In Polk County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Polk County Clerk of Courts, in Florida's Tenth Judicial Circuit. 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 Polk County
- Where to file: Polk County Clerk of Courts
- County seat: Bartow
- Judicial circuit: Tenth Judicial Circuit
- Publicly funded services: Central Florida Behavioral Health Network
Polk County is in Florida's Tenth Judicial Circuit, which also serves Hardee and Highlands counties.
The Polk County Clerk's main courthouse is the Bartow Courthouse at 255 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow, which also houses the Clerk's Do-It-Yourself filing center.
The Tenth Judicial Circuit runs a dedicated virtual courtroom for Polk County Marchman Act hearings, so parties can join by Microsoft Teams video or an audio-only dial-in.
The Clerk's site points filers to the statewide Florida Courts E-Filing Portal for electronic court filings; it does not post a Marchman Act-specific page or packet.
The Tenth Circuit's Polk County self-help program staff assist Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM, but cannot give legal advice.
Sources
- Florida DCF Managing Entities Contact List
- Tenth Judicial Circuit Administrative Order (Hardee, Highlands and Polk Counties) - Guardianship
- Do-It-Yourself Court Filings - Polk County Clerk, FL
- Polk Marchman Act Virtual Courtroom Links - Tenth Judicial Circuit
- Self Help (Pro Se) Services - Tenth Judicial Circuit
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 Polk County
Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.
WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab – Tampa
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisTri County Human Services Inc – Detox Unit
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisCentral Florida Behavioral Health – Network Inc
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisRiverside Recovery of Tampa
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisPark Place Behavioral Healthcare – Osceola Mental Health 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 Polk County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in Osceola County
- Marchman Act in Hardee County
- Marchman Act in Hillsborough County
- Marchman Act in Orange County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in Polk County?
Marchman Act petitions in Polk County are filed with Polk County Clerk of Courts in Bartow. 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.