In Okeechobee County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Okeechobee County Clerk of Court, in Florida's Judicial Circuit 19. 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 Okeechobee County
- Where to file: Okeechobee County Clerk of Court (official Marchman Act information)
- County seat: Okeechobee
- Judicial circuit: Judicial Circuit 19
- Publicly funded services: Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network
Okeechobee County is part of Florida's Nineteenth Judicial Circuit, along with Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie counties.
The current s. 26.021, F.S., confirms the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit is composed of Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties.
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 Okeechobee County
Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.
Amethyst Recover Center LLC
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisAgape Detox Center Florida Alcohol & Drug Rehab
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxNew Horizons of the Treasure Coast – Detox
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisLive Oak Detox
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxPort Saint Lucie Hospital
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 Okeechobee County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in St. Lucie County
- Marchman Act in Highlands County
- Marchman Act in Glades County
- Marchman Act in Indian River County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in Okeechobee County?
Marchman Act petitions in Okeechobee County are filed with Okeechobee County Clerk of Court in Okeechobee. 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.