Alachua County Inmate Search
Prepare Before You Search: Details That Improve Results
Navigate From the Inmate Lookup to Services That Matter Most
Plan an In-Person or Remote Visit Without Delays
Call and Correspond With Someone in Custody the Right Way
Send Money or Care Packages Safely and Correctly
Understand Bonds, Purges, and Releases in Alachua County
Learn How the Alachua County Jail Is Organized
Get Answers From the Right ACSO Office
Practical FAQs for Alachua County Florida Inmate Search
Departments and Offices for Alachua County Inmate Search (Addresses and Phones)
If you need to check whether someone is currently held at the Alachua County Jail, this guide walks you through the official tools and procedures. It explains where to conduct an Alachua County Florida Inmate Search, how to read results, and what to know about visitation, mail, phone calls, money deposits, and release and bond processes—all drawn from official Sheriff’s Office resources. You’ll also find key telephone numbers and addresses for the departments that manage these services.
Understand the Official Alachua County Inmate Lookup System
Alachua County’s inmate information is maintained by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) Department of the Jail. Searching is a two-step path: first, you access the Sheriff’s Office page that describes the service, and from there you open the secure lookup portal that displays current custody data.
Begin at the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office inmate search page, which explains how the system works and provides a direct link to the search tool: Inmate Search – Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
Launch the custody roster via the official Alachua County Inmate Lookup: ASO Inmate Lookup.
Use Name or Booking Number—And Know That Partial Entries Are Allowed
The lookup accepts:
Last name and/or first name, or
Booking number, if known.
The system allows incomplete entries and is not case sensitive. If you don’t have the exact spelling, entering part of a name (for example, just the first few letters of a last name) will return matching results, which you can then narrow using more information. If your search returns many records, add a first name or a booking number to refine the list.
What You’ll Typically See in Search Results
While page layouts can change, inmate lists generally provide:
Name and booking details
Current housing or custody status
Associated identifiers used by ACSO
Links or panels to view more details (such as charges or booking history)
Remember that the database reflects current jail status. If you’re researching past bookings or need certified records, the Sheriff’s Office links to the appropriate channels for official requests (see Request Public Records below).
View the Entire Jail Roster (With a Time Trade-Off)
The lookup portal includes an option to view all current inmates. Because this loads the full roster, it may take additional time to display. If you’re browsing from a mobile device or on a slow connection, it can be more efficient to search by last name or booking number first and expand only if needed.
Prepare Before You Search: Details That Improve Results
A little preparation will streamline your search and help you interpret the listing:
Exact or near-exact name spelling: Since partial entries are allowed, even a close spelling should surface candidates you can verify.
Birth year or age range: While not required, knowing an approximate age helps you distinguish between multiple people with similar names.
Booking number (if provided by a court or attorney): This identifier quickly isolates a record.
Context about the event: Recent arrest versus warrant surrender, probation matter, or transfer—all may affect when a record appears and what you see.
Timing expectations: Recent bookings may take time to display; the roster updates on the Sheriff’s Office schedule.
If your search doesn’t return a result but you still have reason to believe the person is in ACSO custody, call the Department of the Jail for confirmation and next steps (contact numbers appear at the end of this guide).
Navigate From the Inmate Lookup to Services That Matter Most
Locating a person is often just the first step. The Sheriff’s Office maintains dedicated pages that centralize inmate-related services. Use them to confirm rules, hours, and procedures before you visit, call, or send mail or funds.
Review the Department of the Jail overview for facility authority, divisions, and accreditation information: Department of the Jail – Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
See Inmate Services for visitation, phone, mail, and money guidelines: Inmate Services – Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
Learn how bail and releases work locally on Bail Bonding and Release Information: Bail Bonding and Release Information – Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
These official pages outline the latest requirements and provide the Sheriff’s Office numbers for clarification.
Plan an In-Person or Remote Visit Without Delays
Schedule Visits in Advance and Follow Facility Rules
All inmate visits must be scheduled in advance according to the Sheriff’s Office procedures. The Inmate Services page details the steps, eligibility, and timing. It also explains that inmates not on disciplinary confinement are generally provided two hours of non-contact visitation per week, subject to the housing unit’s schedule.
From the same page, carefully review the dress code and lobby rules. Highlights include:
No shorts above mid-thigh; no bathing suits.
Dresses or skirts must be knee length or longer.
Shirts require sleeves and must fully cover the upper torso.
Pants must be worn above the waistline; undergarments cannot be visible.
No sheer or see-through clothing; no clothing with holes/cutouts.
Outerwear such as coats, jackets, hoodies, or sweaters is restricted in visitation areas.
Hats, caps, or scarves as head coverings are not permitted unless otherwise authorized by facility policy.
Visitors who violate the dress code or use vulgar or abusive language in the lobby or visitation areas may be denied visitation that day. Expect security screening; introducing contraband is a criminal offense. Bring valid government photo identification (driver license/state ID, military ID, or passport).
Understand Remote Video Visitation Windows
The Sheriff’s Office also supports internet visitation as an additional option. The Inmate Services page explains that eligible inmates may receive a defined number of remote visits each week, scheduled to avoid conflicts with on-site visitation. Check the current time windows, scheduling steps, and any temporary pricing updates posted there. If a scheduled internet visit is canceled by the facility, full refunds are issued; no refunds are issued for visits terminated for rule violations. For help with internet visitation logistics, you can call the Jail directly at the published number on the Inmate Services page after you’ve reviewed the requirements.
Call and Correspond With Someone in Custody the Right Way
Telephone Calls: Outgoing Only and Time-Limited
Inmates cannot receive incoming calls. They are allowed to make outgoing calls daily, typically between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Calls are limited to 15 minutes. Audio notifications warn callers before the time limit expires. Because the jail environment is structured and monitored, call availability may vary due to unit schedules, security needs, or disciplinary status. If you need to relay urgent information and cannot connect during regular calling hours, contact the Jail for guidance on appropriate options.
Mail Policy: Postcards Only, With Required Formatting
The Sheriff’s Office enforces a postcard-only rule for incoming mail (privileged/legal mail is excepted). Address postcards to the Jail’s mailing address with the inmate’s full name and a complete return address. Size must be no smaller than 3½" × 5" and no larger than 4¼" × 6". Pre-stamped postcards are required.
Postcards are inspected for contraband and prohibited content. Items that will be rejected and returned include:
Defaced or altered postcards
Postcards with plastic wrapping, tape, stickers, labels, or address labels
Cards marked with paint, crayon, or certain inks
Materials with stains, watermarks, or biohazards (including lipstick or perfume)
Any depiction of nudity, weapons, gang references, or explicit violence
Photographs, printed pictures, or computer-generated images
Drawings of any kind on the front or back
Oversized cards or photocopied materials
There is no limit on the amount of incoming or outgoing mail (subject to security and storage constraints). Always include your complete return address to ensure undeliverable items can be returned.
Send Money or Care Packages Safely and Correctly
Funds placed in an inmate’s account are used for approved purchases and services. The Sheriff’s Office describes several official ways to make deposits, including a financial kiosk in the Jail lobby and money orders placed in the lobby drop box. The lobby kiosk accepts bills (except $1 bills) and major cards as posted at the facility. When depositing funds, use the inmate’s full name and the correct MNI number (the Master Name Index used by the Jail) where required so deposits are properly credited.
Care-package options are outlined under Inmate Services. Before sending funds or ordering items, confirm current rules about account holds, spending limits, and cutoff times published by the Department of the Jail. If you need help locating an MNI number or verifying deposit status, contact the Inmate Support Bureau or the Inmate Trust Fund Coordinator at the numbers listed at the end of this guide.
For rule updates and a single point of reference, use the official Inmate Services – Alachua County Sheriff’s Office page: Inmate Services – Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
Understand Bonds, Purges, and Releases in Alachua County
Posting bond, processing court-ordered purges (child support arrearage), and managing time-served releases all follow strictly defined procedures. The Sheriff’s Office publishes its local practices on Bail Bonding and Release Information, which should be your reference for hours, payment types, and documentation: Bail Bonding and Release Information – Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
Posting Hours and Locations
Bonds may be posted inside the Jail lobby between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. Outside those hours, use the after-hours service window to the left of the front entrance. Bring valid identification and be prepared to provide the inmate’s full name and MNI number.
Cash Bonds and Documentation
Cash bonds must be posted in cash, money order, or cashier’s check made payable to the Clerk of the Court. Include the inmate’s full name and MNI number on money orders or cashier’s checks. Booking Support staff will provide a receipt. The facility uses its internal banking system to forward bond payments to the Clerk, preserving proper chain-of-custody for funds.
Surety Bonds: Use an Authorized Bonding Agency
Surety bonds must be written by a bonding agency registered with the Alachua County Clerk of the Court and ACSO. Sheriff’s Office staff will verify that:
The power of attorney on the bond covers the amount posted
The bond includes the correct case numbers and charges
The bond is signed by the bondsperson and the defendant
The power numbers on the surety bond match the actual power document
The bond has not expired
Staff will print or stamp the name of the current Sheriff of Alachua County in the designated space on the bond as part of the release workflow.
Purge Payments for Child Support Arrearage
If a court has ordered a purge amount for child support arrears, the full purge must be posted—in cash, cashier’s check, or money order—with the Clerk of Court or at the Jail, or the Jail must receive a qualifying court order (e.g., Release on Recognizance). Upon release, Booking provides a copy of the release document and instructs the individual to keep it for 30 days to avoid re-arrest due to routine verifications.
Time-Served Releases and Gain Time
A county jail sentence generally cannot exceed one year per count. Time-served releases are processed once Booking verifies the judgment and sentence and any amendments (such as gain time or judicial mitigation). If modifications were issued by the court, ensure a court order reflecting the change is on file so the Jail can release on the accurate date.
For any bond or release questions, the Sheriff’s Office directs callers to Booking Support supervisors (contact details listed at the end of this article).
Learn How the Alachua County Jail Is Organized
The Alachua County Department of the Jail is an accredited facility of the Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission and has been recognized with multiple awards. The Department includes two primary divisions:
Security Operations Division — Oversees inmate housing, safety, compliance, and daily security operations.
Support Services Division — Coordinates booking, classification, transportation, facilities, inmate support functions, and other service units that keep the jail operating efficiently.
Leadership is provided by a Jail Director (Major) and a Deputy Director. The Department’s central page outlines the facility’s size, housing capacity, and administrative structure: Department of the Jail – Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
Get Answers From the Right ACSO Office
If you cannot find someone in the roster but believe they are in ACSO custody—or if you need to confirm visitation eligibility or bond instructions—contact the relevant Sheriff’s Office bureau listed below. For non-emergency law enforcement assistance and accessibility accommodations, the Combined Communications Center number is also provided at the end of this guide. For routine inquiries, the main Sheriff’s Office page and contact portal are helpful starting points:
Main site for agency programming, divisions, and public information: Alachua County Sheriff’s Office
Use the form and published numbers on Contact the Sheriff’s Office if you’re unsure which bureau to call: Contact the Sheriff’s Office
For certified documents and records, the Sheriff’s Office explains how to Request Public Records: Request Public Records – Alachua County Sheriff’s Office
Practical FAQs for Alachua County Florida Inmate Search
Why can’t I find a recent arrest?
Booking, classification, and intake processes take time. Data may not appear instantly. If hours have passed and your search still doesn’t return a match, try a partial last name, check for alternative spellings, or search by booking number if you have it. If you still cannot locate a record, call the Jail’s main line or the Booking Support Bureau during the published hours.
How do I verify a housing unit before I visit?
Visitation is scheduled in advance, and session availability is tied to housing. After you confirm that a person is in custody, review the Inmate Services page to see how scheduling works, then call the Jail if you need help identifying the correct schedule window for that inmate’s unit.
Can I bring property during visitation?
No. The Sheriff’s Office specifies that property for inmates will not be accepted during visitation, and nothing can be exchanged with the inmate. Use approved channels to deposit funds or order permitted items, and follow the jail’s posted procedures for handling property releases or evidence returns.
What if I need ADA accommodations?
The Sheriff’s Office website states it is designed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need assistance having any material read or provided in a different format, contact the Combined Communications Center at the non-emergency number listed at the end of this guide. The Sheriff’s Office also maintains an Accessibility page and feedback form on its main site.
What if I need to submit a tip or report a non-emergency concern?
For urgent incidents, dial 911. For non-emergency matters or to relay information related to a person in custody, use the Combined Communications Center non-emergency number in the contact list below. For general agency communications, the Contact the Sheriff’s Office page provides a directory and message options.
What information do I need for bond payments?
Bring valid identification and the inmate’s full name and MNI number. For cash bonds, payments must be cash, money order, or cashier’s check to the Clerk of the Court and clearly identify the inmate. For a surety bond, you’ll work with a bonding agency that is registered with the Clerk and ACSO. The Jail verifies all documents and power numbers before processing.
How do I send a money order deposit?
Place the money order in the lobby drop box following the posted instructions, and confirm the inmate’s MNI number is correct. If you need confirmation that funds were received, call the Inmate Support Bureau or the Inmate Trust Fund Coordinator at the numbers listed below.
What happens if I arrive for a visit in the wrong attire?
The dress code is strictly enforced. Visitors who do not meet the posted standards will be denied visitation for that day. When in doubt, choose conservative clothing and avoid restricted items such as sleeveless shirts, short skirts, or garments with holes.
Departments and Offices for Alachua County Inmate Search (Addresses and Phones)
Alachua County Sheriff’s Office — Administration Building
2621 SE Hawthorne Road, Gainesville, FL 32641
(352) 367-4000
Alachua County Sheriff’s Office — Department of the Jail
3333 NE 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32609
(352) 491-4444
Combined Communications Center (Non-Emergency)
(352) 955-1818
Booking Support Bureau — Department of the Jail
(352) 491-4449 or (352) 491-4459
Security Operations Division — Department of the Jail
(352) 491-4509
Support Services Division — Department of the Jail
(352) 491-4560
Medical Services — Department of the Jail
(352) 491-4448
Inmate Support Bureau — Department of the Jail
(352) 491-4475
Classification Unit — Department of the Jail
(352) 491-4447
Inmate Trust Fund Coordinator — Department of the Jail
(352) 491-4461
Transportation and Facilities Bureau — Department of the Jail
(352) 491-4517
Warrants Bureau — Alachua County Sheriff’s Office
(352) 367-4138
Civil Bureau — Alachua County Sheriff’s Office
12 SE 1st Street, Suite 148, Gainesville, FL 32601
(352) 384-3051