Gainesville Inmate Records
Searching for inmate population records in Gainesville starts with Alachua County's detention system since the city does not maintain its own jail facility. As the county seat and home to the University of Florida, Gainesville relies on Alachua County Sheriff's Office for all detention services. When Gainesville police arrest someone, that person gets booked at the Alachua County Detention Facility. You can look up current inmates from Gainesville using the online search system maintained by Alachua County Sheriff, which provides real-time booking information and custody status for people arrested throughout the county.
Gainesville Inmate Search Quick Facts
Alachua County Jail Serves Gainesville
Gainesville sits in north-central Florida as the county seat of Alachua County. The city does not run its own jail. Alachua County Sheriff's Office manages all detention for the area. When Gainesville police make an arrest, they transport the person to the Alachua County Detention Facility at 3333 NE 39th Avenue. This facility processes hundreds of arrests each month from Gainesville and surrounding communities.
To search for inmates from Gainesville, visit acso.us and use the inmate search feature. Enter the last name, first name and/or booking number. Incomplete entries are allowed and are not case sensitive. You can also search for all inmates in the facility by leaving all fields blank. Results show charges, bond, booking date, and housing location. This search is free and covers all Alachua County detention areas.
The database updates regularly with new bookings. If someone was recently arrested in Gainesville, check back within several hours if you do not see them initially. Once someone posts bond or gets released by the court, their record stays visible briefly before archiving. For specific questions about a Gainesville inmate, call the Alachua County Detention Facility at 352-491-4444.
| Agency | Alachua County Sheriff's Office |
|---|---|
| Main Facility | 3333 NE 39th Avenue Gainesville, FL 32609 |
| Phone | 352-491-4444 |
| Website | Alachua County Sheriff |
Gainesville Police Department
Gainesville Police Department patrols the city and makes arrests for local offenses. The department has no jail. All people arrested in Gainesville go to Alachua County facilities. After booking, the sheriff's office takes over custody. For arrest reports, contact Gainesville Police records. These reports detail the arrest but do not show current custody status.
For real-time custody information, use the Alachua County inmate search. Gainesville Police Department is located at 545 NW 8th Avenue. Call them at 352-393-7670 for general questions. The police can provide arrest records and incident reports. The sheriff's database updates more often for checking if someone from Gainesville is in jail.
Bond and Court Information
When someone from Gainesville gets arrested and booked, a judge sets bond at first appearance. 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 inmate 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 Gainesville inmates appear in case records. Check court schedules through the Alachua County Clerk website. Hearings take place at the courthouse in Gainesville. Inmates are transported from jail to court for appearances. Family and attorneys can attend most hearings unless the judge orders otherwise.
Visit Gainesville Inmates
To visit someone from Gainesville in Alachua County 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. Alachua County offers in-person and video visits depending on housing unit.
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.
Visiting hours vary by housing area. Check the Alachua County Sheriff website for the current schedule. Some areas only allow visits on certain days. Call 352-491-4444 for questions about visiting an inmate from Gainesville. Staff can tell you which facility holds the person and available visiting options.
Send Money and Mail
Inmates from Gainesville in Alachua County 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 the Alachua 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
- Alachua County Detention Facility
- 3333 NE 39th Avenue
- Gainesville, FL 32609
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.
Note: All inmate correspondence at Alachua County facilities is subject to inspection for security purposes.
Legal Resources
If someone from Gainesville is in jail and cannot afford a lawyer, the Public Defender's Office for the Eighth Judicial Circuit provides representation. This office handles criminal cases for qualified individuals. They represent on misdemeanor and felony charges. The main office is in Gainesville. Call for information about requesting a public defender.
Three Rivers Legal Services offers free civil legal help to low-income residents. They do not handle criminal defense but can assist with related issues. If an inmate from Gainesville 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 Alachua 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 Gainesville.
County Jail vs State Prison
Alachua County jail holds people awaiting trial and those with sentences under one year. If someone from Gainesville 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 Alachua 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.
Alachua County Inmate Population
Gainesville is part of Alachua County, and all inmate records for Gainesville residents are maintained by Alachua County Sheriff's Office. The county jail system serves all municipalities in Alachua County. For complete information on jail facilities, inmate services, and county policies, visit the Alachua County page.