Leon County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Leon County?
Inmate records in Leon County are official government documents maintained by correctional facilities and the Leon County Sheriff's Office that document individuals in custody within the county's detention facilities. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of information pertaining to persons who have been arrested, booked, and detained in Leon County correctional facilities. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.071, these records are categorized as criminal justice information.
Inmate records differ substantially from court records. While court records, maintained by the Leon County Clerk of Courts, document legal proceedings, charges, and case dispositions, inmate records specifically track an individual's custody status and institutional history. The creation of an inmate record begins at the booking and intake process, where demographic information, photographs, fingerprints, and initial charge information are collected and documented.
Throughout an individual's period of incarceration, these records are continuously updated to reflect housing assignments, disciplinary actions, visitation logs, commissary transactions, and other relevant custody information. Upon release, the inmate record is completed with discharge information but remains maintained according to Florida's records retention schedules as outlined in Florida Administrative Code 1B-24.003.
The Leon County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Florida Statutes § 951.23, which establishes standards for county and municipal detention facilities, including record-keeping requirements.
Are Inmate Records Public In Leon County?
Inmate records in Leon County are generally considered public records under Florida's Public Records Law, commonly known as the "Sunshine Law," codified in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This law establishes a presumption of openness for government records, including those pertaining to inmates in county detention facilities.
However, certain components of inmate records may be exempt from public disclosure. According to Florida Statutes § 119.071(2)(h), specific criminal intelligence and investigative information is exempt from public records requests. Additionally, Florida Statutes § 119.071(5)(a) exempts social security numbers and other personal identifying information from public disclosure.
Information typically available to the public includes:
- Current inmate roster and custody status
- Booking and arrest records
- Charges filed
- Mugshots (booking photographs)
- Bond/bail amounts
- Expected release dates
- Current housing facility
The Leon County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search portal that provides public access to much of this information. Members of the public seeking more comprehensive inmate records may submit formal public records requests to the Sheriff's Office Records Division.
What's Included Inmate Records in Leon County
Inmate records in Leon County contain comprehensive information organized into several categories:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints and other biometric data
- Assigned inmate identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking/intake
- Arresting agency
- Custody classification
- Housing assignment history
- Disciplinary records
- Visitation logs
- Commissary account information
- Medical screening information (with restricted access)
Charge Information:
- Current charges (felony/misdemeanor designation)
- Warrant information
- Case numbers
- Arresting agency
- Arrest report details
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (surety, cash, etc.)
- Bond amount
- Bond status (posted, denied, etc.)
- Conditions of release, if applicable
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court case numbers
- Attorney information
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Conviction details
- Sentence length and terms
- Credit for time served
- Probation/parole eligibility dates
- Good time/gain time calculations
Release Information:
- Projected release date
- Actual release date (when applicable)
- Type of release (time served, bond, transfer, etc.)
- Post-release supervision requirements
The Leon County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in compliance with Florida Administrative Code 33-601.901, which establishes standards for inmate records management.
Leon County Prison System
The Leon County correctional system operates under a bifurcated structure that distinguishes between county detention facilities and state prison facilities. The Leon County Detention Facility, operated by the Leon County Sheriff's Office, serves as the primary local incarceration facility for individuals awaiting trial, serving sentences of less than one year, or awaiting transfer to state prison facilities.
County detention facilities primarily house:
- Pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings
- Individuals serving misdemeanor sentences (typically up to one year)
- Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Probation/parole violators
- Individuals held on behalf of other jurisdictions
The Florida Department of Corrections, rather than Leon County, operates state prison facilities that house individuals convicted of felonies and sentenced to more than one year of incarceration. Inmates initially processed through the Leon County system who receive longer sentences are transferred to the state prison system after sentencing.
The Leon County Detention Facility operates under the authority of the Sheriff and in accordance with standards established by the Florida Model Jail Standards and Florida Statutes § 951.
Leon County Sheriff's Office
2825 Municipal Way
Tallahassee, FL 32304
(850) 606-3300
Leon County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Leon County
Leon County maintains several types of correctional facilities to accommodate various inmate populations and security needs:
Leon County Detention Facility (Main Jail)
535 Appleyard Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32304
(850) 606-3500
Leon County Detention Facility
This is the primary detention facility in Leon County, housing both male and female inmates across various security classifications. The facility provides intake, booking, and processing services for all arrests in Leon County. It maintains separate housing units for pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates, with additional specialized housing for inmates requiring protective custody, administrative segregation, or disciplinary confinement.
Leon County Work Release Center
3301 Thomasville Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
(850) 606-3700
Leon County Work Release Program
This minimum-security facility houses qualified inmates who are permitted to maintain employment in the community while serving their sentences. Participants return to the facility when not working and must adhere to strict guidelines regarding conduct and schedules. The program aims to reduce recidivism by allowing inmates to maintain employment, support dependents, and develop positive work habits.
Leon County Juvenile Detention Center
2303 Ronellis Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32310
(850) 488-6350
Florida Department of Juvenile Justice
This facility, operated by the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice rather than Leon County, houses juvenile offenders awaiting adjudication or placement in longer-term juvenile justice programs. The facility provides secure detention for youth who present a risk to public safety or may fail to appear for court proceedings.
Federal Detention Center (Contract Facility)
The Leon County Detention Facility maintains a contract with the U.S. Marshals Service to house federal detainees awaiting trial or transfer to federal prison facilities. These inmates are housed separately from the general population and are subject to federal detention standards.
Who's in Prison In Leon County
The Leon County detention facilities house a diverse inmate population that generally falls into the following categories:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
- Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
- Persons awaiting arraignment, trial, or other court proceedings
Sentenced Misdemeanants:
- Individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences of less than one year
- Persons serving consecutive misdemeanor sentences that cumulatively do not exceed one year
- Weekend or intermittent sentence servers (e.g., those serving time only on weekends)
Short-term Felony Offenders:
- Individuals convicted of certain felonies with sentences structured to be served in county facilities
- Those serving the county jail portion of a split sentence before transitioning to probation
Probation/Parole Violators:
- Individuals who have violated terms of community supervision
- Those awaiting revocation hearings or new court dates
- Persons serving sanctions for technical violations
Transitional Inmates:
- Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities after sentencing
- Those awaiting transfer to specialized treatment programs
- Inmates being temporarily housed during court proceedings
Special Population Inmates:
- Individuals in protective custody due to safety concerns
- Those requiring specialized medical or mental health housing
- Inmates participating in work release or other alternative custody programs
According to data from the Florida Department of Corrections, the demographic composition of Leon County's incarcerated population generally reflects statewide trends, with disproportionate representation of minority populations and individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Leon County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Leon County may utilize several methods to access this information:
Online Inmate Search Portal:
- Visit the Leon County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" or "Detention Facility" section
- Enter the required search criteria (name, booking number, or date of birth)
- Review the results, which typically include booking photo, charges, and custody status
- Print or save search results as needed
In-Person Records Request:
- Visit the Leon County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours
- Complete a public records request form, specifying the inmate information sought
- Provide proper identification
- Pay applicable fees for document reproduction (currently $0.15 per single-sided page)
- Receive requested records or await notification when records are ready
Written Records Request:
- Prepare a written request specifying the inmate information sought
- Include requestor's contact information
- Mail, fax, or email the request to:
Leon County Sheriff's Office Records Division
2825 Municipal Way
Tallahassee, FL 32304
(850) 606-3300
Public Records Request
- Await response (Florida law requires agencies to acknowledge requests promptly)
- Arrange payment of applicable fees and delivery method
Florida Department of Corrections Database: For inmates who have been transferred to state prison facilities:
- Visit the Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search website
- Enter inmate name or DC number
- Review custody status, location, and sentence information
- Access additional information about sentence structure and release dates
All records requests are processed in accordance with Florida Statutes § 119.07, which establishes procedures for public records access. Certain information may be redacted pursuant to applicable exemptions under Florida law.
How To Find an Inmate in Leon County for Free?
Leon County provides several no-cost methods for locating inmates currently in custody:
Leon County Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Search:
- Access the Leon County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Detention" or "Inmate Search" section
- Enter the inmate's name (last name, first name) or booking number
- Review search results showing current inmates
- Access basic information including charges, booking date, and custody status
Telephone Inquiry:
- Call the Leon County Detention Facility at (850) 606-3500
- Provide the inmate's full name and date of birth if available
- Request current custody status and basic information
- Note that detailed information may require a formal records request
Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search: For inmates who may have been transferred to state custody:
- Visit the Florida Department of Corrections Offender Information Search
- Enter the inmate's name or DC number
- Review results showing current location and custody status
- Access additional information about sentence and expected release date
VINELink Notification System:
- Access the VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) system
- Select Florida as the state
- Enter the inmate's name
- Review custody status and location information
- Optionally register for notifications regarding changes in custody status
These resources provide real-time or near-real-time information about an inmate's custody status at no cost to the requester. The information available through these free services is limited to basic custody and location details, with more comprehensive records requiring a formal public records request.
How To Visit an Inmate In Leon County
The Leon County Detention Facility maintains specific protocols for inmate visitation to ensure security while facilitating important family and community connections:
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must pre-register at least 24 hours before the intended visit
- Registration can be completed online through the Leon County Sheriff's Office Inmate Visitation Portal or in person
- Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
- Minors must be accompanied by an approved adult visitor
- All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
Visit Schedule:
- Visitation hours are scheduled according to housing unit assignment
- General population visitation occurs Wednesday through Sunday
- Special housing units have designated visitation days
- Each inmate is permitted two 30-minute visits per week
- The current schedule is available on the Leon County Sheriff's Office website
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Visitor registration confirmation
- Locker key deposit (quarters for facility lockers)
- Medical necessities with prior approval (medications, medical devices)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons of any kind
- Tobacco products, including e-cigarettes
- Cell phones or electronic devices
- Cameras or recording equipment
- Food or beverages
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Cash exceeding $20
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire required
- No revealing clothing (shorts above mid-thigh, tank tops, low-cut tops)
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No uniforms resembling law enforcement or corrections attire
- Shoes required (no flip-flops)
Visit Types:
- On-site video visitation (primary method)
- Remote video visitation (fee-based service)
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.)
- Contact visits (special circumstances with prior approval)
Visit Restrictions:
- Persons with active warrants may be subject to arrest
- Former inmates must wait 60 days after release before visiting
- Visitors under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
- Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination
- Violation of rules may result in visitation privileges being suspended
All visitation procedures comply with Florida Model Jail Standards and Florida Administrative Code 33-601.722, which establish minimum standards for inmate visitation.
How To Send Money to a Leon County Inmate
Leon County provides several methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account:
Online Deposits:
- Visit the Access Corrections website
- Create an account or log in
- Select "Leon County Detention Facility" as the facility
- Enter the inmate's name and ID number
- Specify deposit amount
- Complete payment using credit/debit card or electronic check
- Save confirmation receipt
Lobby Kiosk:
- Visit the Leon County Detention Facility lobby during business hours
- Locate the automated payment kiosk
- Follow on-screen instructions to identify the inmate
- Insert cash or credit/debit card
- Obtain receipt confirming transaction
Phone Deposits:
- Call Access Corrections at 1-866-345-1884
- Provide inmate information and facility details
- Specify deposit amount
- Complete payment using credit/debit card
- Record confirmation number
Mail Money Orders:
- Purchase money order payable to "Leon County Inmate Trust Fund"
- Write inmate's full name and ID number on money order
- Do not send cash, personal checks, or letters with money orders
- Mail to:
Leon County Detention Facility
Inmate Accounts
535 Appleyard Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32304
Amount Limits and Fees:
- Minimum deposit: $1.00
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Weekly deposit limit: $500.00 per inmate
- Online/phone transaction fee: $3.50 for deposits up to $50.00
- Online/phone transaction fee: $5.00 for deposits $50.01-$100.00
- Online/phone transaction fee: $7.95 for deposits $100.01-$300.00
- Lobby kiosk fee: $3.00 per transaction
- No fee for money orders sent by mail
Prohibited Items:
- Cash sent through mail
- Personal checks
- Third-party checks
- Cashier's checks
- Traveler's checks
Authorized Fund Uses: Inmates may use commissary funds for:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, clothing)
- Phone calls
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts
- Remote video visitation fees
- Release funds
Unauthorized Fund Uses: Inmates may not use commissary funds for:
- Bond payments
- Fine or court fee payments
- Transfers to other inmates
- Outside purchases
- Contraband items
All financial transactions are processed in accordance with Florida Administrative Code 33-203.201, which establishes standards for inmate trust fund operations.
How To Send Jail Mail In Leon County
The Leon County Detention Facility maintains specific procedures for sending mail to inmates:
Regular Mail Guidelines:
- Address envelopes clearly with inmate's full name, ID number, and facility address:
[Inmate Full Name, ID Number]
Leon County Detention Facility
535 Appleyard Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32304
- Include complete return address with sender's full name
- Send only letters on plain white, lined, or unlined paper
- Use standard white envelopes (#10 business or 6"x9" maximum)
- All mail is opened, inspected, and screened before delivery to inmates
Permitted Items:
- Letters (maximum 5 pages per envelope)
- Photographs (maximum 5 per envelope, 4"x6" or smaller, no Polaroids)
- Money orders (following financial deposit procedures)
- Legal documents (marked as "Legal Mail")
- Religious materials (subject to security review)
- Greeting cards (plain paper only, no musical or electronic components)
Prohibited Items:
- Packages or padded envelopes
- Colored paper or envelopes
- Cardstock or construction paper
- Plastic, metal, or wooden items
- Stickers, labels, or tape
- Perfumed or scented items
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- Cash or personal checks
- Stamps or envelopes
- Pornographic or sexually explicit materials
- Gang-related content
- Coded messages
Legal Mail:
- Mark envelope clearly as "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
- Include attorney bar number and return address
- Legal mail is opened in the inmate's presence
- Contents are inspected for contraband but not read by staff
Publications and Books:
- Books must be sent directly from publisher or approved vendor
- Soft-cover books only (no hardcover)
- Maximum of 3 books per mailing
- Subject to content review for security concerns
- Publications containing prohibited content will be rejected
E-Messages (if available):
- Create account on approved vendor platform
- Purchase message credits
- Compose message (subject to character limits)
- Messages are screened before delivery
- Fees apply for each message sent
All mail procedures comply with Florida Model Jail Standards and Florida Administrative Code 33-210.101, which establish guidelines for inmate correspondence. The facility reserves the right to reject any mail that violates these guidelines or presents security concerns.