Domestic Violence Safety and Housing

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Hi friend. If someone is hurting you, scaring you or controlling you, please hear this: it is not your fault, and you deserve to be safe. There are people in Florida ready to help, any time, day or night.

Here is the easy first step: call the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.500.1119. It's at no cost and private, and they can connect you with your local domestic violence center, in English, Spanish or Creole.

A few things to know

• You choose. You are the expert on your own safety. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
• Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a bed, money or a spot in any program.
• Be careful with your phone and computer. If someone checks your devices, use a phone or computer they can't see, like at a library or a friend's house.
• In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.

Who can I call right now?

You can call even if you're not sure it's "bad enough." Advocates listen, help you think through your choices, and never judge.

• Florida Domestic Violence Hotline: 800.500.1119. TDD 800.621.4202, or dial 711. It connects you to a certified domestic violence center near you.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: call 800.799.7233, text START to 88788, or chat at thehotline.org. Deaf hotline by video phone: 855.812.1001.
• Your county's 24 hour line is in the county list later in this guide.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.thehotline.org/plan-for-safety/

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A quick exit

Many hotline websites have a quick exit button that takes you off the page fast. On a shared device, you can also use a private or incognito window. Little things like that can help you stay safe.

How do I know if it's abuse?

Abuse isn't only hitting. The National Domestic Violence Hotline says abuse is about power and control, and that even one or two of these behaviors is a red flag:

• Telling you that you never do anything right.
• Extreme jealousy, or keeping you away from friends and family.
• Insulting or shaming you, especially in front of others.
• Stopping you from making your own choices, like working or going to school.
• Taking your money or refusing money for things you need.
• Pressuring you into sex, drugs or alcohol.
• Threatening looks or actions, or threats to hurt or take your kids or pets.
• Scaring you with weapons, or destroying your things or your home.

If any of this sounds familiar, you can call an advocate just to talk. No one deserves abuse of any kind, for any reason.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/domestic-abuse-warning-signs/

How do I make a safety plan?

A safety plan is a simple, personal plan for staying safer, whether you stay, are thinking about leaving, or have already left. The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers no cost help making one with a live advocate.

You don't have to have it all figured out to reach out. One call is enough for today, friend.

From the Bunklow team

Where can I stay if I need to leave?

Florida has certified domestic violence centers across the state. DCF lists them, and the Florida hotline at 800.500.1119 can connect you with the one closest to you.

Many centers offer emergency shelter, counseling, help with court, and support for kids.

• Shelter locations are kept private for safety. Call the hotline or the center's 24 hour line to get in.
• If a center is full, ask them to help you find another safe place.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/domestic-violence/find-your-local-domestic-violence-center

How do I get a protective order in Florida?

In Florida, this is called an injunction for protection against domestic violence. You ask for one through the clerk of court in your county.

• Ask the clerk's office about forms and any costs. Many people get help filling them out.
• Check the official page below for the details, and decide what's right for you.

Your local domestic violence center can also help you with the forms and go with you to court. This is general information, not legal advice. For help with your situation, talk with an advocate or a lawyer. See Guide 13 for no cost legal help.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/741.30

Can I keep my new address private?

Florida has an Address Confidentiality Program run by the Attorney General's office. It can give you a substitute address to use instead of your real one, so the Attorney General receives mail for you.

Check the official page below for who can apply.

Ask your local domestic violence center about it. Advocates can help you apply.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/741.403

What housing help is there if I'm a survivor?

If you live in HUD assisted housing, like public housing or a Housing Choice Voucher home, HUD has protections for survivors. Questions about what they cover?

Check the official page below. You can ask the housing provider about:

• Staying in your home or keeping your help after abuse.
• Being turned down for reasons tied to the abuse.
• An emergency transfer for safety reasons.
• Keeping what you share about the abuse private.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.hud.gov/vawa

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Kids and pets, too

When you call a center, tell them about your kids and pets. Ask what support they have for children, and if they can help with a safe place for your pet. You're doing so great by asking.

Can Florida help me pay to move somewhere safe?

Yes, it may. The Florida Attorney General's Bureau of Victim Compensation has Domestic Violence Relocation Assistance for victims who need help right away to escape a domestic violence situation.

• A certified Florida domestic violence center must fill out and certify a form for you, called the Relocation Certification Worksheet (BVC106).
• Timing matters. Ask the center about deadlines and apply as soon as you can.
• You'll need a safety plan that includes moving to a new place, and a housing contract or a Notification of Residential Agreement (BVC110).
• It may help with a security deposit, application fees or the first month's payment for short term shelter, a rental or a lease.
• The money is picked up at the certifying center, and you'll need to send receipts showing how it was used. Ask the center when they're due.
• The Bureau also has help for victims of sexual battery and human trafficking who need to move.
• Questions? Call the Bureau of Victim Compensation at 800.226.6667.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.myfloridalegal.com/victim-compensation and https://www.myfloridalegal.com/files/pdf/page/A13E1518920D0DE685256CC6004BD490/BVC100_VictimCompensationClaimForm.pdf

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Ask for help before you pack

You don't have to figure this out alone. An advocate can help you plan a safe time to leave and what to bring.

Federal help (works in every state)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Florida

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Miami Dade County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Broward County (Fort Lauderdale)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Palm Beach County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Hillsborough County (Tampa)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Orange County (Orlando)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Duval County (Jacksonville)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Pinellas County (St. Petersburg and Clearwater)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Lee County (Fort Myers)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Polk County (Lakeland)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Brevard County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

My safety plan

Fill this in only if it's safe to keep. You can also just memorize it. You've got this!

Key numbers to keep

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Please let me know if you have any questions

If something in this guide is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. You deserve to be safe and happy. Take care, friend.

About this guide

Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Sources were first checked on October 16, 2026. New sources were added, and every link was checked again on October 18, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

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Last updated October 18, 2026