Specialized |
| Florida Abuse Hotline — Elder & Vulnerable Adult Abuse (press 2) | 1-800-962-2873 | Specialized |
Frequently Asked Questions — Reporting Stalking in Florida
How do I report stalking in Florida?
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, file a report with your local police department or county sheriff's office — you do not have to go to the one nearest the stalker. Bring dates, messages, photos, and witness names, and ask for the complaint or case number before you leave.
What should I do first if I think I'm being stalked in Florida?
Stop engaging and start documenting. Save every message, call log, and screenshot with dates and times, and keep a written log of each incident. Then report it to local law enforcement using the contacts in this guide, and call 911 any time you are in immediate danger.
How do I get a protective order in Florida?
What it is: a civil court order, built specifically for stalking, that can require a person to stop all contact and stay away — available no matter your relationship to them. Covers cyberstalking: the official petition form explicitly includes repeated unwanted contact through electronic communication, not just in-person following. Cost: there is no fee to file this injunction in Florida.
Is there a fee to file a protective order in Florida?
No — Florida's protective-order process does not charge a filing fee, and many courts also waive related costs for stalking victims. The court listed in this guide can confirm current procedures before you file.
Can I get financial help for stalking-related costs in Florida?
Yes — Florida has a crime victim compensation program that may help cover medical, counseling, and lost-wage costs. See the statewide agencies section of this guide for the contact.
What counts as stalking under Florida law?
Stalking is a repeated pattern of unwanted conduct — following you, repeated calls, texts, or messages, showing up uninvited, tracking your location, or making threats — that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety. In Florida, a protective order is generally available regardless of your relationship to the stalker.
Can I report stalking in Florida if the stalker lives in another state?
Yes. File the report where you live or where the stalking occurred. If the behavior crosses state lines, tell the officer — some cases may involve cross-jurisdiction or federal enforcement.
Can I report stalking anonymously in Florida?
You can submit tips anonymously through statewide hotlines, and many child and adult abuse hotlines accept anonymous reports. For a criminal case, your name may need to appear on the report — ask the agency about its confidentiality policy.
What evidence should I save when reporting stalking in Florida?
Save every message, email, voicemail, screenshot, and call log with dates and times; keep a written incident log; and note any witnesses. Back everything up to a secure location the stalker cannot access.
Where can I download the printable Florida reporting guide?
You can download the free Florida reporting guide as a PDF at https://www.stalking.org/Stalking.org-Reporting-to-Florida-Officials.pdf. It includes every phone number and court contact in one printable sheet.
Disclaimer
The information on Stalking.org is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice, medical advice, or mental-health advice, and it does not create an attorney-client or other professional relationship. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 (United States) or your local emergency number — Stalking.org is not a crisis hotline. Laws and platform policies change frequently, so always consult a qualified attorney, law enforcement officer, or licensed professional about your specific situation.
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