Mental Health

The Mental Health area of the Probate Department maintains the records for involuntary procedures, which include:

• Mental illness
• Developmentally disabled
• Tuberculosis
• Adult protective services
• Substance abuse
• Adjudication of incapacitated persons
• Restoration of capacity for persons having previously been declared incapacitated
• Pre-need guardians

Baker Act and Marchman Act

A Baker Act (Chapter 394, Florida Statutes) is a means of providing individuals with emergency services and temporary detention for mental health examination and treatment when required.

A Marchman Act (Chapter 397, Florida Statutes) is a means of providing individuals with services at a facility for substance abuse when required.

Proceeding Information

As in other probate proceedings, a hearing may be necessary when mental-health cases are presented to the Court for consideration of all orders.

Case Confidentiality

The majority of files maintained in the mental health-area are confidential and exempt from public access.