In Liberty County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Liberty County Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller, in Florida's Judicial Circuit 2. 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 Liberty County
- Where to file: Liberty County Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller (official Marchman Act information)
- County seat: Bristol
- Judicial circuit: Judicial Circuit 2
- Publicly funded services: Northwest Florida Health Network
Liberty County is part of Florida's Second Judicial Circuit, along with Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon and Wakulla counties.
The Clerk's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern.
The Clerk links to an informational Marchman Act brochure rather than a petition form, so petitioners should ask the Mental Health Department for the forms.
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 Liberty County
Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.
CARE Detox Unit
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxJourneyPure – Emerald Coast
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisTwelve Oaks Recovery
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisGulf Breeze Recovery
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisSMA Healthcare – Outpatient Ocala/Beacon Point
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 Liberty County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in Calhoun County
- Marchman Act in Gadsden County
- Marchman Act in Wakulla County
- Marchman Act in Franklin County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in Liberty County?
Marchman Act petitions in Liberty County are filed with Liberty County Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller in Bristol. 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.