Marchman Act Florida | Complete Guide for Families (Forms, Steps, Counties)

The Florida Marchman Act: A Guide for Familiesfloridarehab.net

The Marchman Act is Florida's law for involuntary assessment and treatment of someone whose drug or alcohol use is out of control. Family members can petition the court in the county where the person is located, the clerk can't charge a filing fee, a hearing is set within 10 court working days, and a judge can order up to 90 days of treatment.

Watching someone you love spiral while they refuse help is one of the hardest things a family goes through. Florida is one of the few states that gives families a direct legal path to court-ordered addiction treatment. This guide walks through how it works, step by step, with filing details for all 67 counties.

The basics

What it is: what the Marchman Act is and when it applies
Who qualifies: the legal criteria
How to file: a step-by-step filing guide
What happens next: the order, assessment and hearing
How long it lasts: every time limit in one table
Faster routes: protective custody and emergency admission
Baker Act: how the two laws differ

Who can file

For an adult: a spouse or legal guardian, any relative, a service provider, or an adult with direct personal knowledge of the person's substance abuse impairment and treatment history. For a minor: a parent, legal guardian or service provider.

Not sure what to do next?

Talk with a treatment specialist about options, openings and insurance. Free and confidential, 24/7.

Call (866) 649-0814

Before you file

Many people agree to go once a bed is ready and the details are handled, and voluntary admission is usually faster. If you file, confirm that a licensed detox or treatment provider has space, and decide whether you'll use private insurance or a publicly funded provider. A treatment specialist can help with both.

Filing in your county

Petitions go to the clerk of court where the person is located. We've gathered the clerk's office, filing location and local notes for all 67 Florida counties.

This guide is general information about Florida law, not legal advice. Laws and local procedures change; check with your county clerk or an attorney before filing.

Marchman Act guides

Filing details for all 67 counties →

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The Florida Marchman Act: A Guide for Families