Marchman Act in Sumter County, Florida

In Sumter County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Sumter County Clerk of Court & Comptroller, in Florida's Judicial Circuit 5. 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 Sumter County

• Where to file: Sumter County Clerk of Court & Comptroller (official Marchman Act information)
• County seat: Bushnell
• Judicial circuit: Judicial Circuit 5
• Publicly funded services: Lutheran Services Florida

Sumter County cases are heard in the Circuit Court of the Fifth Judicial Circuit in and for Sumter County, based in Bushnell.

Under a Fifth Circuit Sumter County order, Marchman Act petitions sent before 3:00 p.m. go to the assigned Sumter judge, and petitions sent after 3:00 p.m. go to the duty judge.

Substance abuse (Marchman Act) and other mental health filings in Sumter County are handled by the Clerk's Probate, Guardianship, and Mental Health Department at the Main Office, 215 E McCollum Ave, Bushnell.

For ex parte substance abuse cases, the Clerk prepares an Ex Parte Order for Involuntary Assessment and Stabilization for the judge's signature, and certified copies go to the Sumter County Sheriff's Office for service and transport to the facility.

The Sumter Clerk states there is no filing fee for any mental health filing except the Petition to Determine Incapacity, so substance abuse petitions carry no filing fee.

Mental health filings, including substance abuse cases, are confidential and not public record.

Under s. 26.021, F.S., the Fifth Judicial Circuit is composed of Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion and Sumter counties.

How the process works

1. File the petition for involuntary treatment services with the clerk. Florida law bars a filing fee.
2. 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.
3. Assessment within 72 hours for adults (longer if detox or medical care is needed).
4. Hearing within 10 court working days. The person has a right to a lawyer.
5. 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 Sumter County

Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.

See the full Marchman Act guide, Marchman Act vs Baker Act and treatment in Sumter County. This page is general information, not legal advice.

Neighboring counties

• Marchman Act in Lake County
• Marchman Act in Citrus County
• Marchman Act in Hernando County
• Marchman Act in Marion County