In Sarasota County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller (Sarasota Clerk and Comptroller), in Florida's Judicial Circuit 12. 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 Sarasota County
- Where to file: Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller (Sarasota Clerk and Comptroller) (official Marchman Act information)
- County seat: Sarasota
- Judicial circuit: Judicial Circuit 12
- Publicly funded services: Central Florida Behavioral Health Network
Marchman Act petitions in Sarasota County are filed at the Clerk's office locations in Sarasota or Venice.
The Sarasota Clerk states there is no cost to file a Marchman Act petition.
The form used to start the process is the Petition and Affidavit Seeking Ex-Parte Order Requiring Involuntary Assessment and Stabilization; it can be filed for an adult by a spouse or guardian, any relative, a licensed service provider, or an adult with direct personal knowledge of the person's substance abuse impairment.
The Clerk notes that an ex parte Marchman proceeding is not appropriate when the person is already in law enforcement custody.
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 Sarasota County
Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.
Lightshare Behavioral Wellness & Recovery - Detox Facility
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisSFL Detox - Addiction Treatment Specialists
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisRSP Detox - Drug & Alcohol Rehab
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisReal Recovery Solutions Detox St. Pete
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxPort Charlotte Detox
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxA 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 Sarasota County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in Manatee County
- Marchman Act in Charlotte County
- Marchman Act in DeSoto County
- Marchman Act in Hardee County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in Sarasota County?
Marchman Act petitions in Sarasota County are filed with Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller (Sarasota Clerk and Comptroller) in Sarasota. 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.