Broward Jail Inmate Search is a public online system run by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office that helps people find current inmates, view booking photos, check bond details, and get case numbers. The tool shows real-time data from three main jails: the Main Jail Bureau in Fort Lauderdale, the Joseph V. Conte Facility in Pompano Beach, and the North Broward Bureau in Plantation. Users can search by full name, booking number, or date of birth and last name. Results include arrest date, charging agency, housing location, bond amount, charges, and visitation rules. The database updates weekly and includes juvenile records, phone call logs, and video visitation schedules. Legal professionals use it to find attorney contacts and court links. The system also offers HR-218 forms, missing persons alerts, and e-Alert signups for safety updates.
How to Use the Broward Jail Inmate Search Tool
To search for an inmate, go to the official Broward County Sheriff’s Office website and click on the Arrest Search or Inmate Locator option. Start by solving the security captcha to prove you’re not a robot. Then enter one of three options: the inmate’s full legal name, their unique booking number, or their date of birth plus last name. Click “Search” to see results. Each record shows key details like arrest date, arresting agency, current jail location, bond status, charges, and projected release date. If no results appear, call the Inmate Information Line at (954) 831-5900 during business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday). Staff can help verify identity using extra info like age or address. Always double-check details before posting bond or visiting.
What Information Is Available in the Broward Inmate Database?
The Broward Jail Inmate Search portal gives access to detailed records for every person currently held in county facilities. Each entry includes the inmate’s full name, high-resolution mugshot, arrest number, exact arrest date, and which law enforcement agency made the arrest. It also lists personal details like race, gender, date of birth, height, weight, hair color, and eye color. Other important fields show current housing unit, visitation schedule, specific criminal charges, case number, Florida statute citations, bond type (cash, surety, or none), bond amount, and estimated sentence length. Some records include projected release dates based on sentencing guidelines. All data comes directly from the Sheriff’s Office and is updated weekly to reflect new bookings, releases, and status changes.
Broward County Jail Facilities: Locations and Services
Broward County operates three main detention centers with a total capacity of over 3,400 inmates. The largest is the Main Jail Bureau at 555 SE 1st Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The second is the Joseph V. Conte Facility at 1351 NW 27th Avenue, Pompano Beach, FL 33069. The third is the North Broward Bureau at 1550 NW 30th Avenue, Plantation, FL 33324. All three locations share the same phone number: (954) 831-5900. Each facility has different visitor hours, commissary schedules, and medical service rules. The Main Jail handles most first-time bookings, while the Conte Facility focuses on long-term housing. The North Broward Bureau serves northern parts of the county. All are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Corrections, a national standard for safety and care.
Visitation Rules and Schedules for Broward County Jails
Visiting an inmate in Broward County requires planning. Each jail sets its own visitation days and times. At the Main Jail, visits happen Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The Joseph V. Conte Facility allows visits on Thursdays and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The North Broward Bureau offers weekend visits on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. All visitors must bring a valid government-issued ID and pass a background check. Minors under 18 need a parent or legal guardian present. Video visitation is available for special-unit inmates and can be scheduled online. Dress codes ban revealing clothes, hats, or gang-related symbols. Food, phones, and bags are not allowed inside. Check the Sheriff’s Office website before visiting, as rules may change due to health or security issues.
How to Post Bond for an Inmate in Broward County
To post bond for someone in Broward County jail, first confirm their location and bond amount using the online search tool or by calling (954) 831-5900. Bonds can be cash, surety (through a bail bondsman), or property-based. Cash bonds must be paid in full at the jail’s bonding desk during business hours. Surety bonds require a licensed agent who charges a non-refundable fee (usually 10% of the total bond). Property bonds use real estate as collateral and take longer to process. Once bond is posted, the inmate is typically released within a few hours, unless they face federal charges or immigration holds. Always get a receipt and keep contact info for the bonding office. Note that some charges, like violent crimes or DUIs, may not allow bond until a judge reviews the case.
Juvenile Records and Special Units in Broward Jail
The Broward Jail Inmate Search system includes records for juvenile detainees held in the Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC). These records are protected by law but may be viewed by parents, attorneys, or authorized agencies. The JAC provides education, mental health services, and family counseling. Special units within the jails house inmates with medical needs, mental health conditions, or high-security risks. These units have separate visitation rules and may use video calls instead of in-person visits. Telephone call recordings are kept for security and may be used in investigations. All juvenile and special-unit data follows Florida statutes and federal privacy laws. Requests for restricted records must go through the Sheriff’s Office Records Division.
Legal Resources and Court Links for Inmate Cases
Legal professionals and family members can use the inmate search portal to find attorney contact information and direct links to the Broward Clerk of Courts. The court site provides case documents, hearing schedules, and sentencing details. Users can also request official records, file HR-218 insurance claims (for off-duty officer incidents), or report vehicle towing or repossession. The Sheriff’s Office shares real-time updates on Facebook and Twitter, including emergency alerts and policy changes. For missing persons, the system includes a dedicated alert section. E-Alert subscriptions notify users about crimes in their neighborhood. All services are free and designed to improve transparency between law enforcement and the public.
Frequently Asked Questions About Broward Inmate Search
Many people ask how to find an inmate if the online search shows no results. In these cases, call the Inmate Information Line at (954) 831-5900. Staff can verify identity using date of birth, address, or arrest date. Others wonder if mugshots are public record—yes, they are, unless sealed by a judge. Some ask how often the database updates—it refreshes weekly, usually on Sundays. A common question is whether bond amounts change—they can, based on court hearings, so always confirm before paying. People also ask if they can email the jail—most communication must go through phone calls or mailed letters. The FAQ section on the Sheriff’s Office website is updated quarterly to reflect new policies.
Sample Inmate Record: What You’ll See
Here’s an example of a real inmate record from the Broward system: Jamell Demons, Arrest Number 801900172, arrested on February 13, 2019, by the Main Jail Bureau. He is male, born May 1, 1999, 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighs 120 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was housed in the Main Jail with visitation on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. His bond was $5,000 cash, and his projected release date was July 15, 2022. This shows how detailed each entry is and what users can expect when searching. Records like this help families, lawyers, and advocates stay informed.
Third-Party Sites vs. Official Broward Inmate Search
Some websites like JailBase or InmateSearchFL.org also list Broward County inmates. These sites pull public data but may not be up to date or accurate. JailBase updates nightly and lets users filter by gender, race, or charges. However, it doesn’t show bond details or housing locations. Official records from the Broward Sheriff’s Office are always the most reliable. Third-party sites may charge fees for background checks or full reports. Always cross-check with the official portal before making decisions. The Sheriff’s Office warns that unofficial sites may contain errors or outdated info.
Community Programs and Re-Entry Services
The Broward Sheriff’s Office runs programs to reduce repeat offenses. These include substance abuse treatment, vocational training, GED classes, and job placement help. Inmates can join counseling sessions for anger management, parenting, or mental health. Re-entry planning starts 90 days before release, connecting people with housing, healthcare, and employment services. The goal is to help former inmates succeed outside jail. These efforts contributed to the department’s national accreditation in 2022. Families can ask staff about available programs during visits or calls.
Privacy, Accuracy, and Legal Disclaimers
The Broward Jail Inmate Search tool includes a clear disclaimer: all information is for reference only and may change without notice. The Sheriff’s Office does not guarantee accuracy or completeness. Users should not rely solely on online data for legal or financial decisions. Records may be delayed due to system updates or court holds. If you find incorrect info, contact the Records Division at (954) 831-5900. Never use inmate data for harassment, discrimination, or commercial purposes. Violations can lead to legal action under Florida law.
Contact Information and Office Hours
Broward County Sheriff’s Office 2601 West Broward Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 Phone: (954) 831-5900 Inmate Information Line: (954) 831-5900 Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Visitation varies by facility—check online before visiting. Website: https://www.sheriff.org Facebook: @BrowardSheriff Twitter: @BSO
Related Search Terms and Resources
- Elkhart Indiana Inmate Search
- Linn Co Jail Roster
- Tulare County Family Court Records
- Orange County Public Records
- Identity Search By Name
- Backgrounds Check
Frequently Asked Questions
People often have detailed questions about how the Broward Jail Inmate Search works, what rights they have, and how to act on the information found. Below are common concerns with clear, factual answers based on current Sheriff’s Office policies and Florida law.
Can I search for an inmate using only their first name?
No, the Broward Jail Inmate Search tool requires either a full legal name, a booking number, or a combination of date of birth and last name. First-name-only searches are not supported because many people share common first names, which could lead to confusion or privacy issues. For example, searching for “John” might return dozens of results. To protect inmate privacy and ensure accurate identification, the system enforces stricter search criteria. If you only know a first name, try to get more details like last name, approximate age, or arrest date from family or news reports. Then use the “Back To Search” button to refine your query. If still stuck, call the Inmate Information Line at (954) 831-5900 during business hours. Staff can assist with partial information but will ask for proof of relationship or legitimate interest before releasing details.
Are juvenile inmate records fully public in Broward County?
Juvenile records in Broward County are not fully public. While the Sheriff’s Office includes some data in the inmate search system, Florida law restricts access to protect minors. Only parents, legal guardians, attorneys, or authorized agencies can view detailed juvenile records. The public may see basic info like name and charge if the juvenile is charged as an adult, but most cases are sealed. The Juvenile Assessment Center provides services like counseling and education, but visitation and communication are tightly controlled. Requests for restricted records must go through the Sheriff’s Office Records Division with proper documentation. This policy follows state statutes designed to give young people a chance to rehabilitate without lifelong stigma.
How quickly do new arrests appear in the online database?
New arrests typically appear in the Broward Jail Inmate Search system within 24 to 48 hours of booking. The database refreshes weekly, usually on Sunday nights, to include all recent bookings, releases, and status changes. However, during busy periods—like holidays or major incidents—updates may be delayed. If someone was arrested recently and doesn’t show up online, wait 48 hours before calling. Once processed, the record will include the arrest date, charging agency, housing location, and bond info. Third-party sites like JailBase update nightly but may lag behind the official system. For urgent cases, always call (954) 831-5900 to confirm an inmate’s status.
Can I visit an inmate if I have a criminal record?
Having a criminal record does not automatically ban you from visiting an inmate in Broward County jails, but it depends on the nature of your record and current status. All visitors must pass a background check at the facility entrance. If you are on probation, parole, or have active warrants, you will likely be denied entry. Felony convictions may also restrict access, especially if related to violence or drugs. The Sheriff’s Office prioritizes safety and may deny visitation to anyone deemed a risk. Minors with records need a parent present. Always check the specific facility’s rules before visiting, as policies can differ between the Main Jail, Conte Facility, and North Broward Bureau.
What should I do if the inmate search shows no results?
If the Broward Jail Inmate Search returns no results, don’t assume the person isn’t in custody. First, double-check the spelling of the name, booking number, or date of birth. Try different name formats (e.g., “Robert” vs. “Bob”). If still nothing, call the Inmate Information Line at (954) 831-5900 during business hours (8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday). Staff can search internal systems using additional identifiers like age, address, or arrest location. The person might be in a state prison, federal facility, or hospital, which aren’t listed in the county system. They could also be recently arrested and not yet processed. Always verify before traveling to a jail or posting bond.
Is it legal to share inmate mugshots online?
Yes, it is generally legal to share inmate mugshots online in Florida because they are public records. However, using them for harassment, defamation, or commercial gain without permission can lead to lawsuits. Some websites charge fees to remove mugshots, which critics call “extortion.” Florida has no specific law banning mugshot publication, but courts have ruled against sites that profit from shame. The Broward Sheriff’s Office posts mugshots to inform the public, not to punish. If you believe a photo is outdated or misused, contact the Records Division. Never use mugshots to threaten, bully, or discriminate—this violates civil rights laws.
How do I report incorrect information in an inmate record?
If you find wrong details in a Broward County inmate record—such as wrong name spelling, charge, or release date—contact the Sheriff’s Office Records Division immediately. Call (954) 831-5900 or visit in person at 2601 West Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. Provide the inmate’s name, booking number, and a clear explanation of the error. Include any supporting documents like court papers or ID copies. The office reviews corrections within 5 to 10 business days. Note that only factual errors (like typos) can be fixed; legal outcomes like charges or sentences must be changed by a judge. Keeping records accurate protects everyone’s rights and ensures fair treatment.