{"id":2774,"date":"2026-10-01T01:01:47","date_gmt":"2026-10-01T01:01:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/what-is-the-33-day-rule-in-florida\/"},"modified":"2026-10-21T20:35:23","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T20:35:23","slug":"what-is-the-33-day-rule-in-florida","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/what-is-the-33-day-rule-in-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"33-Day Rule in Florida Marchman Act: What It Means"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Marchman Act Timeline<\/p>

The 33-Day Rule in Florida Marchman Act Petitions<\/h1>

Understanding the critical deadline that governs temporary relief orders and what happens when the clock runs out.<\/p>

Call (561) 849-4700 to discuss your situation<\/a><\/div>
Call (561) 849-4700 to discuss your situation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

By Richard J. Casey III, Esq. \u00b7 Published October 01, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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The 33-Day Rule in Florida’s Marchman Act: What Families Need to Know<\/h2>\n

The 33-day rule sets the maximum holding period for involuntary evaluation under Florida’s Marchman Act. This timeframe, established in Florida Statute \u00a7 397.675(1)<\/a>, follows a temporary relief hearing. It protects individuals’ rights while allowing time for assessment<\/a> and stabilization.<\/p>\n

Understanding the 33-day rule is critical for families considering involuntary commitment for addiction. This guide explains how the rule works, what happens during those 33 days, and what comes next.<\/p>\n\n

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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

How the 33-Day Rule Works Under the Marchman Act<\/h2>\n

The 33-day rule comes directly from Florida’s civil commitment law for substance use disorders. Florida Statute \u00a7 397.675(1)<\/a> establishes this as the maximum duration for a temporary relief order.<\/p>\n

A temporary relief order is the initial court-ordered hold issued after a judge finds grounds at a temporary relief hearing. This is not criminal detention. The Marchman Act is civil law designed to protect people struggling with addiction. Family members, healthcare providers, and other authorized petitioners can seek court-ordered evaluation and treatment.<\/p>\n

The 33-day period serves a specific purpose: it gives medical and psychiatric professionals time to assess the person’s condition, begin stabilization, and develop a treatment plan. The person’s rights remain protected throughout.<\/p>\n

The rule applies only to people subject to a temporary relief order issued after a temporary relief hearing. Not every addiction case involves a 33-day hold. It depends on whether a court orders involuntary commitment.<\/p>\n

When the 33-Day Period Begins and Ends<\/h2>\n

The 33-day clock starts when the court enters the temporary relief order. This is the specific date the judge signs the order\u2014not when the person arrives at a treatment facility or gets admitted.<\/p>\n

From that date, the person can be held involuntarily for exactly 33 days. Calendar days count. Weekends and holidays are included. On day 33, one of three things must happen:<\/p>\n