Thomas C. Grajek | December 10, 2025 | Lakeland Criminal Law
If someone has filed a restraining order or injunction against you in Florida, you may be wondering whether it will show up on your record. This is a common concern because injunctions can affect everything from job applications to housing and more.
The short answer is, like many questions in the law, it depends. In some situations, an injunction can appear on your record and may be visible during background checks, but that may not always be the case. Continue reading for further information, and reach out to a criminal defense attorney for more certainty regarding your specific situation.
What Is a Restraining Order or Injunction in Florida?
In Florida, restraining orders are called protective injunctions. Courts issue these orders to stop someone from contacting or harming another person.
Depending on the circumstances, a judge may issue one of several types of injunctions, including:
- Domestic violence injunctions
- Dating violence injunctions
- Sexual violence injunctions
- Stalking injunctions
- Repeat violence injunctions
A temporary injunction may be issued right away, followed by a final injunction after a full hearing. These orders are civil in nature, not criminal. However, they can still have an impact on your record in some situations.
Do Injunctions Show Up on a Background Check?
In many cases, yes, it’s possible. Injunctions are generally a matter of public record in Florida. This means employers, landlords, licensing boards, and other agencies might be able to see that an injunction was entered against you.
However, since injunctions are civil in nature by default, they might not always appear in every type of background check that exists, such as one that is only based on criminal proceedings. It will ultimately hinge on the facts and circumstances of the particular case at hand, including the type of injunction and other factors.
Can an Injunction Affect My Criminal Record?
An injunction itself does not make you a convicted criminal. However, Florida law treats violations of an injunction very seriously. Violating a protective injunction is considered a crime and can lead to charges that appear on your criminal record.
This is one reason why it is critical to comply with the terms of any injunction issued against you, as accidental violations can still potentially lead to criminal consequences.
How Long Does an Injunction Stay on My Record?
This depends on the type of injunction and whether the court has placed any expiration date on the order. Some injunctions include a clear end date. Others remain in effect until one of the parties successfully petitions the court to modify or dissolve the order.
Without court action, an injunction may remain visible indefinitely. This is why many people choose to work with a defense lawyer to see if the injunction can be removed or challenged later on.
Can I Get an Injunction Removed From My Record?
Possibly. Florida law allows individuals to request that a court modify or dissolve an injunction if circumstances have changed. For example, if the person who filed the injunction no longer believes it is necessary, or if the facts that supported the original petition are no longer valid, the court may agree to remove the order.
However, even if the court dissolves the injunction, the record of it may still be publicly available unless you take additional legal steps. An attorney can advise you about motions to seal or other remedies that may help limit public access.
Contact the Lakeland Criminal Defense Lawyer at Grajek Criminal Defense Attorneys for Help Today
A restraining order or injunction can have immediate and long-lasting effects on your life. If you are worried about how an injunction may appear on your record, or if you need help responding to one, Grajek Criminal Defense Attorneys is here to help.
Speaking with our qualified Lakeland criminal defense attorney is the best place to start. Schedule a consultation today to get clear answers about your rights and options under Florida law.
For more information, contact the Lakeland criminal defense attorneys at Grajek Criminal Defense Attorneys for a free consultation. We serve all areas in Lakeland, Polk County, and throughout Florida.
Visit our convenient location:
Grajek Criminal Defense Attorneys
112 E Poinsettia St
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 688-4606