Florida Inmate Records Lookup
The Florida jail roster contains public records about inmates in state prisons and local jails across Florida. You can search these records to find inmate location, status, and identifying information. The Florida Department of Corrections maintains the central database for state inmates. Each of the 67 counties in Florida also keeps booking records and jail rosters at the local level. This guide shows you how to access inmate search tools and jail records throughout the state.
Florida Department of Corrections Records
The Florida Department of Corrections manages the state prison system. FDC also supervises offenders under community supervision. The agency keeps comprehensive inmate records for all state prisoners. FDC provides public access to certain information through various online search tools. You can find current inmates, released offenders, and those under supervision.
FDC processes all public records requests in accordance with Chapter 119 and Section 945.10 of Florida Statutes. All requests receive a cost estimate for production of records. FDC must review records for confidential or exempt information before release. Such information gets redacted with applicable statutory exemptions noted. Greater specificity in your request helps minimize costs.
Visit the FDC Public Records page to learn more about requesting records. The site explains how to submit requests and what fees may apply. You can also find contact information for the Custodian of Records.
The image above shows the FDC public records page. This page serves as the main hub for requesting inmate records from the state.
Public records law does not require agencies to create new records. Agencies need not give out information from their records or answer questions about them. They do not perform gratuitous research or reclassify records. Agencies produce records only in the format in which they maintain them.
FDC Offender Search System
The FDC Offender Search portal gives you access to five separate databases. Each database serves a different purpose for inmate searches in Florida. You can search by name or DC number across all databases. The system refreshes information weekly for most data. Release dates and location changes update nightly.
This menu shows all five search options available through the FDC system. Click any option to access that specific database.
The Inmate Population Information Search finds current inmates in state prisons. Use this to locate someone currently incarcerated. The Inmate Release Information Search covers released inmates. It also shows scheduled releases for those nearing the end of their sentences. The Inmate Escape Information Search tracks escapees since January 1, 1990. It only includes those not recaptured within 15 days.
Community supervision records appear in the Supervised Population Information Search. This database shows offenders on probation or parole. The Absconder/Fugitive Information Search helps find those who stopped reporting. These offenders ceased making themselves available for supervision.
Note: Search results show all matches whose names begin with the letters you type.
Florida Inmate Search Tips
Finding the right inmate record requires some basic facts. You need at least part of the person's name. You can also search using a DC number if you have it. The DC number is a six-character code assigned by FDC. It may be all numeric or one letter plus five numbers.
The search form lets you enter first name, last name, or DC number. You can narrow results by selecting additional filters.
When searching by name, type the beginning of the name only. The system returns all inmates whose names start with those letters. For example, typing "Smith" finds Smith, Smithson, and Smithfield. This helps when you are not sure of the exact spelling. Try different spellings if your first search fails.
Booking records at county jails may use different search methods. Each county sets its own rules for jail roster searches. Some require full names. Others allow partial matches. Check the specific county jail website for their search hints.
FDC Public Records Request Portal
You can submit formal records requests through the FDC Public Records Request Portal. This online system lets you track your request status. You can also communicate with records staff through the portal. It provides a paper trail for all correspondence.
The portal home page shows options for submitting new requests. You can also check on pending requests through this system.
Contact the Custodian of Records for questions about public records requests. James Best serves as the Custodian for FDC. You can reach him at the Department of Corrections in Tallahassee. The phone number is 850-717-9774. The fax number is 850-488-4534. The mailing address is 501 S. Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399.
Florida Public Records Law
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes governs public records in the state. Section 119.011 defines what counts as a public record. It includes all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, and data processing software. This applies regardless of physical form or means of transmission. Any material made or received in connection with official business qualifies.
Chapter 119 establishes the right to inspect and copy public records. This forms the legal basis for accessing jail rosters in Florida.
Section 119.07 gives every person the right to inspect and copy public records. Any person can make photographs of records. Agencies may charge fees for copies as the law prescribes. These rules apply to FDC inmate records and county jail booking records alike.
Section 945.10 lists information that remains confidential. Mental health records stay private. Medical records and substance abuse records are exempt. Protected health information of inmates is not public. Preplea and pretrial intervention records remain closed. Presentence and postsentence investigative records are also exempt.
Section 945.10 shows what inmate information FDC cannot release to the public.
Other confidential information includes federal witness protection details. Facts that could jeopardize a person's safety stay sealed. Victim statements and identities receive protection. Information about executioners or execution participants is secret. HIV test results and the identity of tested inmates remain confidential.
Note: FDC must redact exempt information before producing records.
Additional Florida Inmate Resources
FDC provides resources beyond basic inmate searches. The Visiting Information page explains how to visit inmates. It lists visiting hours for each state prison. You can find dress code rules and identification requirements. The page also covers special visit types and how to schedule them.
Visitors can use this page to plan trips to Florida state prisons. Each facility has its own specific visiting schedule.
The Probation Services page helps those under community supervision. It explains reporting requirements and supervision rules. Offenders can find contact information for their probation officers. The page also lists resources for completing court-ordered programs.
Probationers can access forms and program information through this portal.
Florida County Jail Records
The Florida Department of State maintains a county jail resource page. This page lists all 67 Florida counties alphabetically. Each entry shows the jail address and phone number. Links to inmate search systems appear where available.
This state resource connects you directly to county jail records across Florida.
County jails hold inmates awaiting trial or serving short sentences. Most stays last less than one year. County booking records show arrest information and charges. They also list bond amounts and court dates. Each county sheriff runs their own jail and maintains their own records.
Start with the Department of State list to find your county jail. Click the county name to see contact details. Follow any links to online inmate search systems. If no link exists, call the jail directly. Staff can help you locate an inmate by phone.
Browse Florida Jail Roster by County
Each county in Florida maintains its own jail and booking records. Select a county below to find local inmate search resources and contact information.
Jail Roster in Major Florida Cities
Major Florida cities fall within specific counties. Pick a city below to learn about jail records and inmate searches in that area.