Marchman Act in Pasco County, Florida

In Pasco County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller, in Florida's Judicial Circuit 6. 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 Pasco County

• Where to file: Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller (official Marchman Act information)
• County seat: Dade City
• Judicial circuit: Judicial Circuit 6
• Publicly funded services: Central Florida Behavioral Health Network

Pasco County is part of Florida's Sixth Judicial Circuit, which it shares with Pinellas County.

The Pasco Clerk states there is no fee to file a Marchman Act petition (Petition and Affidavit for Involuntary Treatment Services).

Before filing, petitioners must complete the Clerk's guide 'A Petitioner's Responsibilities Under the Hal Marchman Act'; the petition can be filled in online with Adobe Acrobat and printed, and other required forms are available at the Clerk's office.

Petitions are taken at a Clerk Court Operations location, such as the Robert D. Sumner Judicial Center (38053 Live Oak Ave, Suite 207, Dade City) or the West Pasco Judicial Center (7530 Little Road, Suite 104, New Port Richey).

Clerk office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

A hearing is scheduled within 10 court working days of filing unless a continuance is granted, and the respondent receives a court-appointed attorney for involuntary treatment proceedings.

Printable mental health forms are also available through the Clerk's Legal Resource Center page.

How the process works

1. File the petition for involuntary treatment services with the clerk. Florida law bars a filing fee.
2. 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.
3. Assessment within 72 hours for adults (longer if detox or medical care is needed).
4. Hearing within 10 court working days. The person has a right to a lawyer.
5. 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 Pasco County

Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.

See the full Marchman Act guide, Marchman Act vs Baker Act and treatment in Pasco County. This page is general information, not legal advice.

Neighboring counties

• Marchman Act in Hernando County
• Marchman Act in Hillsborough County
• Marchman Act in Pinellas County
• Marchman Act in Citrus County