In Hillsborough County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Hillsborough County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, in Florida's Thirteenth 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 Hillsborough County
- Where to file: Hillsborough County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller (official Marchman Act information)
- County seat: Tampa
- Judicial circuit: Thirteenth Judicial Circuit
- Publicly funded services: Central Florida Behavioral Health Network
Hillsborough County makes up the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit on its own.
The Clerk states there are no court fees for filing a Marchman Act petition; treatment costs are the respondent's responsibility, and the respondent must reside in Hillsborough County.
Every case is set for court within 10 business days, and the court reviews an ex parte request within 24 hours; a valid substance abuse assessment completed within the past 30 days may be submitted instead.
Marchman Act Drug Treatment Court is Division Z, Courtroom 32, Hillsborough County Courthouse Annex, Fifth Floor; the division's preferred contact is felonydivz@fljud13.org.
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 Hillsborough County
Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.
Central Florida Behavioral Health – Network Inc
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisRiverside Recovery of Tampa
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisTurning Point of Tampa
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisReal Recovery Solutions Detox St. Pete
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxOperation PAR Inc – Therapeutic Community
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 Hillsborough County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in Pinellas County
- Marchman Act in Pasco County
- Marchman Act in Manatee County
- Marchman Act in Polk County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in Hillsborough County?
Marchman Act petitions in Hillsborough County are filed with Hillsborough County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller in Tampa. 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.