In Okaloosa County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Okaloosa County Clerk of Court, in Florida's Judicial Circuit 1. 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 Okaloosa County
- Where to file: Okaloosa County Clerk of Court (official Marchman Act information)
- County seat: Crestview
- Judicial circuit: Judicial Circuit 1
- Publicly funded services: Northwest Florida Health Network
Okaloosa County is part of Florida's First Judicial Circuit, along with Escambia, Santa Rosa and Walton counties.
The Clerk's Marchman Act packet includes the Petition and Affidavit Seeking Involuntary Substance Abuse Assessment and Stabilization (CF-MH 3002), an e-mail designation form, an Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office service information form, and an acknowledgment form.
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 Okaloosa County
Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.
Twelve Oaks Recovery
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisGulf Breeze Recovery
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisJourneyPure – Emerald Coast
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisCARE Detox Unit
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxSpring 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 Okaloosa County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in Walton County
- Marchman Act in Santa Rosa County
- Marchman Act in Escambia County
- Marchman Act in Washington County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in Okaloosa County?
Marchman Act petitions in Okaloosa County are filed with Okaloosa County Clerk of Court in Crestview. 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.