In Levy County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Levy County Clerk of Court, in Florida's Judicial Circuit 8. 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 Levy County
- Where to file: Levy County Clerk of Court (official Marchman Act information)
- County seat: Bronson
- Judicial circuit: Judicial Circuit 8
- Publicly funded services: Lutheran Services Florida
Levy County is part of Florida's Eighth Judicial Circuit, along with Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist and Union counties.
The Levy County Clerk's Online Forms page offers a Marchman Act form (substance abuse) alongside a Baker Act petition, and points to the Eighth Circuit's website, circuit8.org, for additional forms.
The Levy County Clerk's Office is at the courthouse at 355 South Court Street, Bronson, open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
As part of the Eighth Judicial Circuit, Levy County follows the circuit's Marchman Act procedure: petitions are filed at the Clerk of Court's office during business hours, and the circuit states there is no filing fee.
Under the Eighth Circuit procedure, if the court finds the criteria are met it can issue an order without a hearing directing the Sheriff to transport the person for assessment.
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 Levy County
Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.
SMA Healthcare – Outpatient Ocala/Beacon Point
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisSpring Gardens Recovery
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisRecovery Village
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisInsight BH and Addiction Solutions – DBA Clean Recovery Centers
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisSt Johns Recovery Place
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 Levy County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in Gilchrist County
- Marchman Act in Dixie County
- Marchman Act in Citrus County
- Marchman Act in Alachua County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in Levy County?
Marchman Act petitions in Levy County are filed with Levy County Clerk of Court in Bronson. 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.