Marchman Act in Alachua County, Florida

In Alachua County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Alachua County Clerk's Office, in Florida's Eighth Judicial Circuit. The petition asks a judge to order assessment, stabilization and, if needed, treatment for someone who has lost control of their substance use.

Filing in Alachua County

• Where to file: Alachua County Clerk's Office (official Marchman Act information)
• County seat: Gainesville
• Judicial circuit: Eighth Judicial Circuit
• Publicly funded services: Lutheran Services Florida

In the Eighth Judicial Circuit (which includes Alachua County), Marchman Act petitions are filed at the Clerk of Court's office Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, and the circuit states there is no filing fee.

The Eighth Circuit provides a 'Petition and Affidavit Seeking Involuntary Substance Abuse Assessment and Stabilization' form; it must be sworn before a notary.

If the court finds the criteria are met, it can issue an order without a hearing and direct the Sheriff to transport the person; the provider must assess them within 72 hours, and assessment and stabilization may not exceed 5 days.

Circuit mental health staff (mentalhealth@circuit8.org) can explain procedures and help contact facilities but cannot give legal advice.

The Alachua County clerk's website hosts the Eighth Circuit's emergency Marchman Act petition form, which can be sworn before a notary or a deputy clerk and requires an email address for service of court orders.

After the assessment, the petitioner must file a further petition within 14 days if they want the court to take further action.

The Eighth Circuit's Alachua County self-help center is in Room 413 on the fourth floor of the Family and Civil Justice Center, with appointments for procedural questions.

Alachua County is part of Florida's Eighth Judicial Circuit.

The Eighth Circuit lists the Alachua County Clerk's Office at the Alachua County Courthouse, 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, open Monday through Friday, 8:15 AM to 5 PM.

How the process works

1. File the petition for involuntary treatment services with the clerk. Florida law bars a filing fee.
2. The judge reviews it. In an emergency the court can issue an ex parte order for law enforcement to take the person to a licensed provider.
3. Assessment within 72 hours for adults (longer if detox or medical care is needed).
4. Hearing within 10 court working days. The person has a right to a lawyer.
5. Treatment order of up to 90 days if the petition is granted, renewable for up to 90 more, with discharge planning at the end.

Details: how to file a Marchman Act · requirements · how long it lasts

Detox and treatment near Alachua County

Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.

See the full Marchman Act guide, Marchman Act vs Baker Act and treatment in Alachua County. This page is general information, not legal advice.

Neighboring counties

• Marchman Act in Bradford County
• Marchman Act in Union County
• Marchman Act in Gilchrist County
• Marchman Act in Levy County