Thomas C. Grajek | February 6, 2026 | Lakeland Criminal Law
If someone files a restraining order against you in Florida, it can bring understandable anxiety. For some people, one of their primary concerns is their employment. These court orders, also called injunctions for protection, are civil, not criminal actions that make you a defendant. They are often issued in situations involving claims of domestic violence, stalking, harassment, or threats, and are meant to keep one person away from another.
However, having a restraining order filed against you doesn’t mean you’ve committed a crime or have a criminal record. Having an injunction filed against you doesn’t automatically cost you your job, but it does mean you need to carefully consider your next steps and how to protect yourself and your future.
Florida Is an At-Will Employment State
In Florida, most employees work on an “at-will” basis, meaning an employer can terminate you for nearly any reason or even for no stated reason at all, as long as it isn’t based on unlawful discrimination or retaliation.
If an employer finds out about the restraining order and thinks it could affect workplace safety, company reputation, or disrupt normal operations, they may act on those concerns and terminate your employment.
How to Address a Restraining Order or Injunction With Your Employer
You usually aren’t automatically required to inform your employer about a restraining order, especially if it doesn’t relate to the workplace or impact your job. Before taking any steps, talk to your lawyer and follow their advice about when (or whether) workplace disclosure is legally or practically needed.
If it does become necessary to discuss the order with your employer, there are a number of things to consider to better protect yourself.
Keep Communication Brief, Factual, and Professional
Limit your explanation to just the basics. Let your supervisor or HR know a civil order exists, how long it’s valid, and reiterate that it doesn’t interfere with your ability to do your job.
Avoid Discussing Details or Allegations
Do not get into the details of the accusations or defending your personal side of the story in the workplace. You want to minimize the effect this has on your job, which means not spending time at work talking about it.
Consulting with your attorney before you speak with your employer can help ensure you know which details are necessary to share and which aren’t.
What to Do If You’ve Been Served With a Restraining Order or Injunction
Being served with a restraining order can be overwhelming and raise questions about your rights and your future. Handling this situation the right way from the start can have a big impact on the outcome and even on your employment.
Read and Obey the Order
As soon as you receive a copy of the order, carefully read every condition and restriction. Follow all terms exactly, even if you believe the accusations are unfair. Violating the order, even unintentionally, can result in criminal charges.
Do Not Talk to the Alleged Victim
No matter what you do, don’t reach out to the alleged victim. It’s normal to want to try to explain yourself or ask them why they filed the restraining order, especially when you think it’s based on untrue claims.
However, this is probably the worst thing you can do. Contacting them could lead to penalties and potentially criminal charges.
Prepare for Your Hearing
Collect any documents, messages, or records that may help defend against the allegations. Mark the date of your court hearing so you don’t miss it, as a longer-term order may be automatically imposed.
Contact the Lakeland Criminal Defense Attorneys at Grajek Criminal Defense Attorneys for Help Today
If you are dealing with a restraining order or injunction in Florida, speak to a lawyer as soon as possible for assistance. Grajek Criminal Defense Attorneys can advise you about defending your rights, explain what to expect in court, and discuss protecting your reputation and employment.
Taking the right steps after being served with a restraining order is important for all aspects of your life. Contact us today to schedule a confidential case review with a Lakeland criminal defense lawyer.
For more information, contact the Lakeland [PRACTICE AREA] 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