Fort Lauderdale Inmate Records
When you search for inmate population information in Fort Lauderdale, you access Broward County detention records since this city contracts with the county for jail services. Fort Lauderdale is the county seat of Broward, and the main county jail sits within city limits. Anyone arrested by Fort Lauderdale police gets booked at a Broward Sheriff's Office facility. You can look up inmates from Fort Lauderdale using the online arrest search database maintained by Broward Sheriff's Office, which provides current custody status and booking details for all county detention centers.
Fort Lauderdale Inmate Search Quick Facts
Broward County Detention for Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is the largest city in Broward County and the county seat. The main Broward County jail complex is located in downtown Fort Lauderdale at 555 SE 1st Avenue. This facility processes thousands of arrests monthly from Fort Lauderdale and other cities across Broward. Fort Lauderdale does not run its own jail. All detention is handled by Broward Sheriff's Office.
To find inmates from Fort Lauderdale, visit sheriff.org and use the arrest search tool. The database lets you search by name or booking number. You get results showing charges, bond, booking date, and current location. This search is free and covers all Broward detention facilities. The system updates daily with new bookings and releases from Fort Lauderdale and throughout the county.
If someone was recently arrested in Fort Lauderdale, check the database a few hours after booking. The system may lag during busy times. Once someone posts bond or gets released, their name stays in the database briefly before moving to archived records. For specific questions about a Fort Lauderdale inmate, call Broward County jail at 954-831-5900.
| Agency | Broward Sheriff's Office |
|---|---|
| Main Jail | 555 SE 1st Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| Phone | 954-831-5900 |
| Website | Broward Sheriff |
Broward County operates multiple detention facilities. Most Fort Lauderdale arrests go to the main jail first. From there, inmates may be moved based on classification and space. The online roster shows which facility holds each inmate, making it easier to locate someone from Fort Lauderdale.
Fort Lauderdale Police Department
Fort Lauderdale Police Department enforces laws within city limits. The department makes arrests but has no jail. All people arrested in Fort Lauderdale go to Broward County facilities for booking. After booking, the sheriff's office assumes custody. If you need an arrest report, contact Fort Lauderdale Police records division. These reports detail the arrest but do not show current custody status.
For real-time custody information, use the Broward County arrest search database. Fort Lauderdale Police Department is located at 1300 West Broward Boulevard. Call them at 954-828-5700 for general questions. The police can provide arrest records and incident reports. The sheriff's database updates more frequently for checking if someone from Fort Lauderdale is in jail.
Bond and Court Information
When someone from Fort Lauderdale gets arrested and booked, a judge sets bond at the first appearance hearing. This usually happens within 24 hours. Bond amounts depend on charges and criminal history. Some charges have preset bond while others require a hearing. No bond means the person stays in jail until trial.
You can post bond through a bail bondsman or by paying the full amount. The arrest search shows the bond set by the judge. To bail someone out, contact a bondsman or visit the jail. Do not use the inmate deposit system for bond. That account is for commissary only. Jail staff can direct you to the bond payment office.
Court dates for Fort Lauderdale inmates appear in case records. Check court schedules through the Broward County Clerk website. Hearings take place at the courthouse in Fort Lauderdale or branch locations depending on charge type. Inmates are transported from jail to court for appearances. Family and attorneys can attend most hearings unless the judge orders otherwise.
Visit Fort Lauderdale Inmates
To visit someone from Fort Lauderdale in Broward jail, you need approval. You must be on the inmate's visitor list. Inmates add names during intake or while in custody. Once approved, schedule visits online or by phone. Broward County offers in-person and video visits depending on housing unit and inmate status.
Video visits let you connect from home using a computer, tablet, or phone. Book a time through the approved vendor and pay per session. Most video visits last 20 to 30 minutes. In-person visits happen at the jail during set hours. Bring a valid photo ID. Security screening is required. Check dress code rules before visiting.
Visiting hours vary by housing area. Check the Broward Sheriff website for the current schedule. Some areas only allow visits on certain days. Call 954-831-5900 for questions about visiting an inmate from Fort Lauderdale. Staff can tell you which facility holds the person and available visiting options.
Send Money and Mail
Inmates from Fort Lauderdale in Broward jail need money for phone calls, commissary, and personal items. Send funds through the approved vendor. Never mail cash. Use the online deposit system. You need the inmate's full name and booking number. Money usually posts within a few hours if you deposit online.
Check Broward County jail website for the current vendor and instructions. Most people use the online method since it is fast. There is a fee per deposit. The amount varies by transaction size and payment method. Kiosks at the jail offer another deposit option. Bring cash or a debit card for kiosks.
Mail letters to inmates at:
- Inmate's Full Name
- Booking Number
- Broward County Jail
- 555 SE 1st Avenue
- Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
All mail is inspected before delivery. Do not send cash, checks, or prohibited items. Use plain envelopes and standard paper. Photos may be allowed but check size limits. The jail lists prohibited items on its website. Mail that breaks rules gets returned or discarded. Inmates can send letters back through jail mail.
Note: All inmate correspondence at Broward facilities is subject to inspection for security purposes.
Legal Resources
If someone from Fort Lauderdale is in jail and cannot afford a lawyer, Broward County Public Defender's Office provides representation. This office handles criminal cases for qualified individuals. They represent on misdemeanor and felony charges. The main office is in Fort Lauderdale. Call for information about requesting a public defender.
Legal Aid Service of Broward County offers free civil legal help. They do not handle criminal defense but can assist with related issues. If an inmate from Fort Lauderdale has civil legal problems, these organizations may help. Florida Institutional Legal Services also works with inmates on civil matters.
Hiring a private attorney is another option. Many criminal defense lawyers practice in Broward County. Some offer payment plans. Find attorneys through the Florida Bar website or referrals. A lawyer helps with bond motions, plea deals, and trial defense for people arrested in Fort Lauderdale.
Other Broward County Cities
Broward County has many cities over 75,000 population using the same jail system as Fort Lauderdale. These include Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Plantation, Sunrise, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Miramar, and Davie. All rely on Broward Sheriff for detention and use the same arrest search database.
County Jail vs State Prison
Broward County jail holds people awaiting trial and those with sentences under one year. If someone from Fort Lauderdale gets sentenced to over a year, they transfer to state prison. The Florida Department of Corrections runs the state system. Search for state inmates at pubapps.fdc.myflorida.com instead of the county database.
State inmates serve longer sentences at facilities throughout Florida. Once someone transfers from Broward jail to state custody, they no longer appear in the county database. Use the Florida Department of Corrections search to locate them. The state system updates weekly with inmate status and release dates.
Broward County Inmate Population
Fort Lauderdale is part of Broward County, and all inmate records for Fort Lauderdale residents are maintained by Broward Sheriff's Office. The county jail system serves all municipalities in Broward County. For complete information on jail facilities, inmate services, and county policies, visit the Broward County page.