Prepare your documents for Baker Act Petition (Involuntary Examination) in Florida

Gathering evidence can strengthen your Baker Act petition and help the court understand the urgency of the situation. While your personal observations are often sufficient, providing supporting information can clarify the risk and improve the likelihood of timely intervention.

The following types of evidence are typically helpful in a Baker Act petition:

Evidence Type 1: Recent Behavioral Observations
Document recent behaviors that show the person may pose a risk of harm to themselves or others. Include dates, times, and descriptions of incidents where the individual was threatening, aggressive, or showed signs of severe mental distress.

Evidence Type 2: Photos or Videos
Photos or videos of self-harm attempts, unsafe environments, or destructive behavior can help the court understand the severity of the situation. Include brief explanations of each image or recording.

Evidence Type 3: Written Communications
Printouts or screenshots of threatening texts, emails, or social-media messages may support your petition. Attach them as PDFs or include them as part of your petition in chronological order.

Evidence Type 4: Emergency Calls
If 911 or other emergency services were contacted, include:

• The date and time of the call

• Who made the call

• What was reported

• Any dispatcher notes or incident numbers

Contact law enforcement or the Clerk of Court to request records if available.

Evidence Type 5: Medical Records
Provide documentation of injuries, hospital visits, or psychiatric evaluations that relate to self-harm or harm to others. Accepted records include:

• ER discharge papers

• Hospital visit records

• Doctor’s notes or psychiatric assessments

Evidence Type 6: Police or Crisis Reports
If law enforcement or mental-health crisis teams were involved, include incident or evaluation reports. These can often be obtained from the relevant agencies.

Evidence Type 7: Witness Statements
Written statements from family, friends, or others who observed concerning behavior can support your case. Include names, dates, and detailed descriptions of incidents. Notarization is not required, but clarity and specificity are helpful.

After completing the screening, this website will guide you through the steps to create your Baker Act petition documents.

For your knowledge: To request a Baker Act involuntary examination in Florida, you must complete and submit the official court petition form. This form asks questions about the individual’s behavior, recent incidents, and any risk of harm to themselves or others.

The most important form is the Baker Act Petition for Involuntary Examination, which serves as the foundation for the court to evaluate the situation and determine whether an emergency examination is necessary.

Based on the information and evidence you provide, a judge in Florida may authorize a temporary Baker Act involuntary examination on the same day your petition is filed. This is sometimes referred to as an ex parte order and is intended to ensure immediate evaluation and safety until a full assessment or hearing can be completed.

In cases that appear less urgent or where the documentation is limited, the judge may issue the temporary authorization within a few days.

If the judge determines that the petition lacks sufficient legal grounds, is incomplete, or the court does not have jurisdiction, your request may be denied. However, in some situations, the court may still schedule a hearing to review the circumstances more fully before making a final decision.