MARQUEZ v. RIVERA (2021)

In this consolidated appeal ¹ , Gerardo L. Marquez (“Appellant”) appeals two December 29, 2020 orders extending: (1) an ex parte temporary injunction for protection against dating violence entered at the behest of appellee Martha Rivera under section 784.046, Florida Statutes (2020); and (2) an ex parte temporary injunction for protection against stalking entered at the behest of appellee Gabriel Rivera under section 784.0485, Florida Statutes (2020). The temporary injunctions were originally entered against Appellant in January 2020 and subsequently extended several times.

On appeal, Appellant argues that the trial court erred in extending the temporary injunctions where there was no showing of good cause to merit a continuation. See § 784.046(6)(c), Fla. Stat. (2020) (“The court may grant a continuance of the ex parte injunction and the full hearing before or during a hearing, for good cause shown by any party.”); § 784.0485(5)(c), Fla. Stat. (2020) (“The court may grant a continuance of the hearing before or during a hearing for good cause shown by any party, which shall include a continuance to obtain service of process. An injunction shall be extended if necessary to remain in full force and effect during any period of continuance.”). Specifically, he argues that the orders were entered sua sponte, without any allegation or showing of good cause.

We agree and reverse the December 29, 2020 orders extending the injunctions. See Dietz v. Dietz, 127 So. 3d 1279, 1280–81 (Fla. 1st DCA 2013) (trial court erred in sua sponte extending the temporary injunction where neither party asserted good cause for continuing the hearing).

Reversed and remanded.

FOOTNOTES

1.   Appellant briefed these two cases individually but we, sua sponte, consolidate them for purposes of this opinion.

Per Curiam.

Gross, Damoorgian and Klingensmith, JJ., concur.