If someone you care about was just arrested in Florida, the next few hours matter more than most people realize. The problem is that Florida runs two completely separate inmate systems — and most families waste hours searching the wrong one. This guide cuts through all of it. You’ll know exactly where to look, what every status code means, and what to do next — step by step.
1. FDOC Offender Search — Step-by-Step Guide (State Prison Inmates)
The Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search is the official free database for anyone sentenced to state prison. It covers active inmates, people on probation, people released, and even escaped offenders. As of 2026, over 87,908 inmates are housed in Florida state prisons, making it the third-largest state prison system in the US.
How to Search the FDOC Offender Database — Exact Steps
Go to pubapps.fdc.myflorida.com/OffenderSearch. You’ll land on the Offender Information Menu. Make sure the URL starts with
fdc.myflorida.com — that confirms it’s the real government site.
This is the most important option. It searches all FDOC databases simultaneously — active inmates, released offenders, people on community supervision (probation/parole), and escaped offenders. If you click only “Inmate Population Search,” you’ll miss released or supervised offenders.
You have two options:
Option A — DC Number: Type the 6-digit DC Number directly. This is the fastest and most accurate method. It guarantees you find the exact right person even if they share a common name.
Option B — Name Search: Enter Last Name first, then First Name. You don’t need the full name — a partial last name works. For example, searching “John” will return Johnson, Johnston, Johngard, etc. Use this when you don’t have the DC number.
Common names can return hundreds of results. Use the optional Sex and Race dropdowns to filter. You can also add a Date of Birth if you know it — this narrows results to a single match almost instantly. Click the blue Search button.
Results show: Name, DC Number, Race, Sex, Birth Date, Release Date, Current Facility. Click the inmate’s name (not the DC number link) to open the full profile which includes:
- Current facility and address
- Mugshot photograph
- Aliases and prior names
- All charges and convictions with statute numbers
- Sentence length and Tentative Release Date (TRD)
- Previous incarcerations
- Disciplinary history
The status shown on the profile tells you exactly where they are in the system:
Incarcerated — Currently housed in a Florida state prison facility.
Reception Center — Just transferred from county jail. Will be here 3–6 weeks for evaluation before permanent assignment. No visitation allowed during this phase.
Community Supervision — Not in physical custody. On probation, parole, or house arrest. Supervised by an officer.
Released — Sentence fully completed. No longer under FDOC supervision.
2. Florida County Jail Inmate Search — For Recent Arrests & Mugshots
If someone was arrested in the last 24–72 hours, they are sitting in a county jail — not in the FDOC system. County jails are run by the local Sheriff’s Office, and each county has its own separate database. You must search the county where the arrest occurred.
Major Florida County Jail Search Tools — Direct Links
← Scroll sideways to view full table →
| County / City | Official Search Tool | Phone Number | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | Miami-Dade Inmate Search | (786) 263-7000 | Recent bookings, bond info, mugshots |
| Broward (Fort Lauderdale) | Broward Sheriff Arrest Search | (954) 831-8900 | Arrest reports, mugshots |
| Orange (Orlando) | Orange County Inmate Database | (407) 836-3400 | Daily booking blotter, bond amounts |
| Hillsborough (Tampa) | HCSO Arrest Inquiry | (813) 247-8200 | Warrant checks, current inmates |
| Duval (Jacksonville) | JSO Inmate Search | (904) 630-0500 | Jacksonville area arrests |
| Palm Beach | PBSO Inmate Search | (561) 688-3000 | Recent bookings and bail info |
| Pinellas (St. Pete / Clearwater) | PCSO Inmate Inquiry | (727) 582-6200 | Current inmates, Clearwater bookings |
| Lee (Fort Myers) | Lee County Jail Roster | (239) 477-1000 | Fort Myers, Cape Coral area arrests |
| Polk (Lakeland / Bartow) | Polk County Inmate Inquiry | (863) 298-6200 | Central Florida, Lakeland area |
| Volusia (Daytona Beach) | Volusia Inmate Search | (386) 254-1500 | Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach |
| Brevard (Melbourne / Cocoa) | Brevard Inmate Search | (321) 264-5201 | Space Coast area arrests |
| Sarasota | Sarasota Inmate Lookup | (941) 316-1201 | Sarasota and North Port area |
3. What Is a DC Number and How to Find It
The DC Number (Department of Corrections Number) is a unique 6-character alphanumeric ID assigned to every person who enters the Florida state prison system. It never changes — even if the person is released and re-incarcerated years later.
Why the DC Number Matters So Much
Florida has over 87,000 inmates. Common names like “John Smith” or “Maria Rodriguez” can return dozens of results. The DC Number eliminates all ambiguity — it maps to exactly one person. Always use the DC Number when you have it.
How to Find the DC Number
4. How to Contact a Florida State Prison Inmate
Once you’ve found the inmate and confirmed their location, here’s exactly how to stay in contact. Florida has strict rules for each communication method.
A. Sending Money via JPay
B. Phone Calls via ConnectNetwork
Inmates cannot receive incoming calls. They can only make outbound calls to numbers you pre-register. Florida state prisons use ConnectNetwork (GTL) as their phone service provider.
C. In-Person Visitation — Form DC6-111A
D. Sending Mail to a Florida Inmate
All mail is screened before delivery. Address letters exactly as follows:
[Facility Name]
[Facility Street Address]
[City, FL ZIP]
Find the facility address on fdc.myflorida.com/facilities
What is NOT allowed in mail:
- Polaroid photos, glitter, stickers, confetti
- Perfume or scented paper
- Staples, paper clips, rubber bands
- Photos larger than 4×6 inches (many facilities)
- White-out or correction fluid anywhere on the envelope
- Explicit content of any kind
5. Advanced Resources — Federal Prisoners, Parole, Court Records
Federal Prisoners in Florida
Arrested by FBI, DEA, ATF, or ICE? They are never in FDOC. Search the federal system separately.
Search by name or BOP Register Number
ICE Immigration Detainees
For immigration detention cases, the BOP locator won’t help. Use the ICE-specific tool with the person’s A-Number.
Search by name + country of birth
Court Records & Full Criminal History
To see the actual arrest report, judge’s sentencing notes, and disposition — check the county court records directly.
Select county → search “Court Records”
Parole & Clemency (FCOR)
Check if an inmate is eligible for parole or is petitioning for restoration of civil rights (voting, firearm rights).
Release & Transfer Alerts (VINELink)
Register your phone number to get an automatic text the moment an inmate is transferred, released, or escapes.
Free 24/7 automated notifications
Sex Offender Registry
Look up registered sex offenders in Florida including their current address, employer, and photo.
6. Florida Prison Terms Glossary — What Every Status Code Actually Means
Reading FDOC records is confusing if you don’t know the terminology. Here’s plain-English translation of every term you’ll encounter.
7. Tips, Tricks & Local Insights Nobody Else Tells You
These are the things you only learn through experience — not from the official FDOC website.
🕵️ Try Partial Name Searches
If you’re getting no results, delete the first name entirely and search only the last name. FDOC’s name-matching will show everyone with that surname. Browse by date of birth to find the right person.
📅 Reception Center = 3–6 Week Wait
If status shows a Reception Center, don’t panic. They aren’t permanently assigned yet. Call FDOC at (850) 488-9859 in 4–6 weeks to ask about their permanent facility assignment.
🏙️ Large County Jails Process Slowly
Miami-Dade, Broward, and Orange County jails can take 12–24 hours to process a new booking before it appears online. If you can’t find someone in a big city, wait and try again in the morning.
📱 Set a Google Alert for Their Name
Go to alerts.google.com and set an alert for their full name in quotes. You’ll be notified immediately if news articles or public records are published mentioning them.
🔄 FDOC Updates at Midnight
The FDOC database typically syncs overnight. If you’re looking for a recent transfer or status change, search after midnight or first thing in the morning for the most current data.
📞 Call Before You Drive
Always call the facility directly before making a long drive for visitation. Visits can be cancelled without notice due to lockdowns, investigations, or disciplinary actions — even if you’re already approved.
💌 Email Beats Regular Mail
JPay email is delivered within hours. Regular mail can take 7–14 days after facility screening. Use JPay email for anything time-sensitive — it costs roughly $0.40–$1.00 per message depending on attachments.
⚖️ “Adjudication Withheld” Matters for Jobs
If the record shows “Adjudication Withheld,” the person was NOT formally convicted. Under Florida law, they may legally answer “No” to “Have you ever been convicted?” on many job applications — a critical distinction for employment after release.
8. FDOC Headquarters — Contact Information & Location
📍 Official Address
Florida Department of Corrections
501 South Calhoun Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-2500
(Doyle Carlton Building, Downtown Tallahassee)
📞 Phone Numbers
Main Line: (850) 488-5021
Inmate Search Help: (850) 488-9859
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET
🌐 Official Websites
fdc.myflorida.com — Main FDOC portal
Offender Search Tool
All Facility Addresses
📲 Social Media
Facebook: @FLCorrections
Useful for official announcements about facility lockdowns, program changes, and major news that affects visitation schedules.
9. Quick Decision Checklist — Which Search Tool Should I Use?
- Arrested in the last 24–72 hours? → Search the county sheriff’s website (Section 2). FDOC won’t have them yet.
- Convicted felony with 1+ year sentence? → Search FDOC Offender Search (Section 1).
- Arrested by FBI, DEA, ATF, ICE, or U.S. Marshals? → Search BOP Federal Inmate Locator (Section 5).
- Immigration detention case? → Search ICE Detainee Locator (Section 5).
- Need to send money? → Set up JPay.com account with the DC Number (Section 4A).
- Need to receive phone calls? → Register at ConnectNetwork.com (Section 4B).
- Want to visit in person? → Wait for Form DC6-111A from the inmate — allow 30–60 days (Section 4C).
- Want release alerts? → Register at VINELink Florida (Section 5).
- Need to see court records? → Search Florida Clerks of Court for the specific county (Section 5).
Frequently Asked Questions — FDOC Inmate Search
Visit the official FDOC Offender Search at pubapps.fdc.myflorida.com/OffenderSearch. Click “Search All Corrections Offender Databases.” Enter the inmate’s last name and first name, or their 6-digit DC Number. Click Search, then click the inmate’s name from the results to see their full profile including facility, release date, mugshot, and charges. The search is completely free.
A DC Number is the unique 6-character identification number assigned to every person admitted to the Florida Department of Corrections state prison system. It never changes — even if the person is released and re-incarcerated years later. It is the most reliable way to find the correct person in the FDOC database, especially for common names. You can find it on any FDOC correspondence, sentencing documents, or by calling FDOC at (850) 488-9859.
There are four common reasons: (1) The person was arrested recently and is still in a county jail — FDOC only covers state prison inmates sentenced to more than 1 year for a felony. Search the county sheriff’s website instead. (2) They were arrested by federal agents (FBI, DEA, ATF, ICE) and are in federal custody — use the BOP Federal Inmate Locator. (3) Their name is spelled differently in the system — try searching only the last name and browse results. (4) Their record was expunged or sealed by court order.
“Reception Center” means the inmate was recently transferred from county jail to state prison custody. They are at a processing facility for 3–6 weeks undergoing medical evaluations, psychological assessments, and classification before being assigned to a permanent facility. Visitation is typically not permitted during the Reception phase. You can call FDOC at (850) 488-9859 after 4–6 weeks to ask about the permanent assignment.
Florida uses JPay for money transfers to state prison inmates. Go to JPay.com or download the JPay app. Create an account, search for the inmate by their DC Number under Florida Department of Corrections, and send funds by credit or debit card. Fees run $3–$6 per transaction. You generally must be on the inmate’s Approved Visitor List to send money. Funds post within 2–3 business days.
You must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list first. The inmate must request Form DC6-111A (Visiting Privilege Request) from their Classification Officer and mail it to you. Fill it out completely and mail it to the Classification Department at their specific facility. Background checks take 30–60 days. The prison will not contact you — the inmate will notify you when you’re approved. Check the facility’s visiting schedule at fdc.myflorida.com/facilities.
Florida Statute 944.275 requires most felony inmates to serve at least 85% of their court-imposed sentence before release. For example, a 10-year sentence means the inmate must serve a minimum of 8.5 years. This is reflected in the Tentative Release Date (TRD) shown on the FDOC search profile. Good behavior (gain time) can reduce the TRD, but disciplinary violations can extend it.
Federal inmates arrested by the FBI, DEA, ATF, or other federal agencies do not appear in the FDOC database at all. Use the Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator at bop.gov — search by name or BOP Register Number. For ICE immigration detainees, use the ICE Detainee Locator with the person’s Alien Registration Number (A-Number) or name + country of birth.
Register with VINELink Florida. Enter the inmate’s DC Number or name, then register your phone number or email. You’ll receive an automated call, text, or email the moment the inmate is transferred, released, or their custody status changes. The service is free, available 24/7, and works for both state prison and county jail inmates.
County jails are run by the local Sheriff’s Office and hold people who were recently arrested and are awaiting trial, or serving short sentences of less than 1 year. FDOC state prisons hold people who have been convicted of a felony and sentenced to more than 1 year. After sentencing, a person typically spends 2–6 weeks in county jail before being transferred to state prison. During that transfer window, they may not appear in either system temporarily.