You cannot call into a Florida county jail to reach an inmate. Inmates can only call out, through a contracted phone vendor at each facility. To accept calls, you must set up a prepaid account with the right vendor for the specific jail. This page explains which vendors serve which Florida jails, what the rates are, how to set up an account, and why calls are expensive.
The process, end to end:
Inmates use phones inside the jail, which are wired to the contracted vendor's system. The inmate dials the phone number they want to reach. Calls are limited in duration (typically 15-20 minutes) and recorded (except attorney calls).
Before connecting, the vendor checks whether the called party has a prepaid account with funds, or whether the inmate has money in their commissary phone account. If neither has funds, the call won't connect.
Answering your phone, you'll hear an automated prompt: "This call is from [inmate name] at [facility]. To accept, press 1." Pressing 1 begins the call and starts the billing.
Per-minute rates deduct from the prepaid account. An automated voice announces time remaining. When the time limit is reached, the call disconnects automatically. The inmate can call back if they have more available minutes and funds permit.
Two main account types in Florida jails:
You set up an account with the vendor using a credit or debit card and load funds ($10-$25 minimum deposits). When the inmate calls your number, charges come out of your prepaid account. Pros: you control the budget, typically lower per-minute rates. Cons: requires your upfront money and a setup call or online process.
Alternatively, the inmate can add funds to their own phone account, usually funded by family deposits to the inmate trust account (JPay, Access Corrections, etc.). Calls are billed to the inmate's account instead of yours.
Traditional collect calls (charge to your phone bill) have been eliminated in most Florida jails due to FCC regulations and vendor transitions. Most facilities now require prepaid accounts.
Each Florida county contracts with one vendor (sometimes switching every few years as contracts renew). The three major vendors:
One of the two biggest Florida jail phone vendors. Parent: Aventiv. Account setup at securustech.net or by phone at 1-800-844-6591. Also runs Securus Video Connect for remote video visits. Many Florida counties use Securus.
The other major national vendor. Account setup at connectnetwork.com or 1-800-483-8314. Also runs the GettingOut and Getting Out family of apps for messaging and video. Serves many Florida counties plus the Florida Department of Corrections state prison system.
Smaller national vendor serving some Florida county jails. Account setup at icsolutions.com.
Florida-based vendor that serves several Florida counties. Handles phone, video, messaging, and mail digitization. Account setup at smartcommunications.us. Notable in Florida: serves several large facilities including some Central and North Florida jails.
To find the current vendor for a specific Florida jail: check the county sheriff's website, or call the jail directly. Vendors can and do change when contracts renew. Our 67-county directory links to each sheriff.
FCC regulations since 2021 have capped interstate and intrastate jail call rates. Actual Florida rates vary slightly by facility and vendor but typically fall in this range:
| Call Type | Typical Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Local (in-state) | $0.11 to $0.21/min | FCC capped in most situations |
| In-state long distance | $0.14 to $0.21/min | Most Florida calls |
| Interstate (out of Florida) | $0.14 to $0.21/min | Capped by FCC |
| International | Varies significantly | Often $1.00+/min |
| Connection fee | $0 to $3.00 | Per-call fee at some facilities |
For a 15-minute in-state call, expect to pay roughly $2 to $5 total. Daily contact over many weeks adds up quickly. Budget accordingly.
Calls between a Florida inmate and their attorney are protected by attorney-client privilege and cannot be recorded or monitored. However, the facility's phone system will generally still monitor unless the attorney's phone number is pre-registered as a "legal number" with the vendor.
Attorneys register their office numbers through a facility process (typically filling out a form with Bar ID). Once registered, calls to that number are flagged as privileged and bypass recording. Attorneys visiting in person also have separate, unmonitored rooms for client conferences.
Not every number can receive jail calls:
Every Florida jail call (except attorney calls from pre-registered legal numbers) is recorded. Recordings can be subpoenaed by prosecutors and have been used as evidence in Florida criminal cases. Never discuss case facts, admissions, or incriminating details on a jail phone. Never ask the inmate to discuss case specifics. Assume every word is being listened to and could end up in court.
If you're not sure which vendor your Florida jail uses, call our free 24/7 line. We can point you to the right vendor and website for account setup.
Call (786) 600-3533 →Calls may be answered by a licensed bail bond agent.