In St. Lucie County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with St. Lucie County Clerk, in Florida's Nineteenth 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 St. Lucie County
- Where to file: St. Lucie County Clerk (official Marchman Act information)
- County seat: Fort Pierce
- Judicial circuit: Nineteenth Judicial Circuit
- Publicly funded services: Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network
The Indian River County Clerk, in the same Nineteenth Judicial Circuit as St. Lucie, posts a 19th Circuit Marchman Act petition that includes an Exigent Circumstances section explaining why the court should issue an ex parte order for assessment and stabilization; whether St. Lucie uses the same form was not confirmed.
The Nineteenth Judicial Circuit, covering Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties, assigns St. Lucie County Baker Act and Marchman Act cases to a substance abuse and mental health court docket split between two circuit judges.
The St. Lucie County Clerk handles Marchman Act and Baker Act filings through its Mental Health department, which maintains a Mental Health page and Mental Health FAQs on the Clerk's website.
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. Lucie County
Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.
Amethyst Recover Center LLC
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisAgape Detox Center Florida Alcohol & Drug Rehab
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxPort Saint Lucie Hospital
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisNew Horizons of the Treasure Coast – Detox
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisBanyan Stuart
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 St. Lucie County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in Martin County
- Marchman Act in Indian River County
- Marchman Act in Okeechobee County
- Marchman Act in Palm Beach County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in St. Lucie County?
Marchman Act petitions in St. Lucie County are filed with St. Lucie County Clerk in Fort Pierce. 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.