Florida DOC Inmate Search

Florida families, attorneys, journalists, and concerned residents often need fast, accurate ways to look up state prison and supervision information. This article explains how to use the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) online systems to conduct a Florida DOC inmate search, how to interpret the results, how to refine or broaden a query when you’re not sure of the spelling or ID number, and what to do next—whether you’re planning a visit, checking release information, or verifying an individual’s supervision status. You’ll learn where each official database lives, what’s in it, how frequently it’s updated, and which FDC offices handle specific questions by phone.

Master the Florida DOC Inmate Search: Understand the System Before You Search

Florida’s state corrections information is organized into several official databases managed by the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC). These databases are grouped under the agency’s Corrections Offender Network. While each database focuses on a different stage—incarceration, release, escape events, community supervision, and absconders—FDC also offers a single entry point where you can search across all the databases at once.

The all-in-one search provides broad coverage when you have minimal details.

Individual databases provide deeper filters and clearer status information once you know which category (incarcerated, released, supervised, absconder, escaped) applies.

To start broadly and then drill down, use the consolidated Offender Information Search first, and then move into the targeted databases described below.

Start Broad: Search All Florida Corrections Databases at Once

When you only know part of a name, are unsure about the spelling, or don’t know whether someone is incarcerated or supervised, the statewide consolidated lookup is your best opening move. Use Offender Information Search to run a comprehensive query across the Florida DOC inmate population, release records, escape records, absconders, and supervised population. The combined search uses only the criteria common to all databases, so it’s intentionally streamlined. That simplicity helps you generate a first list of candidates, after which you can click through to specific categories for more detailed information.

• Use this statewide consolidated search: Offender Information Search

Pro tips for the consolidated search

If you’re unsure of the spelling, enter just the first few letters of the first or last name. The system matches names that begin with the letters you type (e.g., “Will” can return Williams, Willis, Williamson, Willoughby).

If you know the Florida DOC identification number (called a DC number), search by that—DC numbers are six characters (all numeric or one letter followed by five numbers) and are the primary unique identifier inside FDC systems.

Use the “Aliases” option in name-based searches when you suspect the person may be listed under another name.

Once you have a likely match, click into the record or re-run a search inside the specialized database that fits the situation (incarcerated, supervised, released, etc.) to see more frequent updates or additional fields.

Go Deep on Current Incarceration: Use the Inmate Population Information Search

If a person is currently incarcerated in the Florida state prison system, you’ll find the most up-to-date incarceration details in the Inmate Population Information Search. This database is designed for the active inmate population and refreshes core information weekly, with location changes and release dates updated nightly. That refresh cadence makes it the go-to source for bed-to-bed movement and scheduled release updates.

• Search the active prison population: Inmate Population Information Search

What you can expect to find

Current institution or annex
DOC (DC) number
Identifying details and photograph (if available)
Current and prior offenses recorded by FDC
Key status indicators such as release date estimates (subject to change)

How to sharpen your population search

Start with the DC number if you have it—this is the fastest way to reach the correct record.

When using name filters, begin with partial spellings to offset typos or variant spellings, then add first-name initials or birth year to narrow results.

If you need further help with classification or central records questions tied to the population database, contact the Bureau of Classification and Central Records at the number listed at the end of this article.

Important scope note

This database contains state prison and state supervision public record information derived from court records reported to FDC. It does not include people sentenced solely to county jail, county probation, or other local supervision programs.

Confirm Scheduled or Past Releases: Use the Inmate Release Information Search

When your priority is to verify if and when an individual has been released—or is scheduled for release—use the Inmate Release Information Search. This index focuses on individuals who have already left FDC custody or are pending release, and it updates nightly.

• Check release history and schedules: Inmate Release Information Search

What appears in release records

Release date or scheduled release date (subject to change)
Release type and related status notes
Links to a profile with offense and identification details

Why a release lookup is useful

Attorneys, reentry organizations, and families use it to plan housing, transportation, and post-release support.

Employers and landlords use it to verify that a person is no longer in FDC custody and to understand timing.

If you need to resolve a discrepancy or ask about release processing, the Bureau of Admission and Release handles those questions by phone (see contact list at the end).

Check Community Supervision Status: Use the Supervised Population Information Search

Not everyone in the Florida corrections system is incarcerated. Many are serving community-based sentences or conditions (e.g., probation, community control, post-prison supervision). To verify whether someone is under state supervision—and to view supervision details—use the Supervised Population Information Search. The database is fully refreshed weekly, with termination dates and location changes updated nightly.

• Verify probation and other supervision statuses: Supervised Population Information Search

When to use the supervision database

You believe the person is on probation or community control rather than in prison.

Court documentation indicates supervision conditions that you need to validate.

You’re trying to determine the supervising office or whether supervision has been terminated.

For supervision-related questions and case clarifications, Probation and Parole Field Services can help (see the phone number in the department list).

Report or Verify Absconders: Use the Absconder/Fugitive Information Search

When a person under FDC supervision fails to report or otherwise makes themselves unavailable for supervision, they can be listed as an absconder. The Absconder/Fugitive Information Search provides official data and photographs of these offenders, refreshed weekly, with certain fields updated nightly.

• Look up absconders and fugitives: Absconder/Fugitive Information Search

If you have information about an absconder’s whereabouts

Contact Probation and Parole Field Services or the Absconder Unit directly during business hours (see the contact list at the end).

You can also contact your local law enforcement agency. Do not attempt to apprehend anyone on your own.

This search is intended in the interest of public safety and for use by the justice community and the public.

Understand Escape Notifications: Use the Inmate Escape Information Search

In the rare event that an incarcerated person escapes FDC custody, the Inmate Escape Information Search publishes official information and photographs. The page displays escapees since January 1, 1990, who have not been recaptured within the past 15 days, and it is updated as new information arrives or upon capture.

• Review recent FDC escape postings: Inmate Escape Information Search

If you have tips or information about an escape

Immediately contact your local law enforcement agency or the facility from which the inmate escaped.

You can also contact FDC by phone; relevant numbers are listed at the end of this article.

Use the Menu Hub to Navigate Quickly: Offender Search Web Applications

If you prefer to orient yourself first and then choose a database, FDC maintains a menu landing page linking to each search type, visiting information, institutions, probation services, and other official resources. This is helpful when you’re moving between incarceration, release, and supervision lookups during a single research session.

• Navigate from the central hub: Offender Search Web Applications

From this hub, you can reach the all-in-one search, the targeted databases, and context pages needed for visiting and institutional contact details.

How to Enter Names, DC Numbers, and Aliases Accurately

Precise inputs make your Florida DOC inmate search faster and more accurate. FDC’s search tools follow a few consistent rules:

Name fields

The systems match names that begin with the letters you type. Use this to your advantage:
If you enter “Clark,” the tools will also return “Clarke” when other criteria still match.
If you enter “Will,” you’ll see results such as Williams, Willis, Williamson, and Willoughby.

When you’re unsure of spelling, shorten the entered name to a few letters, retrieve the candidate list, then apply additional filters to narrow it down.

DC (Department of Corrections) number

The DC number is six characters long, either all digits or one letter plus five digits.

It’s the primary identifier inside FDC systems and the most efficient way to reach the correct person if you have it from prior court or DOC paperwork.

Aliases

When the “Aliases” option is available, checking it expands your search to committed names and known aliases, reducing the chance you miss a match due to name changes or alternate spellings.

Read Results Carefully: What Florida DOC Records Include—and What They Don’t

Each Florida DOC inmate search database contains public record information reported to FDC by courts and updated on FDC’s internal schedules. To use the data appropriately:

Included: Felony offenders sentenced to state prison or state supervision, with current and prior offenses (including related crimes such as attempts, conspiracies, and solicitations).

Not included: People sentenced to county jail, county probation, or any form of local (non-state) supervision. For county-level detention, contact the appropriate county sheriff or jail directly.

Refresh schedules (why they matter)

Inmate Population: fully refreshed weekly; location changes and release dates update nightly.

Inmate Release: updated nightly.

Supervised Population: fully refreshed weekly; termination dates and location changes update nightly.

Absconder/Fugitive: fully refreshed weekly; certain fields update nightly.

Inmate Escape: created immediately upon escape and updated with new information or capture.

Because custody and supervision statuses can change quickly, always consider the possibility that a person’s true current location or status may differ from the screen at the moment you view it. If the matter is time-sensitive, call the relevant FDC bureau shown at the end of this article.

Plan a Prison Visit: Confirm Eligibility and Schedule the Appointment

After you confirm a current incarceration in the Inmate Population database, the next step may be to plan a visit. FDC centralizes its official rules, forms, and week-by-week scheduling on its Visiting Information page.

• Review rules and schedule a visit: Visiting Information

Key points for visiting in Florida’s state prisons

Approval first: Complete the visitation application (DC6-111A). All visitors age 12+ must have an approved application before visiting.

Weekly online scheduling: Once approved and if the inmate is eligible for visits, use the online Visitation Scheduling form during the weekly window (Monday 5:00 a.m. to Wednesday 5:00 p.m. Eastern). If the system flags a status requiring special coordination (e.g., Close Management, Death Row, medical, or mental health), contact the facility’s Classification Office directly instead of submitting the form.

Bring proper ID: Visitors 16+ must present a valid photo ID with current address and physical characteristics.

Expect security screening: All visitors (including minors with guardians) are subject to searches, metal detection, and other entry procedures designed to prevent contraband.

Common visiting statuses you’ll see

Eligible by appointment with special coordination: contact Classification at the inmate’s facility.

Not eligible statuses include “In Reception,” “In Confinement,” “Out of Department’s Custody,” and “Ineligible.”

For facility-specific addresses and Classification Office phone numbers, use the statewide directory below.

• Find institution addresses and contacts: Facility Directory

Contact the Right Office: When to Call and Who Handles What

Sometimes a Florida DOC inmate search raises follow-up questions best handled by the appropriate FDC office. Use the list at the end of this article for phone numbers. Here are common scenarios and which office is best equipped to help:

Population or classification discrepancies (e.g., an inmate’s listed institution doesn’t match recent court orders): call the Bureau of Classification and Central Records.

Release timing and type (e.g., pending release date confusion): call the Bureau of Admission and Release.

Community supervision clarifications (conditions, termination status, or office assignment): call Probation and Parole Field Services.

Absconder tips or supervision failure-to-report issues: call the Absconder Unit during business hours or your local law enforcement agency.

Media requests: call the Communications Office.

Public records requests: call the Public Records Request line for instructions and email/mailing options.

General inquiries or help locating the correct unit: call the Office of Citizen Services.

Inmate Records: use the dedicated Inmate Records line if a court or agency needs to coordinate documentation not visible online.

Keep the facility directory handy when your question concerns a specific prison, annex, work camp, or reentry center. The directory page lists addresses and contact details for each location statewide.

Troubleshoot Common Search Problems Without Starting Over

Even a well-built search can miss the mark when details are incomplete. Use these strategies inside FDC’s official tools to correct course quickly:

Problem: Too many results with similar names

Reduce the last name to its first 3–4 letters and add a first-name initial to narrow.
Enter an estimated year of birth when available.
If known, switch to a DC number search—fastest resolution.

Problem: No results for a name you’re confident about

Check the Aliases option and re-run the search.

Try shortening the spelling or dropping suffixes (Jr., Sr., II) to broaden.

Remember the scope: if a person is in county jail or county probation, they won’t appear in FDC’s state databases.

Problem: Conflicting status information (e.g., listed as released in one spot, incarcerated in another)

Prioritize the database with the nightly refresh for the field you’re reviewing (e.g., location or release date).

If timing is critical (e.g., intake just occurred), call the appropriate bureau listed at the end for confirmation.

Problem: You need to coordinate a visit but the scheduling button isn’t visible

Review the inmate’s Visitation Status. Certain statuses require you to contact Classification at the facility rather than using the online form.

Double-check the weekly scheduling window (Monday 5:00 a.m.–Wednesday 5:00 p.m. Eastern).

Use Official Channels Only: Avoid Outdated or Unauthorized Forms

FDC warns visitors and families that several non-authorized websites host outdated visitation forms and instructions. Always use FDC’s official pages for the latest forms, schedules, and procedures. When you need to send a visitation application by email or postal mail, refer to the Facility Directory for the current institution’s address and, when applicable, the official email address for applications.

• Official institution contacts and addresses: Facility Directory

Keep Your Searches Focused and Compliant: Proper Use of Public Records

Florida DOC inmate search tools are public-facing services offered in the interest of public safety. FDC strives to ensure the data is complete and accurate, but the department notes that information can change quickly due to transfers, court actions, or operational needs. Treat all results as a current snapshot and verify by phone when consequences are significant, time-sensitive, or contested.

For formal documentation or historical records that go beyond what’s displayed in the web interfaces, submit a public records request through FDC’s official channels. The telephone number for public records assistance appears in the department list below.

Florida DOC Inmate Search: Departments, Addresses, and Phone Numbers

Florida Department of Corrections – Central Office — 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2500 — (850) 488-7052

Bureau of Classification and Central Records — 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2500 — (850) 488-9859

Bureau of Admission and Release — 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2500 — (850) 488-9167

Probation and Parole Field Services (Community Corrections) — 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2500 — (850) 717-3444

Absconder Unit (Weekdays) — 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2500 — (850) 717-3475

Inmate Records — 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2500 — (850) 488-1503

Communications Office (News Media) — 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2500 — (850) 488-0420

Public Records Request — 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2500 — (850) 717-9774

Office of Citizen Services — 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2500 — (850) 488-7052