In Franklin County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Franklin County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, in Florida's Second 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 Franklin County
- Where to file: Franklin County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller (official Marchman Act information)
- County seat: Apalachicola
- Judicial circuit: Second Judicial Circuit
- Publicly funded services: Northwest Florida Health Network
Franklin County is in the Second Judicial Circuit, with Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson, Wakulla and Liberty counties.
The Clerk's mental health page lists the courthouse office (33 Market Street, Suite 203, Apalachicola) and the Carrabelle Annex (912 N.W. Avenue A), with hours Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
The Clerk describes the Marchman Act as the process for involuntary evaluation of a person whose judgment may be impaired by substance abuse, and notes that mental health records are confidential.
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 Franklin County
Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.
CARE Detox Unit
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxJourneyPure – Emerald Coast
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisTwelve Oaks Recovery
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisGulf Breeze Recovery
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisSpring 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 Franklin County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in Gulf County
- Marchman Act in Liberty County
- Marchman Act in Wakulla County
- Marchman Act in Calhoun County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in Franklin County?
Marchman Act petitions in Franklin County are filed with Franklin County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller in Apalachicola. 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.