In Lake County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, in Florida's Fifth 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 Lake County
- Where to file: Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller (official Marchman Act information)
- County seat: Tavares
- Judicial circuit: Fifth Judicial Circuit
- Publicly funded services: Lutheran Services Florida
Lake County is in the Fifth Judicial Circuit, with Citrus, Hernando, Marion and Sumter counties.
Clerk staff present the petition to a judge, who decides whether there is sufficient cause to order the Lake County Sheriff's Office to transport the person to an appropriate facility.
The Lake County Clerk publishes a Marchman Act packet (PDF).
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 Lake County
Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.
Recovery Village
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisSMA Healthcare – Outpatient Ocala/Beacon Point
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisThe Detox Spa llc
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxLa Amistad Behavioral Health Servs – Adult Residential Treatment Center
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisOrlando Recovery Center Drug and – Alcohol Rehab
Hospital / 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 Lake County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in Sumter County
- Marchman Act in Seminole County
- Marchman Act in Orange County
- Marchman Act in Marion County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in Lake County?
Marchman Act petitions in Lake County are filed with Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller in Tavares. 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.