| Stage | Time limit |
|---|---|
| Protective custody or emergency admission | Assessment by the attending physician within 72 hours (5 days in a nonresidential program after emergency admission) |
| Ex parte (emergency) court order | Observation up to 72 hours, longer for detox or medical needs; order valid up to 90 days if the person can't be found |
| Assessment after court-ordered pickup | Within 72 hours for adults; must begin within 12 hours for minors |
| Hearing | Scheduled within 10 court working days of filing, unless continued |
| Treatment order | Up to 90 days |
| Extension | Up to 90 more days; hearing scheduled within 10 court working days and held within 15 days of filing |
Talk with a treatment specialist about options, openings and insurance. Free and confidential, 24/7.
Call (866) 649-0814Is 90 days enough?
Ninety days lines up with what many clinicians recommend for total time in treatment. A court order can cover detox, residential care and outpatient care, and the discharge plan is meant to connect the person to continuing support. Many people continue voluntarily once they are stable. See 90-day rehab in Florida and long-term rehab.
Each county handles filing a little differently. Find your county's clerk, filing location and nearby detox programs on our Marchman Act by county page.
This guide is general information about Florida law, not legal advice. Laws and local procedures change; check with your county clerk or an attorney before filing.
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Find county filing details: Marchman Act by county.
Related reading
- What Is the Marchman Act? Florida's Involuntary Addiction Treatment Law
- How to File a Marchman Act in Florida: Step by Step
- Marchman Act Requirements: Who Qualifies in Florida
- Marchman Act vs Baker Act: What's the Difference?
- What Happens After a Marchman Act Petition Is Filed
- What Is the Baker Act? Florida's Mental Health Hold Explained
Sources
- Florida Statutes s. 397.6773: Dispositional alternatives after protective custody
- Florida Statutes s. 397.6797: Dispositional alternatives after emergency admission
- Florida Statutes s. 397.6818: Court determination
- Florida Statutes s. 397.6957: Hearing on petition for involuntary treatment services
- Florida Statutes s. 397.68151: Duties of court upon filing
- Florida Statutes s. 397.697: Court determination; effect of court order
- Florida Statutes s. 397.6975: Extension of involuntary treatment services period