GULF COUNTY CLERK HIGHLIGHTS PROTECTIVE SERVICES DURING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MONTH

Gulf County, Florida – As communities across Florida recognize October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Gulf County Clerk’s Office is reminding residents of the important role our office plays in helping individuals and families seek protection from domestic violence and other threatening or harmful situations.

Florida’s Clerks of the Circuit Court receive and process applications for injunctions for protection involving domestic violence, dating violence, repeat violence, sexual violence and stalking. These applications do not have a filing fee, making sure cost is not a barrier for someone seeking protection. In 2025, 78 applications for these protective orders were processed locally by our office and 75,218 applications were processed statewide. Gulf County Clerk’s Office provides these services at our Port St. Joe location, with assistance available to individuals seeking information about the filing process.

Clerks also administer the statewide Hope Card Program, which launched in 2024 following legislation creating the program. The Hope Card gives individuals who have been issued a final injunction for protection in Florida the opportunity to obtain a free, standardized card to help verify the existence of their protective court order to law enforcement.

More information about the Hope Card Program in Gulf County is available at www.FLClerks.com/HopeCardProgram.

Individuals experiencing domestic violence or concerned about someone they know should consider the following steps:

· If you are in immediate danger, always call 9-1-1 for assistance from law enforcement.

· Contact your local Clerk’s office to start the process of filing for an injunction or restraining order, at no cost to the filer.

· Use the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119 for support, advocacy and assistance finding shelter.

Visit www.flclerks.com/DVAM or www.gulfclerk.com to learn more about the support and services provided by Gulf County Clerk of Court.

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Established by the Florida Constitution, the Clerk of Court provides a system of checks and balances, at the county level, and serves the public in three primary areas including Clerk of the Circuit and County Courts, Clerk to Board and County Recorder.