Article provided by: statelaws.findlaw.com
What is stalking? Stalking is characterized as a pattern of malicious and willful behavior that occurs over a period of time — and more than once. While we often associate stalking with someone lurking in the bushes outside someone’s house, stalking can also refer to various other forms of harassment, such as: repeatedly calling someone’s home or place of business, vandalizing personal property, or even leaving someone unwanted written notes or gifts.
Florida’s stalking law defines the crime as repeated harassment that creates a credible threat of harm. The crime is often charged against estranged partners and spouses. In Florida, victims of stalking also have a civil remedy available to them in the form of restraining orders (also called “orders of protection”). A restraining order is an official document issued by the court that essentially “orders” (requires) the stalker to refrain from contacting or otherwise pursuing the victim.
