Columbia County Jail Inmate Records

Columbia County jail info comes from the Detention Facility in Lake City. The Columbia County Sheriff's Office manages all inmate records. No online search exists, but you can get records by calling. This guide explains how to access inmate info.

Columbia County Detention Facility

The Columbia County Detention Facility holds all inmates in the county. This site holds pre-trial and sentenced inmates. The jail runs under the Sheriff's Office. Staff process bookings and manage services.

The facility gives basic medical care and meals. Classification systems set housing by security needs. Programs may include religious and ed services. The jail serves the Third Judicial Circuit.

Note: Call ahead to confirm visit hours before you travel.

How to Find Columbia County Inmate Information

Columbia County does not have an online inmate database. To find roster info, you must call the facility. Phone inquiries let you check if someone is in custody. Staff can give basic booking details.

When calling, have the full name ready. Include date of birth if you have it. Staff can confirm custody status and charges. They may also give bond and court dates.

For detailed records, submit a public records request.

You can request these types of records:

• Booking reports and arrest records
• Daily jail rosters
• Incident reports
• Release records

Some info may be exempt. Medical records stay private. The Sheriff's Office will explain any limits.

Alternative Inmate Search Resources

When local records do not show who you seek, try state databases. The Florida Department of Corrections keeps records for state inmates. This covers those serving more than one year.

The FDC Offender Search gives free access. Search by name or DC number. The system shows facility and release dates. All info is public under Chapter 119.

This state tool helps find inmates who moved from Columbia to state prison.

The Florida Department of State has a list of all county jails. This has contact info for every facility. Use it to find nearby counties.

Public Records Requests in Columbia County

Florida law gives strong protections for record access. You have the right to view most gov docs. This includes booking records and rosters. The Sheriff's Office keeps these records.

To request records, contact the Sheriff's Office in writing. Describe the docs you need clearly. Include your contact info. The agency must give a cost estimate.

Fees may apply for copies and staff time. Columbia County charges standard rates. Complex requests may cost more. You can view records in person to avoid copy fees.

Certain records stay exempt under state law.

Visiting Columbia County Jail Inmates

The Columbia County Detention Facility allows visits under set rules. Guests must get approval first. The inmate must add you to their list. Processing takes several days.

All guests must show valid photo ID. Driver's licenses and state IDs work. Minors must visit with a parent. Special rules apply to guests with records.

Dress codes ban revealing or offensive clothes. The jail can deny entry to those not dressed right. Do not bring banned items. All guests must pass security checks.

Visits use video or in-person booths. Time limits apply. Staff watch all visits.

Cities in Columbia County

Columbia County has towns served by the Lake City facility. All arrests in these areas go through the county jail. The main town is Lake City.

Columbia County also has Fort White and rural areas. All arrests go through the Detention Facility.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Columbia County. If your search is not successful, try these.