Baker Act

The Baker Act is a Florida law that enables families and loved ones to provide emergency mental health services and temporary detention for people who are impaired because of their mental illness, and who are unable to determine their needs for treatment.

The Act was named after Maxine Baker, former Miami State representative who sponsored the Act in 1972. People who require the use of the Baker Act have often lost the power of self-control, and they are likely to inflict harm to themselves or others. It is important that the Baker Act only be used in situations where the person has a mental illness and meets all the remaining criteria for voluntary or involuntary admission. It does not substitute for any other law that may permit the provision of medical or substance abuse care to persons who lack the capacity to request such care

Expert staff at UF Health Psychiatric Hospital can assist loved ones and family members with the Baker Act process. We have more than 25 years of experience in working with families, caretakers, friends and loved ones who have required special assistance with getting someone to treatment. If you would like to speak to one of our knowledgeable counselors, please call (352) 265-5481.