Acceptance, examination, and involuntary placement of Florida residents from out-of-state mental health authorities.
F.S. 394.475
in effect(1)
Upon the request of the state mental health authority of another state, the department is authorized to accept as a patient, for a period of not more than 15 days, a person who is and has been a bona fide resident of this state for a period of not less than 1 year.
(2)
Any person received pursuant to subsection (1) shall be examined by the staff of the state facility where such patient has been accepted, which examination shall be completed during the 15-day period.
(3)
If upon examination such a person requires continued involuntary placement, a petition for a hearing regarding involuntary placement shall be filed with the court of the county wherein the treatment facility receiving the patient is located or the county where the patient is a resident.
(4)
During the pendency of the examination period and the pendency of the involuntary placement proceedings, such person may continue to be held in the treatment facility unless the court having jurisdiction enters an order to the contrary.
Source: FL Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/Chapter394/AllFetched: 7/8/2026