In Brevard County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Brevard County Clerk of Court and Comptroller, in Florida's Eighteenth 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 Brevard County
- Where to file: Brevard County Clerk of Court and Comptroller (official Marchman Act information)
- County seat: Titusville
- Judicial circuit: Eighteenth Judicial Circuit
- Publicly funded services: Central Florida Cares Health System
The Brevard clerk lists six offices on its Marchman Act page: Viera (2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way), Titusville (400 South St.), Melbourne (51 Nieman Ave.), the Parkway Complex in Titusville (700 S. Park Ave., Bldg. B), Palm Bay (450 Cogan Dr. SE) and Merritt Island (2575 N. Courtenay Pkwy., Room 129).
After filing, the clerk forwards the petition to the Mental Health/Risk Protection Order Duty Judge, who either sets a hearing within ten court working days (possibly before a general magistrate) or denies it.
The duty judge may enter an ex parte order for involuntary assessment and stabilization when emergency circumstances exist, and the Sheriff may serve papers any day and at any time of day or night.
Brevard County is part of Florida's Eighteenth 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 Brevard County
Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.
Advanced Medical - Center for Pain Relief, Detoxification and Psychiatry
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisMental Detox Counseling Services
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisFACTS Recovery - Drug & Alcohol Detox and Residential Mental Health Treatment Center
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisLive Oak Detox
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxNew Horizons of the Treasure Coast – Detox
Residential / 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 Brevard County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in Osceola County
- Marchman Act in Indian River County
- Marchman Act in Orange County
- Marchman Act in Seminole County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in Brevard County?
Marchman Act petitions in Brevard County are filed with Brevard County Clerk of Court and Comptroller in Titusville. 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.