In Marion County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller, in Florida's Judicial Circuit 5. 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 Marion County
- Where to file: Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller (official Marchman Act information)
- County seat: Ocala
- Judicial circuit: Judicial Circuit 5
- Publicly funded services: Lutheran Services Florida
Marion County is part of Florida's Fifth Judicial Circuit, along with Citrus, Hernando, Lake and Sumter counties.
The Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller accepts Marchman Act petitions through its Civil Courts mental health section at the courthouse, 110 NW 1st Ave., Ocala, FL 34475 (mailing address PO Box 1030, Ocala, FL 34478).
The Clerk notes that under the Marchman Act, law enforcement officers can take a person into protective custody for examination.
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 Marion 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 diagnosisRecovery Village
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisSt Johns Recovery Place
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisHeroes Mile
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisSpring Gardens Recovery
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 Marion County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in Sumter County
- Marchman Act in Citrus County
- Marchman Act in Alachua County
- Marchman Act in Putnam County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in Marion County?
Marchman Act petitions in Marion County are filed with Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller in Ocala. 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.