If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 now.
Florida families in crisis constantly mix these two up, and using the wrong one wastes time you may not have. Here is the clean distinction, and how to know which applies.
The One-Line Version
The Baker Act is for a mental-health crisis. The Marchman Act is for substance use. Baker is fast and short and usually started by professionals or law enforcement; Marchman is a family-initiated court process that runs longer. If you remember nothing else, remember that.
| Baker Act | Marchman Act | |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | Ch. 394, Fla. Stat. (Florida Mental Health Act) | Ch. 397, Fla. Stat. (Hal S. Marchman Alcohol and Other Drug Services Act) |
| Covers | Mental illness | Substance use |
| Who starts it | Law enforcement, a physician or other qualified professional, or a court | Spouse or guardian, any relative, a treatment service provider, or an adult with direct personal knowledge, by court petition |
| Typical duration | Involuntary examination of up to 72 hours (for a minor, the examination must begin within 12 hours of arrival) | Assessment within 72 hours of arriving at a facility (longer in some cases); treatment order up to 90 days, renewable |
| Speed | Immediate — can be initiated on the spot | Court filing, then hearing |
The Baker Act (Chapter 394)
The Baker Act — the Florida Mental Health Act, Chapter 394 of the Florida Statutes — allows an involuntary examination when there is reason to believe a person has a mental illness and, because of it, has refused a voluntary examination or cannot decide whether one is needed, and, without care or treatment, is likely to suffer neglect that poses a real and present threat of substantial harm, or is likely to cause serious bodily harm to themselves or others in the near future. The examination period is up to 72 hours from arrival at a receiving facility; for a minor, the examination must begin within 12 hours of arrival. It can be initiated by law enforcement, a physician or other qualified professional, or by court order. It is a crisis-stabilization tool: fast in, short duration, focused on evaluation.
The Marchman Act (Chapter 397)
The Marchman Act — the Hal S. Marchman Alcohol and Other Drug Services Act, Chapter 397 — is for substance use. Families themselves can petition the court. One petition covers the process: a qualified professional must assess the person within 72 hours of arriving at a licensed facility (longer if the person needs detox or medical care, or the court allows more time), and, if the court orders it after a hearing, involuntary treatment can last up to 90 days and be renewed. Our step-by-step Marchman Act guide walks the whole process.
Key Takeaway
Baker Act: mental-health crisis, professional or law-enforcement initiated, up to 72 hours. Marchman Act: substance use, family-petitioned, days to months.
Which Do You Need?
Ask what's most acute right now. If the immediate danger is a mental-health emergency — suicidal statements, a psychiatric break, an inability to stay safe — the Baker Act is the faster tool, and in an emergency law enforcement can initiate it on the spot. If the core problem is substance use and the danger flows from that, the Marchman Act is the fit.
The two are not mutually exclusive: many people have both a mental-health crisis and a substance problem, and the acts can be used together, with which comes first depending on what's most urgent in the moment.
When in Doubt
In an active emergency, call 911 — you do not need to diagnose which statute applies before you get help, and law enforcement can act under the Baker Act if the criteria are met. When the situation is serious but not a split-second emergency, the Marchman Act's family petition is the path for substance use; the Marchman Act guide covers how to file. For the full range of options, see the pillar, How to Get Someone Into Rehab Who Doesn't Want to Go.
Finding a Facility
Rehab Connect is a directory, not a referral service — we don't recommend specific programs. You can browse licensed facilities in Florida and contact them directly to ask about admissions, levels of care, and what they accept for payment.
Related Reading
How to Get Someone Into Rehab Who Doesn't Want to Go The Marchman Act, Step by Step Casey's Law (Kentucky & Ohio) Section 35 (Massachusetts) Florida Drug Rehab GuideFrequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference?
Baker Act = mental-health crisis, up to 72-hour exam, professional/law-enforcement-initiated. Marchman Act = substance use, family-petitioned court process measured in days to months.
Can both be used at once?
Yes. When someone has both a mental-health crisis and a substance problem, the two can be used together depending on what's most acute.
Which is faster?
The Baker Act — it's a short involuntary examination and can be initiated on the spot in an emergency.
Crisis and Support Resources
- Immediate danger, medical emergency, or suspected overdose — call 911.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988 (free, confidential, 24/7).
- SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (free, confidential treatment referral and information, 24/7, English & Spanish).
- Find licensed treatment — FindTreatment.gov, SAMHSA's free, ad-free treatment locator.
This page is drawn from SAMHSA, NIDA, and primary state statutes. It is educational information, not medical or legal advice. Laws and statute sections change — confirm current requirements with a local attorney or your county clerk. Rehab Connect USA is an informational directory; we do not place people in facilities or route calls. Browse licensed facilities and contact them directly.
Rehab Connect USA — Free addiction treatment directory covering 12,000+ treatment centers across all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico.