In Bradford County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Bradford County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, 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 Bradford County
- Where to file: Bradford County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller (official Marchman Act information)
- County seat: Starke
- Judicial circuit: Eighth Judicial Circuit
- Publicly funded services: Lutheran Services Florida
In the Eighth Judicial Circuit (which includes Bradford 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.
Bradford County is part of Florida's Eighth Judicial Circuit.
Sources
How the process works
- File the petition for involuntary treatment services with the clerk. Florida law bars a filing fee.
- 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.
- Assessment within 72 hours for adults (longer if detox or medical care is needed).
- Hearing within 10 court working days. The person has a right to a lawyer.
- 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 Bradford County
Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.
Gateway Community Services Inc – Substance Abuse Treatment Programs
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisJacksonville Outpatient Detox
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxWekiva Springs Center
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisLakeview Health Systems LLC – Womans Program
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisStepping Stone Center for Recovery
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisA specialist can help you decide between voluntary treatment and a Marchman Act petition. Free and confidential, 24/7.
Call (866) 649-0814See the full Marchman Act guide, Marchman Act vs Baker Act and treatment in Bradford County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in Union County
- Marchman Act in Baker County
- Marchman Act in Clay County
- Marchman Act in Alachua County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in Bradford County?
Marchman Act petitions in Bradford County are filed with Bradford County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller in Starke. Check the clerk's official page for current forms and hours.
Who can file a Marchman Act petition?
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 prior treatment history can file. For a minor, only a parent, legal guardian or service provider can file.
Does the person get a lawyer?
Yes. The person named in the petition has a right to a lawyer at every stage, and the court can appoint one through the office of criminal conflict and civil regional counsel. The person who files does not get a court-appointed lawyer.