Marchman Act in DeSoto County, Florida

In DeSoto County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with DeSoto County Clerk of the Circuit Court, in Florida's Twelfth 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 DeSoto County

• Where to file: DeSoto County Clerk of the Circuit Court (official Marchman Act information)
• County seat: Arcadia
• Judicial circuit: Twelfth Judicial Circuit
• Publicly funded services: Central Florida Behavioral Health Network

DeSoto County is part of Florida's Twelfth Judicial Circuit.

Marchman Act petitions are filed with the DeSoto County Clerk of Court at 115 East Oak Street, Room 101 (first floor), Arcadia.

The Clerk's mental health office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, closed from noon to 1 PM; petitions filed before 2 PM are normally reviewed by the judge by 4 PM the same day.

The Clerk posts a downloadable Marchman Act packet with the petition for involuntary assessment and stabilization, a law enforcement information sheet, proposed orders, and the follow-up petition for involuntary treatment.

The petition must be sworn before a notary public or deputy clerk with proper identification, and petitioners are told to confirm a bed is available with a service provider before filing.

If the judge signs an ex parte order, the petitioner takes the packet and the completed law enforcement information sheet to the Sheriff's Office, which picks up the person and delivers them to the facility.

Mental health records and proceedings are confidential, and the Clerk will not discuss these cases by phone; information is released only to the respondent, parent or legal guardian appearing in person with ID.

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 DeSoto 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 DeSoto County. This page is general information, not legal advice.

Neighboring counties

• Marchman Act in Charlotte County
• Marchman Act in Hardee County
• Marchman Act in Highlands County
• Marchman Act in Sarasota County