In Holmes County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Holmes County Clerk of Court and Comptroller, in Florida's Fourteenth 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 Holmes County
- Where to file: Holmes County Clerk of Court and Comptroller (official Marchman Act information)
- County seat: Bonifay
- Judicial circuit: Fourteenth Judicial Circuit
- Publicly funded services: Northwest Florida Health Network
Holmes County is in the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit, with Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Jackson and Washington counties.
The Holmes Clerk's Probate Department handles Baker Act and Marchman Act (alcohol or drugs) inquiries and keeps the records of Marchman Act substance abuse cases.
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 Holmes County
Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.
JourneyPure – Emerald Coast
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisCARE Detox Unit
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxTwelve Oaks Recovery
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisGulf Breeze Recovery
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisGateway Community Services Inc – Substance Abuse Treatment Programs
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 Holmes County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in Washington County
- Marchman Act in Jackson County
- Marchman Act in Walton County
- Marchman Act in Calhoun County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in Holmes County?
Marchman Act petitions in Holmes County are filed with Holmes County Clerk of Court and Comptroller in Bonifay. 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.