In Seminole County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Seminole County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller (Probate Department), in Florida's Judicial Circuit 18. 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 Seminole County
- Where to file: Seminole County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller (Probate Department) (official Marchman Act information)
- County seat: Sanford
- Judicial circuit: Judicial Circuit 18
- Publicly funded services: Central Florida Cares Health System
Marchman Act petitions are filed with the Clerk of the Court Probate Department at the Juvenile Justice Center, 190 Eslinger Way, Sanford, FL 32773.
The petition must be filed with the Clerk in the county where the person is located, and for a minor only a parent, legal guardian, legal custodian or licensed service provider may file.
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 Seminole County
Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.
The Detox Spa llc
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxLa Amistad Behavioral Health Servs – Adult Residential Treatment Center
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisUniversity Behavioral Center
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisHeroes Mile
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisAspire Health Partners – Addiction Receiving Facility
Hospital / 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 Seminole County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in Orange County
- Marchman Act in Lake County
- Marchman Act in Volusia County
- Marchman Act in Osceola County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in Seminole County?
Marchman Act petitions in Seminole County are filed with Seminole County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller (Probate Department) in Sanford. 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.