In Duval County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Duval County Clerk of Courts, in Florida's Fourth 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 Duval County
- Where to file: Duval County Clerk of Courts (official Marchman Act information)
- County seat: Jacksonville
- Judicial circuit: Fourth Judicial Circuit
- Publicly funded services: Lutheran Services Florida
Petitions are accepted Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM; the office stays open until 5 PM but stops taking new petitions at 4 PM.
Petitions can also be e-filed through the statewide portal at myflcourtaccess.com; in-person filers should bring a valid photo ID and identifying details for the person, including date of birth.
Petitioners can ask for the person to be taken to Gateway (555 Stockton Street, Jacksonville) for detox, or ask for a hearing before a magistrate with the Sheriff's Office serving a summons; an approved pickup order is enforceable for 7 days unless it says otherwise.
Duval County is part of Florida's Fourth 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 Duval County
Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.
Wekiva Springs Center
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisLakeview Health Systems LLC – Womans Program
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisGateway Community Services Inc – Substance Abuse Treatment Programs
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisStepping Stone Center for Recovery
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisJacksonville Outpatient 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 Duval County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in Nassau County
- Marchman Act in Clay County
- Marchman Act in St. Johns County
- Marchman Act in Baker County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in Duval County?
Marchman Act petitions in Duval County are filed with Duval County Clerk of Courts in Jacksonville. 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.