Visiting an inmate in a Florida county jail is not like visiting someone in a hospital or a state prison. Each of Florida's 67 counties runs its own jail with its own visitation rules, hours, and technology. Most large Florida jails have moved to video visitation instead of in-person contact visits. This page explains what to expect, how to get approved, what you can and cannot bring, and how to prepare for your visit.
Since roughly 2015, most larger Florida county jails have transitioned from in-person contact visitation to video visitation. The rationale (per sheriffs): staffing costs, contraband prevention, and family access from anywhere. The practical effect: family members often visit through a video kiosk or from their own phone, not through glass.
Most common in Florida. You go to the jail (or a designated video visitation center nearby) at your scheduled time. Check in at the front desk, get assigned a terminal, and have a video call with the inmate who is also at a terminal inside. Usually free.
Some Florida jails offer paid remote video visits through a vendor app (Securus Video Connect, ViaPath/GTL GettingOut, Smart Communications). Costs roughly $5 to $15 per 20-30 minute session. Requires a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and internet.
Some smaller Florida jails still offer through-glass visits at the facility. Scheduled in advance. No physical contact with the inmate.
Rare in Florida county jails. Usually reserved for minimum-security or specially approved visits. Some Florida work-release facilities allow contact visits.
Every Florida county jail uses an approved visitor list. The inmate must request that you be added (by filling out a form at the facility). You can't just show up; if you're not on the list, you won't get in.
Most Florida jails send prospective visitors an application form or online registration. Fill out identifying information. Some counties ask about criminal history and pending charges. If you have a felony conviction or pending felony charges, you may be denied or require extra approval.
Most Florida county jails run a criminal background check on each proposed visitor. Processing time varies: 24 hours for some county jails, up to 2-3 weeks for larger facilities. You'll typically receive a yes/no decision by email or letter.
Once approved, you can schedule a visit through the facility's portal or phone system. Most facilities allow booking 1-7 days in advance. Some walk-in visits are possible for remote video but not usually for on-site.
Dress code violations are the most common reason visitors are turned away. Most Florida jails prohibit:
Safe universal choice: modest pants, closed-toe shoes, solid-color t-shirt or blouse with sleeves, no heavy jewelry. When in doubt, dress more conservatively than you would for a job interview.
Most Florida jails allow minor children to visit, but an approved adult must accompany them and present the child's birth certificate. Check with the specific facility for age limits and documentation requirements. Some facilities ban all minor visitors; some allow certain ages only during specific hours.
Attorney-client visits are not public visitation. Florida attorneys have a separate access protocol under the 6th Amendment and Florida Rule 3.111:
Paralegals, investigators, and expert witnesses visiting on behalf of an attorney typically need advance approval from the attorney and the jail. They do not have the automatic privileged access that attorneys have.
Jail visitation is a privilege, not a right. Florida jail staff can suspend or terminate visits for any of the following:
If suspended, the inmate can generally file a grievance through the facility's process. Visitors can sometimes appeal through the facility's chain of command but have limited standing. Attorney visits typically cannot be suspended without specific cause.
Each Florida county has its own visitation system. Our 67-county directory links directly to each sheriff's page with specific rules. If you need help, call our free 24/7 line.
Call (786) 600-3533 →Calls may be answered by a licensed bail bond agent.