When 90 Days Is Not Enough
Marchman Act Extensions and Renewals in Florida
Recovery does not always fit a 90 day window. If your loved one still needs treatment as their court order nears its end, the treatment provider can petition the court to renew the order for up to another 90 days. We help families understand the renewal process and make sure the request is filed in time, so progress is not lost at the finish line.
Renewal at a glance
Extending Marchman Act Treatment When Recovery Needs More Time
A Marchman Act treatment order can last up to 90 days, and for many people that is a strong start. But addiction does not run on a court calendar. If your loved one is making progress and the clinical team believes they still need structured care when the order is ending, Florida law gives you a way to keep that care in place through a renewal.
Under Florida Statute 397.693, when a treatment provider believes a person who is nearing the end of involuntary treatment still meets the criteria for involuntary care, the provider can file a petition to renew the treatment order. This is not something your family files on your own. It is the provider, the people actually treating your loved one, who ask the court to continue, based on what they are seeing in treatment.
How a renewal works, step by step
1. The Provider Petitions the Court
Before the current order ends, the treatment facility files a petition for renewal. It explains why your loved one still meets the legal criteria for involuntary treatment and needs continued care.
2. The Court Schedules a Hearing
The court must schedule a hearing within 15 days after the renewal petition is filed. The notice and the hearing follow the same process as the original treatment hearing, so there are no surprises.
3. The Judge Decides
At the hearing, the judge reviews whether your loved one still meets the criteria. If they do, the court can grant an extension of up to 90 more days of treatment.
Why timing matters so much
The single most important thing to understand about renewals is timing. The petition has to be filed before the current order expires. If the deadline passes, the legal authority to keep someone in treatment ends, and a person who still needs help can walk away on the very day they were closest to a breakthrough. This is where families lose ground, and it is completely avoidable. We stay on top of the timeline with you and coordinate with the treatment team so the renewal is filed on time.
Can a Marchman Act be renewed more than once?
Yes. The law allows renewals in additional 90 day periods for as long as your loved one continues to meet the criteria for involuntary treatment. Each renewal goes through its own petition and hearing, so the court is always reviewing whether continued treatment is still justified. In practice, most people transition to voluntary care well before that point, which is always the goal.
What families can do during this time
You are not a bystander in this process. Stay in close contact with the treatment team, ask how your loved one is progressing, and let the clinical staff know if you believe more time is needed. Your observations matter, and the provider relies on a full picture when deciding whether to seek a renewal. If you are unsure where things stand or the order is coming up soon, call us and we will help you get clear answers fast.
Keep Going With the Right Information
A renewal is one piece of the Marchman Act. If you are still early in the process or planning ahead, these guides walk you through each part so nothing catches you off guard.
Common Questions
Marchman Act Renewal FAQs
How long can a Marchman Act order be extended?
A renewal can extend court ordered treatment for up to 90 more days. Renewals can be granted in additional 90 day periods for as long as the person continues to meet the legal criteria for involuntary treatment.
Who files the petition to renew a Marchman Act?
The treatment provider files the renewal petition, not the family. Under Florida Statute 397.693, when the provider believes a person nearing release still meets the criteria for involuntary treatment, they petition the court to continue care.
How quickly is a renewal hearing held?
The court must schedule a hearing within 15 days after the renewal petition is filed. The notice and hearing process mirror the original treatment hearing.
What happens if the renewal is not filed in time?
If the petition is not filed before the current order expires, the legal authority to keep the person in treatment ends. That is why timing is so important, and why we help families stay ahead of the deadline and coordinate with the treatment team.
Can my loved one leave treatment before the order ends?
While a valid treatment order is in place, the person is expected to remain in the program. Leaving against the order can lead to being returned by law enforcement or to civil contempt proceedings. A renewal keeps that authority in place when more time is needed.
Do Not Let the Clock Run Out on Recovery
If your loved one's Marchman Act order is coming up and they still need care, there is no time to waste. Call us and we will help you understand the renewal, coordinate with the treatment team, and make sure the petition is filed before the deadline.
Speak with a compassionate specialist who understands what you are going through.