In Manatee County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court, in Florida's Judicial Circuit 12. 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 Manatee County
- Where to file: Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court
- County seat: Bradenton
- Judicial circuit: Judicial Circuit 12
- Publicly funded services: Central Florida Behavioral Health Network
Manatee County is part of Florida's Twelfth Judicial Circuit, along with Sarasota and DeSoto counties.
Manatee County Government directs Marchman Act filers to the Clerk of Court's Probate office at the end of the hall in the Old Courthouse, 1115 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton.
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 Manatee County
Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.
Lightshare Behavioral Wellness & Recovery - Detox Facility
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisSFL Detox - Addiction Treatment Specialists
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisRSP Detox - Drug & Alcohol Rehab
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisReal Recovery Solutions Detox St. Pete
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxOperation PAR Inc – Therapeutic Community
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 Manatee County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in Sarasota County
- Marchman Act in Pinellas County
- Marchman Act in Hillsborough County
- Marchman Act in Hardee County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in Manatee County?
Marchman Act petitions in Manatee County are filed with Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court in Bradenton. 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.