Miami City inmate records are public files that show who is in jail, why they were arrested, and where they are held right now. Anyone can look up a person booked into the Miami-Dade County jail system at no cost.
The records include booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and the facility where the person is housed. This page explains how the search works, what details you can see, and how to use the official Miami-Dade Corrections system to get accurate, up-to-date results.
How Miami’s Jail System Works
All people arrested within Miami city limits are booked into the Miami-Dade County jail system. The city does not run its own jail. Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation manages every detention center in the county. Once a person is arrested, they are brought to a central intake area. From there, they are placed in a holding facility based on their charges, health, and security level.
Who Runs Miami Inmate Records
The Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department (MDCR) keeps all inmate records for people arrested in Miami. This agency updates the public inmate search tool several times each day. New arrests appear within a few hours of booking. Released inmates stay on the system for a short time before being removed. MDCR is the only official source for current jail records in Miami.
Where Miami City Arrests Go
Most people arrested by the Miami Police Department go to the Pre-Trial Detention Center for booking. After processing, they may be moved to another facility. Some inmates stay at the main jail. Others go to Metro West Detention Center or Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. The online search shows the exact location of each inmate at any given time.
Types of Inmate Records Available
The public search covers people currently in custody. It also shows recent releases for a short window. Records include the inmate’s full name, booking number, date of birth, and physical details. You can see the arrest date, charges filed, bond amount, and next court date. The system does not show sealed records, juvenile records, or federal inmates.
Step-by-Step Miami Inmate Search Process
The Miami-Dade inmate search is free and open to the public. You do not need an account. The search works on phones, tablets, and computers. Results load within seconds. Follow the steps below to locate someone in the Miami jail system.
Searching by Name
Go to the official Miami-Dade inmate search page at miamidade.gov/Apps/mdcr/inmateSearch. Type the person’s last name in the first box. Add the first name or first initial in the second box. Click search. A list of matching inmates will appear. Click any name to see the full record. Make sure the date of birth matches the person you are looking for before calling the jail.
Searching by ID or Booking Number
If you have the booking number, you can search by that ID instead of a name. Booking numbers are issued at the time of arrest. They appear on arrest reports and court paperwork. Enter the number in the booking field on the search page. This pulls up one specific record and avoids name mix-ups.
Reading the Search Results
Each result page shows the inmate’s current status. You will see if they are still in custody or recently released. The record lists every charge with a case number. Bond amounts appear next to each charge or as a total. The housing location shows which facility holds the person. Court dates are listed when scheduled.
Miami Dade Detention Centers and Facilities
Miami-Dade operates several jails that hold people arrested in the city. Each facility has a different role. Some hold pre-trial inmates. Others house people serving county sentences. Knowing the facility helps you visit, send mail, or contact the right office.
Metro West Detention Center
Metro West Detention Center is one of the largest jails in Miami-Dade. It is located at 13850 NW 41st Street, Doral, FL 33178. The phone number is 305-548-5040. This facility holds both pre-trial inmates and people serving shorter county sentences. The Metro West inmate search shows everyone housed at this location through the same county system.
Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center
Turner Guilford Knight (TGK) is located at 7000 NW 41st Street, Miami, FL 33166. The phone number is 305-876-4300. This facility focuses on inmate rehabilitation and work programs. It holds both male and female inmates. The same online search tool covers this facility along with all other county jails.
Pre-Trial Detention Center
The Pre-Trial Detention Center is the main booking facility for Miami. It is located at 1321 NW 13th Street, Miami, FL 33125. The phone number is 305-545-3300. Most people arrested in Miami spend their first hours here. After classification, they may stay or transfer to another jail. The facility runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Information in a Miami Inmate Record
Each inmate record contains a set of public facts. The level of detail depends on the charge and the stage of the case. Some information updates in real time. Other fields only change after court action. Below are the main sections of a typical Miami-Dade inmate record.
Personal Details
The personal section shows the inmate’s full legal name. It lists known aliases used in past arrests. Date of birth, race, sex, and height are included. A booking photo is also posted. This photo is taken at intake and is not the same as a mugshot from a past arrest. The photo is updated with each new booking.
Charges and Court Info
The charges section lists every offense the inmate is being held for. Each charge has a statute number, a short description, and a level (misdemeanor or felony). The court case number links to the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts. Court dates appear once a judge sets a hearing. Bond conditions are also listed, such as no-contact orders or travel limits.
Bond Amounts and Release Dates
Bond information is set by a judge during a first appearance. The total bond is the sum of bonds for all charges. Some inmates have no bond, often for serious charges like murder or certain violent crimes. If the record shows a release date, the person was released on their own recognizance or posted bond. The system removes release info after a short time.
Visiting Inmates in Miami
Visits are allowed at all Miami-Dade jails but require advance approval. Inmates must add visitors to their approved list. The list is set during intake or by filling out a form later. Once approved, you can book visits online or by phone. The county offers both in-person and video visits.
Visitor Approval Rules
Inmates can add up to 10 approved visitors. Each visitor must be at least 18 years old, unless they are the inmate’s own child. Visitors need a valid photo ID. People with felony convictions in the past year are not approved. Current inmates cannot be on another inmate’s visitor list. All visitors must pass a background check before the first visit.
Video and In-Person Visits
Video visits cost money and are done through an approved vendor. You can visit from home using a phone or computer. Each session lasts 20 to 30 minutes. In-person visits are free but require you to go to the jail. You must arrive 30 minutes early. All visitors go through a metal detector and a pat-down search.
Sending Money to Inmates
Inmates need money for phone calls, commissary, and email. The only safe way to send money is through the official vendor at miamidade.gov/corrections. You can deposit online, by phone, or at a lobby kiosk. Cash through the mail is not allowed and will be returned or seized. Bring a debit card if you use a kiosk.
State Prison vs County Jail
There is a clear line between county jails and state prisons. Miami-Dade jails only hold people waiting for trial or serving short county sentences. The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) handles people convicted of state crimes with sentences over one year. The two systems use different databases.
Florida Department of Corrections Search
To look up someone in state prison, use the FDC offender search at pubapps.fdc.myflorida.com. This tool covers all state prisons in Florida. It shows inmates who were convicted in Miami courts but moved to a state facility. Records include sentence length, release date, and prison location. FDC updates the database each day.
When Inmates Move to State Custody
A person moves from county jail to state prison after sentencing. The transfer usually happens within 30 to 90 days of conviction. Once they are in FDC custody, they no longer appear in the Miami-Dade search. The state database will show their new location. You can track transfers through the FDC website or by calling the state office.
Legal Help and Public Records
People in Miami-Dade jails have a right to legal help. The Public Defender’s Office serves those who cannot afford a lawyer. Private attorneys also handle Miami criminal cases. For records not on the inmate search, you can request documents from the Clerk of Courts or the Miami Police Department.
Public Defender’s Office
The Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office is at 1320 NW 14th Street, Miami, FL 33125. The main phone number is 305-545-1958. This office handles felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile cases. You must qualify based on income. The first court date is usually when a public defender is assigned.
Getting Arrest Reports
Arrest reports are separate from inmate records. They are kept by the Miami Police Department. Go to the records window at 400 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33128, or call 305-603-6640. A small fee applies. Reports can take several days to process. They are useful for insurance, court, or background check purposes.
Contact and Location Details
The main hub for Miami inmate records is the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department. The address is 2525 NW 62nd Street, Miami, FL 33147. The main phone line is 786-263-7000. The office is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for public questions about inmates. The official inmate search website is https://www.miamidade.gov/Apps/mdcr/inmateSearch/
Common Questions About Miami Inmate Records
People often have similar questions about how the Miami jail system works. The answers below cover the most common calls and emails sent to the corrections office. Each answer is based on current public policy and practice. If your question is not covered here, call the main MDCR line for help.
How Often Does the Inmate Search Update?
The Miami-Dade inmate search updates every few hours. New bookings appear within 2 to 6 hours of arrest. Release information stays in the system for about 72 hours. After that, the record is removed from public view. If you cannot find someone, they may have been released or transferred. Try again later or call the jail directly.
Can I Search for Federal Inmates in Miami?
No. The Miami-Dade system only holds people charged with state or local crimes. Federal inmates are held at the Federal Detention Center in Miami. To search for federal inmates, use the Bureau of Prisons website at bop.gov. Federal records include a different set of fields and use a separate ID number called a Register Number.
What If I Cannot Find the Person I Am Looking For?
There are a few reasons a person may not show up. They may have been released already. They may have been transferred to state prison or a federal facility. They may also be held in a different county. Check the spelling of the name. Try a partial search using just the last name. If still no results, call 786-263-7000 for help.
Are Juvenile Records Available Online?
No. Juvenile records are not part of the public inmate search. They are sealed by Florida law. Only parents, legal guardians, lawyers, and court officers can access juvenile records. If you need to find a minor, contact the Department of Juvenile Justice or the local court. Online searches will not return results for anyone under 18.
How Do I Find Court Dates for a Miami Inmate?
Court dates are listed on the inmate record when available. You can also use the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts online portal at miamidadeclerk.gov. Enter the inmate’s name or case number to see the full court schedule. Some hearings are held by video. Others require the inmate to appear in person at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building.
Is the Search Really Free?
Yes. The Miami-Dade inmate search is free for all users. You do not need a credit card, account, or login. The county funds the system as a public service. Be careful of private websites that charge for the same data. They often pull from the same official source but add fees and ads. Always use the official miamidade.gov site for accurate records.
Can I Email or Text an Inmate Directly?
Most Miami-Dade facilities offer electronic messaging through a paid vendor. Inmates can receive and send emails through the jail tablet system. You cannot use personal email or text. All messages are screened for security. Inmates must pay to open messages on their end. The cost is set by the vendor, not the county.