{"id":220,"date":"2026-09-18T04:54:35","date_gmt":"2026-09-18T04:54:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/can-you-force-someone-into-rehab-in-florida\/"},"modified":"2026-10-21T21:34:53","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T21:34:53","slug":"can-you-force-someone-into-rehab-in-florida","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/can-you-force-someone-into-rehab-in-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"Force Someone Into Rehab in Florida: Marchman Act Process"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Marchman Act & Involuntary Commitment<\/p>

Pursuing Involuntary Commitment for Addiction in Florida<\/h1>

When a loved one refuses treatment, the Marchman Act provides a legal pathway. Robinson & Casey guides families through the petition process.<\/p>

Schedule a consultation: (561) 849-4700<\/a><\/div>
Schedule a consultation: (561) 849-4700<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

By Richard J. Casey III, Esq. \u00b7 Published September 18, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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Marchman Act Attorney: Force Someone Into Rehab in Florida<\/h2>\n

Yes, you can force someone into rehab in Florida through a legal court process. Florida’s Marchman Act<\/a> (Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.675) allows family members, guardians, physicians, and other qualified persons to petition a court for involuntary treatment of substance abuse. This is not kidnapping\u2014it is a civil court order based on evidence that the person has a substance abuse disorder, refuses voluntary treatment, and faces serious harm without intervention.<\/p>\n\n

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Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3>

Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p>

Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div>
Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

What Is the Marchman Act?<\/h2>\n

The Marchman Act is Florida’s civil statute for involuntary commitment involving alcohol and drug abuse. It recognizes that severe addiction can impair judgment and that court-ordered intervention may save a life. The law applies statewide and covers both residential and outpatient treatment.<\/p>\n

Florida Statutes Chapter 397, Part IV<\/a> allows a court to order someone into treatment without their consent when voluntary treatment has failed or been refused. A court-ordered commitment is medical intervention\u2014not punishment. The person does not have to agree, sign consent forms, or want help. The court determines whether legal criteria are met and orders treatment in the person’s best interest.<\/p>\n

Who Can File a Marchman Act Petition?<\/h2>\n

Several categories of people can file:<\/p>\n