Broward County inmate records are public files that show who sits in jail right now in Fort Lauderdale and across the county. The records list names, charges, bond amounts, booking photos, and facility locations.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) runs the county jail system. BSO also keeps the online inmate search tool. This page explains how to search these records, what each field means, and who to call for direct help.
What Are Broward County Inmate Records
Broward County inmate records are public files about people held in the county jail. The records start at booking when police bring someone in. They track each person from arrest through release. Anyone can view them under Florida public records law. Families use them to find loved ones. Lawyers use them to track clients. Employers and landlords use them to check backgrounds. News outlets use them to report on local arrests.
Who Maintains These Records
The Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) keeps all inmate records for the county. BSO runs every jail facility in Broward. Police from Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Coral Springs, and other cities bring arrestees to BSO. BSO staff process each person at booking. They enter the personal details, fingerprints, and photos into the inmate database. The database updates whenever an inmate moves between facilities or gets released.
What Each Record Contains
Each inmate record shows the full legal name of the person. It lists date of birth, race, gender, and height. The record shows the arrest date and time. It lists each charge with a Florida statute number. Bond amounts appear for each charge. The record shows the current housing facility. A booking photo and physical description are part of the file. The record also shows the next court date in many cases.
Types of Records You Can Search
You can search current inmates who sit in jail right now. You can also see recent bookings from the past few days. The system shows release dates for people who already left custody. Court case numbers link each inmate to specific charges. Bond records show the cash amount needed for release. Some records show past arrests at the same facility. Federal holds and ICE detainers also appear in the record.
How to Search Records Online
The BSO website hosts a free inmate search tool. The tool runs 24 hours a day from any phone or computer. You do not need an account or login. Searches return results in seconds for most names. The tool works in English and Spanish on most pages.
Using the BSO Inmate Search Tool
Go to sheriff.org to start your search. Look for the “Inmate Search” link on the main page. Type the last name in the search box. You can also type the full name for more exact results. Add a first name if you know it. The tool shows matching inmates with photos and charges. Click any name to see the full details. The details page shows charges, bonds, housing location, and court dates.
Broward County Jail Roster Access
The BSO jail roster lists every inmate in custody. The roster updates every few hours. New bookings appear within 2 to 4 hours of arrest. Releases drop off the roster as they happen. The roster is open to the public with no login needed. You can scroll through the full list or filter by name. The roster page also shows the total number of inmates in custody.
Searching by Name
Name searches work best with exact spelling. Common last names may return many results. Add a first name to narrow the list. Middle names help when known. Date of birth filters remove wrong matches. The search tool accepts partial matches but may show extra names. Use quotation marks for exact name matches when the tool supports it.
Searching by ID Number
Some inmates have a BSO booking number. This number appears on arrest reports and court paperwork. Type the number into the search box for exact results. ID searches skip name spelling errors. They work well for lawyers and family members with documents in hand. The booking number stays the same for the full time the person is in custody.
Broward County Detention Facilities
BSO runs four main jail facilities in Broward County. Each site holds different inmate types. The system moves people between locations based on security level and legal status. Knowing the facility helps with visits, mail, and phone calls.
| Facility | Location | Security Level | Who Is Held There |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Jail | Fort Lauderdale | Maximum | New arrests, pretrial, high-risk |
| Joseph V. Conte Facility | Fort Lauderdale | Maximum | Maximum security, medical, mental health |
| Paul Rein Detention Facility | Pompano Beach | Minimum | Work release, short sentences |
| North Broward Bureau | Pompano Beach | Medium | General population, north county arrests |
Main Jail Facility
The Main Jail sits in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The address is 555 SE 1st Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. This is the central booking site for all county arrests. New arrestees go through processing here first. The Main Jail holds pretrial inmates and short-term sentences. The Main Jail also houses federal inmates waiting for transfer.
Joseph V. Conte Facility
The Joseph V. Conte Facility sits in Fort Lauderdale. It holds higher security inmates. The Conte Facility has maximum security cells. It also runs medical and mental health units. Inmates who need ongoing care stay at Conte. The facility has a full medical staff on site. Mental health evaluations happen at Conte after booking.
Paul Rein Detention Facility
The Paul Rein Detention Facility sits in Pompano Beach. It houses minimum security inmates. People here often work release or serve short sentences. The facility runs work programs and education classes. Inmates can earn time credits for good behavior. Paul Rein focuses on preparing people to rejoin the community.
North Broward Bureau
The North Broward Bureau is in Pompano Beach. It holds inmates from the north part of the county. The facility takes people arrested in cities like Deerfield Beach, Lighthouse Point, and Pompano Beach. It has general population and work release units. North Broward Bureau also holds people arrested in Coconut Creek and Margate.
Reading Booking and Charge Details
Booking records start when police bring someone to jail. Staff collect personal details. They take photos and fingerprints. They list each charge from the arrest report. The full record goes into the inmate database within hours. Booking takes 4 to 8 hours to finish at busy times.
How to Read Charge Details
Each charge shows a Florida statute number. The number points to a specific law. Common statutes cover theft, assault, drug possession, and DUI. The charge also shows a degree like felony or misdemeanor. Felonies carry sentences over one year. Misdemeanors carry sentences of one year or less. Bond amounts attach to each charge based on the crime type and past record.
Bond and Release Records
Bond records show money needed for release. A judge sets bond at a first court hearing. The bond amount depends on the charge severity. The amount also depends on the person’s past record. Some inmates get no bond for serious crimes. Paying the bond through a bondsman frees the person until trial. Release records show exact times when people leave jail. Court orders also trigger releases in some cases.
Pretrial vs Sentenced Status
Pretrial inmates have not been to trial yet. They sit in jail waiting for court dates. Sentenced inmates already had trials and got prison time of one year or less. People with longer sentences go to state prison, not county jail. The inmate record shows which status applies to each person. The record also shows the sentence length and end date for sentenced inmates.
Public Access Under Florida Law
Florida law makes inmate records public. Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes requires government agencies to share files. BSO follows this law by posting records online. Anyone can search without giving a reason. There are no fees for basic online searches.
Florida Public Records Act
The Florida Public Records Act passed in 1967. It says citizens have a right to see government records. Police reports, arrest logs, and inmate files all fall under the law. The act aims to keep government open and accountable. Anyone in the world can request these records, not just Florida residents. The law covers all counties, cities, and state agencies in Florida.
Public vs Private Details
Names, charges, bonds, and photos stay public. Medical records stay private. Social Security numbers stay hidden from public view. Juvenile records stay sealed by default. Some sealed cases still appear in the system without details. Witness names and victim details stay private in most cases. Home addresses of inmates and their families also stay private for safety.
| Record Type | Public View |
|---|---|
| Full name | Yes |
| Booking photo | Yes |
| Charges and statute numbers | Yes |
| Bond amount | Yes |
| Medical records | No |
| Social Security number | No |
| Juvenile records | No |
| Home address of family | No |
Requesting Additional Records
You can ask BSO for records not on the website. Submit a public records request by mail or email. The BSO Public Records Unit handles each request. Standard requests take 5 to 10 business days. Large requests may take longer based on scope. BSO may charge fees for copies or research time. The fee schedule is on the BSO website.
Contact Details for Broward County Jail
For direct help with inmate records, contact BSO. The phone line runs 24 hours a day, every day. The address below serves as the main jail and BSO headquarters. Office hours for in-person records requests are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The inmate phone line stays open all day and night for status checks.
- Phone: 954-831-5900
- Address: 555 SE 1st Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
- Website: www.sheriff.org
- Records Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Inmate Status Line: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Visiting Hours: Daily 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (by appointment)
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are common questions about Broward County inmate records. Each answer gives direct details you can use right away. These questions come from real search patterns and user needs. The answers reflect current BSO procedures and Florida public records law as of 2026.
How often does the BSO inmate database update?
The BSO inmate database updates every 2 to 4 hours. New bookings appear in the system after the booking process ends. Booking takes 4 to 8 hours from arrest. Some delays happen at busy times. Release records show within minutes of an inmate leaving the facility. The online search tool pulls from the live database. If you do not see someone right after arrest, wait a few hours and try again. Court actions also trigger updates. Bond payments and new charges add to the record throughout the day. The system runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with no downtime except for short maintenance windows.
Can I find out if someone was released from Broward County jail?
Yes, you can check release status through the BSO inmate search. Search the name after the expected release time. Released inmates drop off the active roster. The system shows the release date and time. For people who posted bond, the release record shows the bond amount and payment time. For people who finished their sentence, the record shows the sentence end date. BSO also releases inmates to other agencies like state prison or ICE. The record shows the transfer destination. Old release records may not appear in the online tool after a few weeks. Request older records through the BSO Public Records Unit for older release dates.
Are juvenile inmate records public in Broward County?
No, juvenile records stay sealed under Florida law. Chapter 985 of Florida Statutes protects juvenile files. Only parents, lawyers, and approved agencies can see these records. The BSO inmate search does not show juveniles. Juvenile arrests go to the Department of Juvenile Justice. That agency runs a separate system. Some juvenile cases transfer to adult court. Those cases may show up in the adult inmate search. The records still hide some details for minors even in adult court. Expunged juvenile records disappear from all systems. Sealed records need a court order to open.
What is the difference between county jail and state prison in Florida?
County jails hold people serving one year or less. State prisons hold people with sentences over one year. The Broward County jail system runs through BSO. The Florida Department of Corrections runs state prisons. Inmates move from county to state after sentencing. The transfer can take weeks or months. The state has its own inmate search at dc.myflorida.com. People on probation or parole stay out of both systems. Each system tracks inmates in different databases. Searches must match the right system to find the person. County searches miss state inmates. State searches miss county inmates.
How do I send money to a Broward County inmate?
You can send money through several methods. The BSO website has an online payment portal. You can use debit or credit cards. Payments post to the inmate account within 24 hours. You can also use kiosks at the jail lobby. Cash deposits work at the kiosks. Phone payments work through a service called GTL. The phone number is on the BSO website. Mail orders of money are not accepted for security reasons. Always use the inmate’s full name and booking number. Never send cash through the mail. Maximum deposit amounts may apply per transaction.
Can I visit an inmate at Broward County jail?
Yes, visits are allowed but follow strict rules. You must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list. The inmate adds visitors through a written request form. All visitors must be 18 or older, or with a parent. Photo ID is required at check-in for every visit. Visits happen by video or in person based on facility rules. Each visit lasts 30 to 60 minutes. Dress codes apply with no exceptions. No revealing clothes, no hats, no gang colors, no tank tops. Schedule visits through the BSO website or phone line. The phone number for visits is 954-831-5900. Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
What charges do not show up in the Broward County inmate search?
Sealed cases do not show in the public search. Expunged records disappear from all systems. Cases dismissed before booking do not appear in the inmate database. People who get a notice to appear instead of arrest do not enter the system. Juvenile charges stay hidden under state law. Federal charges go to a separate federal system at BOP.gov. Some witness protection cases hide details for safety. Active investigations may hide some charges from public view. The clerk of court has case files for sealed records. You need a court order to see most sealed files. Some civil commitments also stay out of the public search tool.