{"id":6419,"date":"2026-10-15T04:25:48","date_gmt":"2026-10-15T04:25:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/involuntary-commitment-addiction-free-consultation\/"},"modified":"2026-10-21T14:31:56","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T14:31:56","slug":"involuntary-commitment-addiction-free-consultation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/involuntary-commitment-addiction-free-consultation\/","title":{"rendered":"Involuntary Commitment for Addiction in Florida"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
<\/span>\"Judge
\n

Marchman Act Petitions | Florida<\/p>

Court-Ordered Treatment for Addiction Under the Marchman Act<\/h1>

Robinson Casey focuses exclusively on Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters. Schedule a free, confidential first consultation, with no obligation to continue.<\/p>

Schedule a Free Consultation<\/a><\/div>
Schedule a Free Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

By Richard J. Casey III, Esq. \u00b7 Published October 15, 2026<\/p>\n\n

\n\n\n

Involuntary commitment for addiction in Florida is a court process under the Marchman Act. A family member or other eligible person may be able to ask a judge to order assessment and, if the statute’s criteria are met, involuntary treatment. The court makes that decision. This page explains the process and the free, confidential first consultation that Robinson Casey offers. Richard J. Casey III, Esq. is the responsible lawyer for this page. The firm limits its practice to Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters.<\/p>\n

What Involuntary Commitment for Addiction Means in Florida<\/h2>\n

Involuntary commitment for addiction is a court-ordered process for adults with substance use problems. It differs from voluntary admission, where the person chooses to enter treatment.<\/p>\n

The Marchman Act covers substance abuse, including illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and alcohol (Flagler County Clerk’s mental health page<\/a>). The Baker Act covers mental health, and it is a separate law. The Florida Courts Baker Act guide<\/a> explains how that law works.<\/p>\n

This page is for adult family members, spouses, adult children, and other loved ones. You may be acting for someone else, under stress, and not yet sure you want to hire a lawyer. That is a reasonable place to start.<\/p>\n\n

\"Gavel<\/figure>\n\n
\n

If your situation falls outside that work, or may be better handled by another lawyer or firm, we will tell you. 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

Criteria for Involuntary Admission Under Florida Law<\/h2>\n

The court decides involuntary admission under the criteria in \u00a7 397.675<\/a>. Those criteria center on impairment, loss of self-control, and harm or inability to decide about care.<\/p>\n

The statute says a person meets the criteria if there is a good faith reason to believe the person is substance abuse impaired, or has a substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental health disorder. Because of that, the person must:<\/p>\n