In Escambia County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Escambia County Clerk of the Court & Comptroller, in Florida's First 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 Escambia County
- Where to file: Escambia County Clerk of the Court & Comptroller (official Marchman Act information)
- County seat: Pensacola
- Judicial circuit: First Judicial Circuit
- Publicly funded services: Northwest Florida Health Network
The office is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday; the page lists Friday hours as 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in one place and 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for petitions in another, so call ahead on Fridays.
The clerk supplies Marchman Act forms, but notes they are general in nature and their legal sufficiency is not guaranteed.
Once a petition is filed, the person named in it is served notice of the hearing by the Sheriff.
Escambia County is part of Florida's First 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 Escambia County
Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.
Gulf Breeze Recovery
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisTwelve Oaks Recovery
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisJourneyPure – Emerald Coast
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisCARE Detox Unit
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxSpring Gardens Recovery
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 Escambia County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in Santa Rosa County
- Marchman Act in Okaloosa County
- Marchman Act in Walton County
- Marchman Act in Washington County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in Escambia County?
Marchman Act petitions in Escambia County are filed with Escambia County Clerk of the Court & Comptroller in Pensacola. 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.