In Nassau County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Nassau County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, in Florida's Judicial Circuit 4. 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 Nassau County
- Where to file: Nassau County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller (official Marchman Act information)
- County seat: Fernandina Beach
- Judicial circuit: Judicial Circuit 4
- Publicly funded services: Lutheran Services Florida
Nassau County is part of Florida's Fourth Judicial Circuit, along with Clay and Duval counties.
The Nassau Clerk states there are no filing fees for any of its mental health filings, a category that includes substance abuse petitions; the only exception listed is a Petition to Determine Incapacity.
In Nassau, a family member or at least three nonrelatives file the petition, the judge reviews it, and once the judge signs the order and sets a court date, the Nassau County Sheriff's Office serves the respondent.
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 Nassau County
Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.
Stepping Stone Center for Recovery
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisLakeview Health Systems LLC – Womans Program
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisWekiva Springs Center
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisSerenus Outpatient Detox
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxGateway Community Services Inc – Substance Abuse Treatment Programs
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 Nassau County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in Duval County
- Marchman Act in Clay County
- Marchman Act in Baker County
- Marchman Act in St. Johns County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in Nassau County?
Marchman Act petitions in Nassau County are filed with Nassau County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller in Fernandina Beach. 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.