Florida Department Of Correction Inmate Search

If you are trying to find an inmate in Florida, you are likely feeling stressed and confused by the dozen different websites that pop up.

I have written guide here already and the most important thing you need to know immediately: Florida has two completely separate systems.

County Jails: For people arrested recently (last 24-48 hours) or awaiting trial.
State Prison (FDOC): For people who have already been convicted of a felony and sentenced to more than 1 year.

If your person was arrested last night, do not look at the FDOC website. They won’t be there. Use this step-by-step guide to find them in the right place.

1. The Official FDOC Search (For Sentenced Prisoners)

This is the system for long-term inmates. It is maintained by the Florida Department of Corrections.

Authority Link: Official FDOC Offender Information Search

florida department of corrections inmate search

Step-by-Step Search Guide:

Go to the Link: Ensure the URL is dc.state.fl.us.
Select “Search All Corrections Offender Databases”: This ensures you catch everyone, including those on probation or recently released.
Enter the “DC Number”:
- What is it? A 6-digit ID assigned to every inmate.
- Why use it? It is the only way to be 100% sure you have the right person.
- Don’t have it? Use Last Name and First Name.
Interpret the Results:
- Incarcerated: They are currently in a state prison.
- Community Supervision: They are out, but on probation or house arrest.
- Released: They have finished their sentence.

Human Insight: If the status says “Reception Center,” it means they were just transferred from county jail to state prison.

They will be there for 3-6 weeks for medical and psychological testing before being assigned a permanent prison. You usually cannot visit them during this “Reception” phase.

2. The County Search (For Recent Arrests & Mugshots)

If they were arrested yesterday, they are sitting in a County Jail under the Sheriff’s jurisdiction. FDOC cannot help you here.

You must search the specific county where the arrest happened.

Major Florida County Databases (Direct Links)

County	Official Search Tool	Best For…
Miami-Dade	Miami-Dade Inmate Search	Recent bookings, bond info
Broward	Broward Sheriff Arrest Search	Mugshots, arrest reports
Orange (Orlando)	Orange Co. Inmate Database	Daily booking blotter
Hillsborough (Tampa)	HCSO Arrest Inquiry	Warrant checks, current inmates
Duval (Jax)	JSO Inmate Search	Jacksonville arrests

If you can’t find them, search for the county’s “Booking Blotter” or “Daily Arrest Report.” Some counties publish a PDF list of everyone arrested in the last 24 hours.

3. Critical Next Steps: Money, Phone, & Visits

Once you find them, you need to be able to communicate. Florida has strict rules for this.

A. Sending Money (JPay)

Florida uses JPay for almost all money transfers.

Official Site: JPay.com
The Rule: You generally must be on the inmate’s Approved Visitor List to send money.
Fees: Expect to pay $3.00 – $6.00 per transaction.
Action: Download the JPay app. It’s faster than the website.

B. Phone Calls (ConnectNetwork)

Inmates cannot receive calls; they can only make them.

Provider: ConnectNetwork / AdvancePay
How it works: You create a “Prepaid Collect” account. You put $25 on your number, and when the inmate calls you, the money is deducted from your balance.

C. Visitation (Form DC6-111A)

You cannot just drive to the prison.

Get the Form: The inmate must mail you Form DC6-111A (Request for Visiting Privileges).
Fill & Return: You mail it back to the Classification Department at their facility (not the main HQ).
Wait: Background checks take 30-60 days.
Check Status: The inmate will tell you when you are approved. The prison will not call you.

4. Advanced Resources (Deep Dive)

If you need more than just a location, use these official government tools to dig deeper.

To See the Full Criminal Record

Resource: Florida Clerks of Court
Use: Search for “Court Records” in the specific county. You can often see the actual PDF of the arrest report, the judge’s sentencing notes, and “Adjudication Withheld” status.

To Check Parole / Release Date in Florida

Resource: Florida Commission on Offender Review (FCOR)
Use: Check here if the inmate is eligible for parole or is seeking clemency (restoration of rights).

To Find Federal Prisoners In Florida

Resource: BOP Inmate Locator
Use: If they were arrested by the FBI, DEA, or ICE, they are in Federal custody, not State. Use this search instead.

To Get Release Alerts

Resource: VINELink Florida
Use: Register your phone number. You will get an automated text message the second the inmate is transferred or released.

5. Glossary of Florida Prison Terms

Understanding these terms will help you read the records like a pro.

EOS (End of Sentence): The absolute last day they will be in prison.
TRD (Tentative Release Date): The date they might get out if they keep good behavior. Florida law requires inmates to serve 85% of their sentence.
Adjudication Withheld: The person was found guilty (or pled no contest), but the judge did not formally “convict” them. This often saves them from losing civil rights like voting.
Gain Time: “Good behavior” days that reduce the sentence length.

Quick Checklist for You:

[ ] Arrested < 48 hours? Check County Sheriff Site.
[ ] Sentenced Felony? Check FDOC Site.
[ ] Need to Visit? Wait for Form DC6-111A in the mail.
[ ] Need to Talk? Set up a ConnectNetwork account.

Author’s Note & Disclaimer This guide was manually written and verified by a human researcher. All screenshots were captured personally to ensure the instructions are practical and accurate. However, government websites (FDOC, County Sheriff databases) can change their layouts or URLs without warning. While we strive to keep this guide 100% accurate, please use the official links provided to confirm current inmate status and visitation hours. This content is for educational use and is not legal advice.