For Clerks of Court

Clerk of Court FAQs

Email us your question at bakeract@usf.edu if it is not answered by the FAQs.

What is the Baker Act Reporting Center (BARC)?

The Baker Act Reporting Center was established in 1997 to collect, process, analyze and report on statewide Baker Act exam initiation data. As of 2018, the Baker Act Reporting Center also collects petitions and orders for involuntary placement from County Clerks of Court on behalf of the Department of Children and Families (DCF).

What is the BARC’s role in working with Clerks?

The Center works closely with County Clerks of Court across the State to facilitate the timely and accurate submission of petitions and orders for involuntary placement in order to assist Clerks with compliance with Florida Statute 394.

What are the statutory requirements for Clerks to submit mental health documents to the Baker Act Reporting Center?

As a result of SB12 in 2016 and FCCC Advisory 18-009, Clerks of Court are required to submit the following documents to the Baker Act Reporting Center. [The statutory reference relevant to submission of each type of form is listed for each form.]

  • Petition for Involuntary Inpatient Placement [394.467(3)]
  • Petition for Involuntary Outpatient Placement/Outpatient Services [394.4655(4)(c)]
  • Certificate & Continued Individualized Treatment Plan of Outpatient Treatment [394.4655(8)(a)4]
  • Order for Involuntary Inpatient Placement [394.463(2)(e)]
  • Order for Involuntary Outpatient Placement/Outpatient Services [394.463(2)(e)]

What documents should Clerks submit?

Clerks of Court are required to submit the following documents to the Baker Act Reporting Center: Note that prior to 2016 Involuntary Outpatient Services was referred to as Involuntary Outpatient Placement. 

Involuntary Inpatient Placement:

Involuntary Outpatient Placement:

Should Clerks redact any information on petition and orders?

No. The Baker Act requires the submission of unredacted forms.

How should clerks submit documents to the BARC?

Clerks have three ways to electronically submit petitions and orders for involuntary placement to us. We ask that you contact us at bakeract@usf.edu to find out more about the best way for your county to submit documents. 

How frequently must clerks submit documents to BARC?

Clerks of Court typically submit documents on a daily, weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis depending on their counties' work flow and volume.