In St. Johns County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller, in Florida's Judicial Circuit 7. 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 St. Johns County
- Where to file: St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller (official Marchman Act information)
- County seat: St. Augustine
- Judicial circuit: Judicial Circuit 7
- Publicly funded services: Lutheran Services Florida
St. Johns County is part of Florida's Seventh Judicial Circuit, along with Flagler, Putnam and Volusia counties.
Marchman Act (substance abuse impairment) matters are handled by the Clerk's Civil Division at the Richard O. Watson Judicial Center, 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084.
The petition forms are maintained by the Florida Department of Children and Families and posted by the Clerk under the Civil Division court forms; Clerk staff cannot give legal advice or help fill them out.
The person must be located in St. Johns County, and anyone with firsthand knowledge of the person's substance abuse impairment may file.
Sources
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 St. Johns County
Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.
EPIC Recovery Center – EPIC Behavioral Healthcare
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisTides Edge Recovery Services
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisJacksonville Outpatient Detox
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxSerenus Outpatient Detox
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxSoulfull Synergy Detox & Wellness
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 St. Johns County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in Clay County
- Marchman Act in Duval County
- Marchman Act in Putnam County
- Marchman Act in Flagler County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in St. Johns County?
Marchman Act petitions in St. Johns County are filed with St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller in St. Augustine. 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.