Baker Act Reporting Center

  • Graphic displaying the Baker Act Reporting Center and logos for Florida Department of Children and Families and University of South Florida.
  • Image says "New Marchman Act Reporting Requirements as of July 2024. Contact the Baker Act Reporting Center by email at marchmanact@usf.edu for details."
  • Image says "Baker Act and Marchman Act. Annual Reports. Fiscal year 2023-2024. Click for more information."
  • 2024 DCF Baker Act Reference Guide. A reference tool for professionals and the general public regarding the Baker Act.
  • Image says "Baker Act Training. Training provided by the Department of Children and Families. Click for more information."
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About the Center

The Baker Act Reporting Center is located in the Department of Mental Health Law & Policy, de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences at the University of South Florida. The Center is operated on behalf of the Florida Department of Children and Families. Baker Act receiving facilities statewide submit to us forms used to initiate involuntary (Baker Act) examinations.  Clerks of Court statewide submit to us petitions and orders for involuntary inpatient placement and involuntary (outpatient) services. 

Data entered from these forms are used to produce statutorily mandated reports that add insight into Florida's mental health systems. The primary purpose of this website is to provide information about document submission from mandated reporters (Baker Act receiving facilities and Clerks of Court) and to disseminate results of analyses of the Baker Act data. A secondary purpose of this website is to provide information to address the most common types of inquiries we receive, given the number of inquiries we receive from consumers and families seeking assistance.