Miami Beach city inmate records show who is in jail after an arrest in Miami Beach, Florida. The city of Miami Beach does not run its own jail.
Miami Beach police send every arrest to Miami-Dade County for booking and holding. So the same county database covers every inmate from Miami Beach. This page shows you how to search those records, what each record contains, and how to act on the results.
Miami Beach Jail System and Custody Operations
The Miami Beach Police Department makes arrests inside city limits. After an arrest, officers take the person to a Miami-Dade County facility. The county handles booking, holding, and release. This setup has been in place for many years. It applies to every city in Miami-Dade County.
Why Miami Beach Has No City Jail
Miami Beach is a small city by land area. Running a full jail costs a lot of money. Building one would need voter approval and a large budget. So the city chose to use the county jail system. This keeps costs low and gives inmates access to county-level services. Anyone arrested in Miami Beach follows the same booking path as someone arrested in Kendall or Hialeah.
Miami-Dade Corrections Department Role
The Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department (MDCR) runs all county jails. MDCR also runs inmate programs, medical care, and release planning. The department answers to the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners. The main office sits at 2525 NW 62nd Street, Miami, FL 33147. The main phone line is 786-263-7000. MDCR updates the online inmate database several times a day. New bookings and releases appear within hours of each event.
How to Search Miami Beach City Inmate Records Online
The fastest way to search Miami Beach city inmate records is the county online tool. The tool is free and open to the public. You do not need an account or login. You can search from a phone, tablet, or computer. Results show current inmates and people recently released.
Steps to Use the County Database
The search process is short. Most people finish it in under two minutes. Each step below leads to the next screen on the county website.
- Open the Miami-Dade inmate search page at miamidade.gov/Apps/mdcr/inmateSearch/
- Type the last name in the first box
- Type the first name in the second box. A first initial works if you do not know the full first name
- Press the Search button
- Look at the list of matches. Each row shows the name, booking number, booking date, and charges
- Click a name to see full details, including bond amount and holding facility
Search by Name or Booking Number
A name search works for most people. The system returns all inmates with matching names. If many people share the same name, narrow the search. Add a date of birth if you know it. A booking number search returns one exact record. The booking number appears on jail paperwork, court papers, and bail bond receipts. Call the jail at 786-263-7000 if you need help with a search. Staff can look up records over the phone during business hours.
Details Shown in Search Results
Each result page shows the following fields for every inmate:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Booking number and booking date
- Race, sex, age, and height
- Housing facility name
- Current charges with statute numbers
- Bond amount for each charge
- Next court date and court location
- Projected release date if bond is posted
Miami Beach Police Reports vs Jail Records
Police reports and jail records are two different documents. Both are public, but they show different facts. Many people mix them up. Knowing the difference saves time and avoids wrong calls to the wrong office.
Differences Between Records Types
A police report explains what happened at the scene. It lists the officer, witnesses, and evidence. The report comes from the Miami Beach Police Department. An inmate record shows custody status. It lists the charge, bond, and holding location. The inmate record comes from MDCR. Use the police report for accident details, theft reports, or case background. Use the inmate record to see if someone is in jail right now.
How to Request a Police Report
The Miami Beach Police Department records unit handles report requests. The department sits at 1100 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139. The main number is 305-673-7900. Reports cost a small fee per page. Online requests go through the city’s public records portal. Reports usually take 5 to 10 business days to process. Crash reports and arrest reports are the most requested documents.
Detention Facilities Housing Miami Beach Inmates
Miami Beach inmates may sit at one of several county facilities. The county uses a classification system to place each new arrest. Placement depends on charge type, criminal history, behavior, and space available. Most inmates move at least once during their stay.
Main Jail Facility Location
The Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (TGK) is the main booking site. The address is 7000 NW 41st Street, Miami, FL 33166. TGK handles intake for the whole county. New arrestees from Miami Beach go through TGK for fingerprints, photos, and medical screening. After booking, MDCR may move the inmate to another site for housing. The main MDCR office at 2525 NW 62nd Street, Miami, FL 33147 is the central admin hub.
Satellite Facilities in the System
MDCR runs several satellite jails. Each one holds a different security level. The main sites are:
- TGK Main Jail – High security, all new bookings
- Metro West Detention Center – Medium and minimum security
- Pre-Trial Detention Center – Inmates waiting for trial
- Krome North Service Center – Federal inmates and transfers
The online inmate search shows the exact site for each person. Housing can change daily based on population counts and security reviews.
How Inmates Get Classified
MDCR uses a point system for classification. Points come from charge type, past convictions, gang ties, escape risk, and mental health flags. Higher points mean higher security placement. Classification review happens at booking, after 30 days, and before release. A first-time DUI arrest in Miami Beach usually lands at Metro West. A violent felony charge usually lands at TGK. Medical needs can change placement at any time.
Visitation Rules for Miami Beach Inmates
Visits must be scheduled. Walk-in visits are not allowed. The inmate must add each visitor to an approved list first. Once approved, the visitor can book a time slot online or by phone. Visit rules are strict for safety reasons.
Video Visits vs In-Person Visits
MDCR runs both visit types. Video visits happen through a vendor platform on a phone or computer. A 20-minute video visit costs around $5 to $10. The vendor charges the visitor, not the inmate. In-person visits happen at the facility. Both types follow the same dress code and ID rules. Children under 18 must sit with a parent or legal guardian during the visit. Loud or disruptive behavior ends the visit right away.
Visitor Approval and ID Rules
Every visitor must pass a background check. People with active warrants or felony convictions in the past five years are usually denied. Bring a valid photo ID. The name on the ID must match the approved list. Lockers at the facility hold phones, wallets, and keys. Tobacco, drugs, and weapons are banned. Visitors who break rules can lose visit rights for life.
Visiting Hours and Schedule
Visit hours run seven days a week. Morning, afternoon, and evening slots are open. Each visit lasts 20 to 30 minutes. Housing unit and security level affect the schedule. Check the MDCR website for the current calendar. Book your slot at least 24 hours ahead. Same-day slots are rare and fill up fast on weekends and holidays.
Money, Mail, and Phone Access for Inmates
Inmates need money for commissary, phone calls, and email. Money goes into a trust account. Family and friends add funds through approved vendors only. Mailing cash to the jail is not allowed and can lead to criminal charges.
How to Add Money to an Account
MDCR uses a vendor called Access Corrections for deposits. Go to accesscorrections.com or call 866-345-1884. You need the inmate’s full name and booking number. Online deposits post within one to two hours. Kiosk deposits at the jail lobby also work. Bring cash or a debit card to the kiosk. Each deposit carries a small fee. The fee depends on the amount sent and the payment method.
Mail Format and Prohibited Items
All mail goes through inspection. Use the format below for letters:
- Inmate’s full name
- Booking number
- Housing facility name
- Facility street address
- City, state, ZIP
Photos are allowed but cannot show nudity, gang signs, or weapons. Stickers, glue, tape, and layered paper are banned. Packages from outside vendors are not accepted. Books and magazines must come from a publisher or approved vendor shipped directly.
Phone Calls and Account Setup
Inmates use prepaid phone accounts. The current vendor is Global Tel*Link (GTL). Family members set up accounts at connectnetwork.com. The system allows collect calls and prepaid calls. Call rates are capped by the Florida Public Service Commission. Video messaging is also available through GTL. The service costs less than voice calls in some cases. Account balances roll over between calls.
Bond, Bail, and Court Process
Bond lets a defendant leave jail before trial. The court sets the bond at a first appearance hearing. The hearing happens within 24 hours of arrest. Bond decisions follow the Florida Criminal Procedure Rules. Most low-level charges get a preset bond from the county schedule.
How Bond Amounts Get Set
Judges look at the charge, criminal history, and flight risk. Miami-Dade uses a bond schedule for common charges. Felony charges often need a judge decision. Bond can be denied for certain offenses like murder, sexual battery, or trafficking. Repeat felony offenders also face no bond under Florida law. The only release path for a no-bond case is a bond reduction hearing in front of a circuit court judge. A lawyer must file the request.
Working With a Bondsman
A licensed bondsman posts the full bond for a fee. The fee is set by Florida law at 10 percent for most charges. A $5,000 bond costs $500 to use a bondsman. The fee is nonrefundable. Some bondsmen offer payment plans. Make sure the bondsman holds a Florida license. Check the license at the Florida Department of Financial Services website. Avoid any company that asks for full bond payment up front or refuses to show a license number.
Public Defender and Legal Aid
People who cannot afford a lawyer can apply for a public defender. The Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office sits at 1320 NW 14th Street, Miami, FL 33125. The main number is 305-545-1958. Apply within 24 hours of booking for the best chance at quick help. Legal Services of Greater Miami handles civil cases for low-income residents. The number is 305-576-0080. Both offices offer free help for those who qualify based on income.
Public Records Laws and Record Limits
Florida has strong public records laws. The Florida Public Records Act (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) covers most government data. Jail records fall under this law. Most records are open for public view. A few limits exist for safety and privacy reasons.
Florida Public Records Act and Jail Records
Anyone can request jail records under Chapter 119. The agency must release them within a reasonable time. Fees cover copying and staff time. MDCR releases booking photos, charges, and bond amounts by default. Some agencies withhold inmate medical data, juvenile records, and sealed case files. A written request is the safest way to file. Email or hand-deliver the request to the MDCR records office for a clear paper trail.
Sealed or Expunged Records
A court can seal or expunge a record after a case ends. A sealed record is hidden from public search. An expunged record is destroyed. Florida law sets strict rules for both. Eligibility depends on the charge, outcome, and prior record. Most sealing requests need a lawyer and a court filing fee. After sealing, the online inmate search will not show the record. The record still exists for law enforcement use only.
Contact Details and Official Resources
Use the contacts below for fast help. Each office handles a different part of the process. Save the main numbers in your phone for quick access during an emergency.
| Office | Address | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade Corrections (MDCR) | 2525 NW 62nd Street, Miami, FL 33147 | 786-263-7000 | miamidade.gov/corrections |
| Turner Guilford Knight Jail | 7000 NW 41st Street, Miami, FL 33166 | 786-263-7100 | miamidade.gov/corrections |
| Miami Beach Police Department | 1100 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 305-673-7900 | mbmiamibeachfl.gov/police |
| Miami-Dade Public Defender | 1320 NW 14th Street, Miami, FL 33125 | 305-545-1958 | miamidade.gov/publicdefender |
| Florida Department of Corrections | 501 S Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399 | 850-488-5021 | fdc.myflorida.com |
Use the map below to find the main MDCR office in Miami. The office sits near Miami International Airport, off NW 62nd Street and NW 25th Avenue.
Official website: miamidade.gov/corrections
Main phone line: 786-263-7000
Common Questions About Miami Beach Inmate Records
This section answers questions people ask most often about Miami Beach inmate records. Each answer gives clear facts based on Florida law and MDCR policy. Use these answers as a quick reference for common situations. If your question needs a lawyer, contact the Public Defender’s Office right away for the right legal advice.
How long does an arrest record stay in the Miami-Dade search?
An arrest record stays in the search until the case closes and any sentence ends. Misdemeanor cases drop off faster than felony cases. A dismissed case drops off within days of the court order. A case that ends in a guilty plea stays for the sentence period plus any probation. After probation ends, the person can ask the court to seal or expunge the record. Until a court order removes it, the record stays in the database. The same rule applies to all Miami-Dade cities, not just Miami Beach.
Can I check if someone was arrested in Miami Beach yesterday?
Yes. The Miami-Dade search updates several times each day. New bookings show up within hours of arrival at TGK. If the search returns no match, the arrest has not been entered yet. Wait a few hours and try again. You can also call MDCR at 786-263-7000 for a manual check. Have the person’s full name and date of birth ready for faster service. Police arrest logs also post within hours on the Miami Beach PD website for major incidents.
What does a Miami Beach arrest without bond mean?
No bond means the court decided the person cannot be released before trial. The decision happens at the first appearance hearing. Common reasons for no bond include murder, sexual battery, child abuse, and major drug trafficking. Repeat felony offenders also face no bond under Florida law. The only release path for a no-bond case is a bond reduction hearing in front of a circuit court judge. A lawyer must file the request and present new facts or legal grounds for the request.
Are juvenile arrest records from Miami Beach public?
No. Juvenile records are confidential under Florida law. Chapter 985, Florida Statutes, protects most juvenile data. Parents or legal guardians can ask about their child’s case. The public cannot run a name search for minors. Sealed juvenile records do not show up in the MDCR database at all. Adult records of juveniles tried as adults follow the adult record rules. The Department of Juvenile Justice handles all Miami-Dade juvenile cases.
How do I find someone in state prison from a Miami Beach case?
Use the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) offender search. The site is pubapps.fdc.myflorida.com/OffenderSearch. Search by name or DC number. The FDC database shows prison location, sentence length, and projected release. State prison records stay public after release. Some records drop off after a set time based on the charge and outcome. Both FDC and MDCR records can be open at the same time for different cases. State prison records do not appear in the MDCR search.
Can I remove my booking photo from the Miami-Dade online search?
Only a court order can remove a booking photo from public search. The MDCR does not delete photos on request. If your case was dismissed, you can file a motion to seal or expunge. After the court grants the order, the record leaves the public search. Some third-party sites copy public booking photos. Those sites have their own removal rules. You must contact each site directly for those removals. The process can take 30 to 90 days for each site to act.
What happens if someone is arrested in Miami Beach but lives in another county?
The person goes to the Miami-Dade jail system regardless of home address. The court case stays in Miami-Dade County. The inmate cannot transfer to a closer jail without a court order. A judge can order a transfer for medical or security reasons only. Bond and court dates follow Miami-Dade schedules. Family visits still happen at Miami-Dade facilities. Phone calls and mail use the same MDCR system. The home county does not get involved until release or transfer to state prison.