This research guide is created by the Volusia County Law Library www.vclawlib.org
RESEARCH GUIDE
Stewart-Marchman Act – Florida’s Substance Abuse Impairment Act provides assistance to individuals
in need of emergency services and temporary detention due to substance abuse.
Baker Act – is a means of providing individuals with emergency services and temporary detention for
mental health evaluation and treatment when required (often referred to as Ex Parte Order).
General Information
Stewart-Marchman Act Behavior Healthcare Substance Abuse Hotline: 1-800-539-4228
Stewart-Marchman Act Behavioral Healthcare Webpage and Additional Resource Information
Mental Health Crisis and Baker Act – Ex Parte Information Contact Number: (386) 236-1729
Volusia County Clerk of Court Mental Health Services Information
Statutes
Florida Statutes: Stewart-Marchman Act §397.6811- §397.6822 and Baker Act §394.463
Resources in the Law Library
The following forms are available at the Daytona Beach and DeLand Law Libraries:
Stewart-Marchman Act – Petition and Affidavit Seeking Involuntary Assessment and/or
Stabilization and the Petition for Involuntary Treatment
NOTE: If you are seeking a Petition for Treatment (the second step after
Assessment/Stabilization), please contact the Stewart-Marchman Act Court Liaison at 386-236-
3234.
Baker Act– (Ex Parte)– Petition and Affidavit Seeking Ex Parte Order Requiring Involuntary
Examination
Other Services Available in Volusia and Flagler Counties
Department of Children and Family Services (DCF):
Adult Mental Services
Phone: (386) 238-4755
Responsible Choices Outreach Center
Phone: (386) 248-2228
Mental Health Association of Volusia County
531 S. Ridgewood Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL. 32114
Phone: (386) 252-5785 or (386) 255-4491
Family Education Program (FEP) (A free service provided in association with the Stewart-
Marchman Act) 12-session support program available to:
Those with an addiction
Family members
Others who have been affected by substance abuse and related problems
Contact: Victoria Kress at (386) 254-1241 or email vkress@smabehavioral.org for more
information.
NOTE: The above contact number is for support sessions only. Call 1-800-539-4228 if you are
filing or have questions about filing a Stewart-Marchman Act petition.
NOTICE: This research guide is based on information gathered from the resources cited above. For
more information on this or other legal topics visit the nearest branch of the Volusia County Law
Library.
IF YOU ARE ACTING AS YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR
EVERYTHING THAT INVOLVES YOUR CASE. Remember: Court and Clerk filing & service
fees vary. Check with the Clerk of the Court for exact fees and court costs.
