In Broward County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Broward County Clerk of Courts, in Florida's Seventeenth 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 Broward County
- Where to file: Broward County Clerk of Courts (official Marchman Act information)
- County seat: Fort Lauderdale
- Judicial circuit: Seventeenth Judicial Circuit
- Publicly funded services: Broward Behavioral Health Coalition
Petitions must be completed in person at the clerk's office, and the Broward clerk states there are no fees or court costs for Marchman Act petitions.
The Mental Health office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., closed on courthouse holidays.
Broward County is part of Florida's Seventeenth 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 Broward County
Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.
Sunrise Detox III
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisMap to Health – DBA Recovery Unplugged
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisHoly Cross Health Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxBroward Addiction Recovery Center – (BARC)/Detox and Outpatient
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxBoca Recovery Center Florida - Drug Rehab & Detox
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxA 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 Broward County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in Miami-Dade County
- Marchman Act in Palm Beach County
- Marchman Act in Martin County
- Marchman Act in Hendry County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in Broward County?
Marchman Act petitions in Broward County are filed with Broward County Clerk of Courts in Fort Lauderdale. 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.