In Orange County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Orange County Clerk of Courts, in Florida's Judicial Circuit 9. 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 Orange County
- Where to file: Orange County Clerk of Courts (official Marchman Act information)
- County seat: Orlando
- Judicial circuit: Judicial Circuit 9
- Publicly funded services: Central Florida Cares Health System
Orange County is part of Florida's Ninth Judicial Circuit, which it shares with Osceola County.
Paper Marchman Act petitions go to the Orange County Clerk of Courts Probate Division, 425 N. Orange Avenue, Suite 335, Orlando, FL 32801, in person or by mail.
Petitions can also be filed online through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal (myflcourtaccess.com), and the Clerk lists the filing fee as none.
The Clerk's packet contains the Petition for Involuntary Treatment Services, an Ex Parte Order Information Sheet, and a Designation of Email Address for a Party Not Represented by an Attorney; petitions are reviewed during normal court operations.
The Ninth Circuit requires the hearing to be held within 10 court working days of filing, and it may be referred to a general magistrate.
Sources
- Florida Statutes s. 26.021 - Judicial circuits
- Information Cover Sheet for Petition for Involuntary Treatment Services and Emergency Ex Parte Petition - Orange County Clerk of Courts
- Amended Administrative Order Governing Marchman Act Procedures, No. 2024-07-01 - Ninth Judicial Circuit
- Find Local Services by County - Florida DCF
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 Orange County
Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.
Aspire Health Partners – Addiction Receiving Facility
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxOrlando Recovery Center Drug and – Alcohol Rehab
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisLa Amistad Behavioral Health Servs – Adult Residential Treatment Center
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisUniversity Behavioral Center
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisHouse of Freedom Inc
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 Orange County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in Seminole County
- Marchman Act in Osceola County
- Marchman Act in Lake County
- Marchman Act in Volusia County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in Orange County?
Marchman Act petitions in Orange County are filed with Orange County Clerk of Courts in Orlando. 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.