In Hardee County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Hardee County Clerk of Court, in Florida's Tenth 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 Hardee County
- Where to file: Hardee County Clerk of Court (official Marchman Act information)
- County seat: Wauchula
- Judicial circuit: Tenth Judicial Circuit
- Publicly funded services: Central Florida Behavioral Health Network
Hardee County is in the Tenth Judicial Circuit, along with Highlands and Polk counties.
The Hardee Clerk states that no filing fees are required for a Marchman Act petition.
The Clerk posts a fillable Marchman Act petition form as a PDF.
Marchman Act records are confidential; only the petitioner, the respondent and the respondent's attorney can obtain case information.
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 Hardee County
Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.
Banyan Sebring
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisTri County Human Services Inc – Detox Unit
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisWhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab – Tampa
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisPort Charlotte Detox
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxValiant 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 Hardee County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in DeSoto County
- Marchman Act in Highlands County
- Marchman Act in Polk County
- Marchman Act in Sarasota County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in Hardee County?
Marchman Act petitions in Hardee County are filed with Hardee County Clerk of Court in Wauchula. 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.