Substance Abuse/Marchman Acts
Clerks of Court accept petitions for Baker Act (Chapter 394, Florida Statutes) and Marchman Act (Chapter 397, Florida Statute) cases to protect individuals and families dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues.
Under the Marchman Act, law enforcement officers can take a person under protective custody to a hospital, home, or licensed care facility for examination.
The Marchman Act provides for voluntary admissions and involuntary assessment, stabilization, and treatment of adults and youth who are severely impaired due to substance abuse.