The Broward County Jail Roster is a public list of people held in county detention centers. It shows current inmates, people who were just booked, and basic case facts.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) runs this system and updates it every day. Anyone can look up a name to see if a friend or family member is in custody.
What the Broward County Jail Roster Shows
The roster is the main way the public can check who sits in a Broward County jail right now. It covers all four BSO jail sites in the county. The list shows fresh bookings and people still waiting for trial or serving short county sentences.
Who Appears on the Roster
The roster lists people arrested in Broward County for crimes ranging from minor traffic offenses to serious felonies. It includes people held before trial, people serving a county sentence, and people waiting to be moved to a state prison. People who posted bond and left the jail do not stay on the active list. The roster only shows people who are still in custody at the time of search.
Details Listed for Each Inmate
Each entry on the Broward County jail roster gives the full legal name. It lists known aliases if any are on file. The date of birth helps confirm identity. The physical description covers height, weight, race, and sex. The booking date shows when the person entered the jail. The custody status tells if the person still sits in jail or has been released. The facility name shows which BSO site holds the inmate.
Legal Right to See the Roster
Florida law makes jail records open to the public. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says most government records must be shared when asked. BSO follows this rule by posting the roster online for free. Some facts stay private, like medical records under Section 945.10. But names, charges, and bond amounts are open to all.
How to Search the Broward County Jail Roster
BSO runs a free online search tool for the public. The tool works on phones, tablets, and computers. No account or login is needed. Searches run day and night from any place with internet access.
Online Search Steps
Go to the BSO website at sheriff.org. Find the arrest search link on the home page or under the corrections menu. Type the last name in the first box. Type the first name in the second box. Pick a booking date or a date range if you know it. Press the search button to see results. The tool pulls up every match from the Broward County jail roster.
What to Do With No Results
No result can mean the person was never booked in Broward. It can also mean the person already left jail. Try changing the spelling of the name. Search for aliases if you know any. Drop the date range to see all bookings. If the search still fails, the person may be in a state prison or a different county.
Reading the Search Results Page
The results page shows a table with one row per inmate. Each row has a link to the full record. Click the name to see charges, bond, court date, and the holding facility. The arrest number helps track the case. Print or save the page if you need the facts for a lawyer or court visit.
Broward County Jail Facilities and Addresses
Broward County runs four main jail sites. Each one holds a different mix of inmates. Knowing which site holds your loved one helps with visits, mail, and phone calls. BSO shares the address and phone for each spot on its website.
Main Jail in Fort Lauderdale
The Main Jail sits at 555 SE 1st Avenue in Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. This is the biggest BSO site. It holds pre-trial detainees, people serving county time, and people waiting for transfer to state prison. The Main Jail Intake desk processes new arrestees day and night. The lobby phone line is open 24 hours for public questions.
North Broward Bureau
The North Broward Bureau serves the northern part of the county, including Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach. It holds inmates from arrests in that area. The site has its own booking section and short-term holding cells. Visit hours and mail rules follow the same BSO policy as the Main Jail.
Other BSO Detention Sites
BSO runs smaller holding spots in other cities. The Joseph V. Boffa Detention Center in Pompano Beach holds people with short stays. The Stockade in Dania Beach houses people with medical needs. Each site follows BSO rules but may have different visit hours. Check the BSO site for the latest schedule before you go.
Broward County Jail Booking Records
Booking records cover the first 48 hours after arrest. They show the arrest, the charges, and the first court hearing. The Broward County jail booking roster pulls from these records. The list updates as new bookings come in. It also shows old bookings if they match your search.
What Booking Records Include
A booking record has the arrest report number, the arresting agency, and the officer’s name. It lists the exact charges with Florida statute numbers. The bond amount appears if a judge set one. The next court date shows up when scheduled. The record may also list prior arrests if the person has a history in Broward.
Bond and Court Information
Bond lets a person leave jail before trial if they pay a set amount. The Broward County jail booking roster shows the bond type and amount for each case. It may show “no bond” for serious charges like murder. The court date tells when the person must appear before a judge. Bond hearings happen at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale.
Visiting Inmates in Broward County
BSO allows in-person visits at each jail site. Visits help inmates stay connected to family. The rules aim to keep order and safety. Each site has its own hours and dress code. Call the site before you travel to confirm the schedule.
Visit Hours and Rules
Most BSO sites allow visits seven days a week. Morning and afternoon blocks are common. Evening visits are rare. Each inmate gets a set number of visits per week. Visitors must show a valid photo ID. Minors must come with a parent or legal guardian. Dress codes ban shorts above the knee, tank tops, see-through clothes, and open shoes. Lockers hold bags and phones during the visit.
Mail and Phone Rules
All mail goes through BSO mail screening. Letters must have the inmate’s full name and booking number on the envelope. Photos are allowed but cannot show nudity or gang signs. Books and magazines must come direct from the publisher. Inmates can make phone calls through BSO phone accounts. Friends and family set up accounts and add money online or by phone.
Commissary and Medical Care
Commissary lets inmates buy snacks, hygiene items, and writing supplies. Friends and family add money to the inmate’s account. BSO medical staff handles sick calls and prescriptions. Mental health counselors see inmates who need help. The goal is basic care during the stay, not long-term treatment.
Broward County vs Florida State Prison Inmates
The county jail and state prison are two different systems. They hold different kinds of inmates and use different search tools. Knowing which one holds your loved one saves time and effort.
County Jail Holds Short Stays
County jails hold people arrested in the county. They keep pre-trial detainees and people serving sentences under one year. Most BSO inmates fall into this group. The Broward County jail roster covers these cases. Release comes through bond, time served, or transfer to state prison.
State Prison Holds Long Sentences
People convicted of serious crimes with sentences over one year go to state prison. The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) runs these sites. FDC has its own offender search at fdc.myflorida.com. That tool shows state inmates, not county ones. If you do not find someone on the BSO roster, try the FDC site next.
FDC Public Records Requests
The FDC Public Records Request Portal handles formal questions. You can ask for medical, disciplinary, or release records. Some records stay private under Section 945.10 of Florida law. The portal lets you track your request status online. Most answers come within a few weeks.
Other Ways to Find a Broward County Inmate
Sometimes the online tool does not give a clear answer. Phone calls and in-person visits can help. Third-party sites also list jail data, but use them with care.
Phone and In-Person Inmate Lookup
Call the BSO inmate info line at (800) 224-5937 for help. The line runs 24 hours. Give the full name and date of birth if you know it. The staff can tell you the holding facility, charges, and bond. You can also walk into the Main Jail lobby and ask at the front desk. Bring a photo ID for the visit.
Third-Party Search Sites
Many private sites collect jail data from public sources. They charge fees for full reports. Some offer basic facts for free. BSO does not run these sites and does not vouch for their data. Treat third-party data as a lead, not the final word. Always check the official BSO tool to confirm.
Records Lookup for Court and Legal Use
Lawyers and family members often need jail records for court. BSO shares records under Florida public records law. Formal requests work for bulk data. In-person file reviews work for single cases.
Public Records Request Process
Send a written request to the BSO records unit. Include the inmate’s name, booking number, and date of birth. State the records you want, like arrest reports or booking photos. BSO must respond within a set time under Florida law. Small fees may apply for copies and staff time.
Court Records and Clerk of Court
The Broward County Clerk of Court holds court case files. These show charges, pleas, and sentences. Search the clerk’s website for case numbers. Combine clerk data with jail roster data for a full picture. The two systems link through the arrest number.
Common Broward County Jail Roster Questions
People often have basic questions about jail rosters, inmate searches, and booking records. The answers below cover the most common points users ask about the Broward County jail system and how to get the facts you need quickly.
How often does the Broward County jail roster update?
The BSO arrest search tool updates several times each day. New bookings show up within hours of the arrest. Releases drop off the active list once the person leaves jail. The data refresh runs on a loop, so a search at 8 a.m. may differ from a search at 8 p.m. If you do not see someone, wait an hour and check again.
Can I see a mugshot on the Broward County jail roster?
The BSO search tool shows mugshots for current inmates. Click the name on the results page to see the photo. Mugshots stay on file even after release for some time. They serve as part of the booking record under Florida law. BSO does not remove mugshots on request, but the agency removes records sealed by a court order.
What if the person was arrested but I cannot find them?
First, try different spellings and check aliases. Second, widen the date range or drop it altogether. Third, check the FDC offender search in case the person already moved to state prison. Fourth, check nearby counties like Miami-Dade or Palm Beach if the arrest happened at a border. Fifth, call the BSO inmate line at (800) 224-5937 for staff help.
How do I send money to an inmate in Broward County?
BSO uses an online system for inmate accounts. Friends and family create an account on the BSO-approved vendor site. Add money with a debit or credit card. Funds show up in the inmate’s commissary account within hours. Money lets the inmate buy food, hygiene items, and phone time. The BSO lobby also has a kiosk for cash deposits.
Are juvenile inmates on the Broward County jail roster?
No, juveniles do not show up on the public BSO arrest search. Florida law keeps juvenile records private in most cases. The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice runs a separate system for youth cases. Only law enforcement, schools, and courts can access juvenile arrest data. Parents should call DJJ or the arresting agency for help.
How long does BSO keep inmate records online?
BSO keeps current inmate data on the public search tool. After release, the entry may move to a historical list. BSO keeps records for years under state retention rules. The public can request older records through the records unit. Some old data may move to the Florida archives for long-term storage.
Can I search by booking number instead of name?
Yes, the BSO arrest search lets you search by booking number if you have it. Booking numbers help when names are common or spelled many ways. The booking number is on the arrest report and court papers. Enter the number in the search box and pull up the full record in seconds.
Contact Details and Visit Hours
The BSO Main Jail sits at 555 SE 1st Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The main phone line is 954-831-5900. The inmate info line is (800) 224-5937 and runs 24 hours. The BSO website is sheriff.org. Visits at most BSO sites run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week, but each site has its own block schedule. Call the site before you go to confirm hours, dress code, and ID rules.