FLORIDA-SPECIFIC
Fla. Stat. ch. 397
Florida's Marchman Act covers substance-abuse assessment, stabilization, and treatment, including involuntary procedures. Plain-language summary only — verify against the official statute before acting.
Intervention checklist — plain language The person appears to have lost the power of self-control with respect to substance use, and Has inflicted, or threatened or attempted to inflict, physical harm on themselves or another, or is likely to do so if services are not provided, or Is in need of substance-abuse services and, because of substance abuse, judgment is so impaired they cannot appreciate the need for services or make a rational decision about them. Consider voluntary services first where the person is willing and able to accept them. Field steps Protective custody and transport only as Florida law and agency policy authorize; use the least coercive option that safety allows. Court-ordered involuntary assessment/treatment follows a petition process — that is separate from an officer's emergency field action. Document observations supporting each point in the official report system — not in this app. Reset