Sarasota County Jail

To search for an inmate in the Sarasota County Jail, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 941-861-4165 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up Arrests Warrants for Sarasota County and the entire state of Florida, as well as Sarasota County Criminal Court Cases and Courts for each county in the state of Florida.

Sarasota County Jail Inmate Search

The Sarasota County Jail maintains an average of 830 offenders in custody on any given day. The Sarasota County Jail has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Sarasota County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 18,380 offenders.

The Sarasota County Sheriff recommends that you use a bail bond agent licensed to do business in Sarasota County.

• You can pay a cash bond yourself, or use your home in Sarasota County, or in some cases the state of Florida, but the benefit of using a bail bond agent is that they take responsibility for making sure the inmate shows up for court in Sarasota County, and if they don't, then they take the financial responsibility.
• The typical fee for a bond will be between 10-20% of the bail amount; usually 15%.  So if an offender has a bail of $10,000.00, their bond will be $1500.00.

Call 941-861-4165 to find out the exact bond (plus other fees) amount, or look it up online by looking up the information on the Sarasota County inmate locator.

Sarasota County Bail Bond Information

Because Sarasota County and Florida can change their bail bond procedures, it is always best to call either the Sarasota County Jail at 941-861-4165, or the court in the jurisdiction (i.e. Municipal Court, District Court, etc.) where the offender was charged, and do this right after an arrestee has been booked. 

Ask the staff at the Sarasota County Jail or the Sarasota County Court Clerk these specific questions:

1. Is the defendant eligible for bail or a bond?
2. How much will the bail or bond be, and what are the additional fees?
3. Where do I go to pay it?
4. Are there any days or times of the day or night when I cannot post bail?
5. What types of payment are allowed? Cash? Money order? Credit card? What types of credit cards? Property or other collateral? Surety bonds?
6. Do I have to use a bail or bond agent?

If you feel the bail is too high and you wish to get it reduced, contact a lawyer or the defendant's public defender and get them to look into what they can do to get a bail reduction. The sooner you get working on this the quicker you will get your loved one released. 

This entire process will go smoother and faster with a criminal attorney or bail agent handling it for you.

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Sarasota County Jail? What is the Schedule?

Sarasota County Jail Inmate Video Visitation Schedule & Registration

2020 Main St.
Sarasota, FL 34237
941-861-4165

• First, you must register online or in the jail lobby with GTL / Viapath.
  
• On-site visits are free.
• Remote visits are $12.00 for a 25 minute visit.
• Inmates are allowed three (3) fifty-minute visitations per week.
• The maximum number of visitors allowed at each visit is three (3), including children.
• Visits may be scheduled two weeks in advance and up to 24 hours prior to your desired visit. Visits may be canceled up to 48 hours prior to visit.
• Dress professionally and NON seductively.
• You will need a valid government issued photo ID.
• If you have any questions call the jail at 941-861-4692.

* Remote Visits begin at 8:30AM

Sarasota County Jail offers Video Visitation for Inmates using the Services of GTL, aka ViaPath Techologies

In order to schedule and then visit an inmate using GTL you need to first register with GTL.

Next Steps:

• Register yourself and all visitors.
• Select Sarasota County Jail
• Select your inmate.
• Schedule your preferred time for the visit.

For at-home video visits: Sign in to the visitation scheduling site 15 minutes prior to your scheduled visit. Test your connection, and follow the steps to start your visit.
For on-site video visits: Arrive at the facility at least 15 minutes prior to check-in. A valid photo ID is required. 

All your questions can be answered after you register, at the Frequently Asked Questions page, or call 855-208-7349 during the following hours:
6AM – 4PM MST Monday – Friday, or 
7AM – 4PM MST Saturday – Sunday

Costs for Visits are subject to change but generally run less than $10.00 for a 30 minute visit.
Payment can be made with Visa, Mastercard debit, credit or gift cards.

How to Arrange Video Visitation with Sarasota County Jail Inmates

Follow these instructions to schedule and then visit an inmate using GTL.

• Register yourself and all visitors.
• Select Sarasota County Jail
• Select your inmate.
• Schedule your preferred time for the visit.

For all the information you need to know regarding scheduling, cost, rules, tips and guidelines of inmate visits at the Sarasota County Jail, check out our Visit Inmate Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Sarasota County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 941-861-4165 for further assistance.

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Sarasota County Jail?

Sarasota County Jail Inmate Video Visitation Schedule & Registration

2020 Main St.
Sarasota, FL 34237
941-861-4165

• First, you must register online or in the jail lobby with GTL / Viapath.
  
• On-site visits are free.
• Remote visits are $12.00 for a 25 minute visit.
• Inmates are allowed three (3) fifty-minute visitations per week.
• The maximum number of visitors allowed at each visit is three (3), including children.
• Visits may be scheduled two weeks in advance and up to 24 hours prior to your desired visit. Visits may be canceled up to 48 hours prior to visit.
• Dress professionally and NON seductively.
• You will need a valid government issued photo ID.
• If you have any questions call the jail at 941-861-4692.

* Remote Visits begin at 8:30AM

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Sarasota County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 941-861-4165 for further assistance.

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Sarasota County Jail?

There are multiple ways to add money to an inmate's account at Sarasota County Jail, using Access Corrections Secure Deposits

1. Online - Making a deposit using a verified Visa or Mastercard online, or using their Apple or Android App.
2. By phone - Dial 866.345.1884 to reach their 24/7 Access Corrections domestic call centers.
3. Jail Lobby Kiosk - Kiosks accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards.
4. Mail-in Lockbox - Friends or Family who do not have a credit or debit card can mail money orders to their secure lockbox to make deposits to an inmate’s account. Depositors use a customized form that captures all needed information. Upon receipt, they process and post the deposits to the inmate's trust fund in approximately 48 hours.

Money orders may be mailed to inmates at:
Access Corrections
P.O. Box 12486
St. Louis, MO 63132

Money orders must be made out to "Access Secure Deposits".
Include the state, city, inmate name and ID number on all money orders.

5. Walk-in Cash Deposits - Go to any Cash Pay Today location to deposit cash to your inmate's account.

Secure Deposits - Frequently Asked Questions
Secure Deposits - Video Tutorial on How it Works
Secure Deposits - Help Pages

Customer Service Contacts:
Phone: 866-345-1884
Email: [email protected]
Online Chat - Look for 'bubble' on bottom right of the page linked here.

How to Send Money to an Inmate in Sarasota County

To send commissary money to an inmate in Sarasota County Jail follow these steps:

• Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
• 
• Select Florida, then select Sarasota County Jail, and then the inmate you want to send money to.
• Choose the amount of money you want to send, and input your payment method.

For all information on how to Send Money to an inmate's account check out our full money and commissary guide for Sarasota County Jail.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Sarasota County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 941-861-4165 for further assistance.

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Sarasota County Jail?

How Do You Communicate with an Inmate in the Sarasota County Jail by Phone

Follow these instructions on how to open an account with GTL Connect Network (aka Viapath Technologies)

• Advance Pay - This phone account allows you to prepay so that your inmate can call you (and only you) whenever he/she wants and the cost of each call is deducted from your balance. You can even be notified by text when your balance gets low. You still have the option of accepting or rejecting each call.
• Pin Debit  -  This option allows you to fund an inmate's commissary account and lets him pay for phone calls to you and others with the money. You will have no control over who your inmate calls.
• Voicemail  -  You can leave a secure voicemail without having to contact the facility. When you call the local phone number for a facility offering Inmate Voicemail (call Customer Service at 877-650-4249 to get the local voicemail number for Sarasota County Jail, you will be informed of the cost for leaving a message. To leave your message, simply select the inmate by ID number. Then, record your voicemail.

For full instructions on the Sarasota County Jail Inmate Phone System, what the costs are, how it works, and tips and guidelines on rules, regulations and saving money on calls, check out our Inmate Phones Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Sarasota County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 941-861-4165 for further assistance.

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Sarasota County Jail, and what can I send them?

Sarasota County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Sarasota County Jail allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.

Envelopes
The Sarasota County Jail also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.

Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope. 

Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID Number
Smart Communications - SCCF
PO Box 700
Pinellas Park, FL 33781

Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID Number
Sarasota County Correctional Facility
2020 Main Street
Sarasota, FL 34237

Newspapers
Local or national newspapers may also be mailed to the inmate as long as they are mailed directly from the newspaper publisher.

Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.

Books
The Sarasota County Jail allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address below.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Sarasota County Jail standards will be disposed of. No more than three books may be shipped at any one time.
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.

All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID Number
Sarasota County Correctional Facility
2020 Main Street
Sarasota, FL 34237

How to Send and Receive Secure Text and Email Messages with an Inmate in Sarasota County Jail

To communicate by text or email with an Sarasota County inmate, follow these instructions:

• To send or receive a message you MUST first open a SmartJailMail.com account.
• 
• Once you open an account, you may search for Sarasota County inmates or detainees to connect with.
• When you locate the Sarasota County inmate that you want to connect with, you can send them a connection request.
• Sarasota County Jail will then need to approve the request before you can send messages.

For all the information you need to send and receive secure messages in the form of text or email with a Sarasota County Jail inmate, including how it works, how much it costs, renting your inmate a tablet, how often you can communicate and more, check out our Text/Email an Inmate Page.
NOTE: Your messages will be monitored and stored. You may want to refrain from discussing your inmate's court case.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Sarasota County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 941-861-4165 for further assistance.

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Sarasota County Jail, and what can I purchase?

Sarasota County Jail contracts with Access Securepak (aka MyCarePak) for families to send pre-determined packages of commissary items to your inmate.

Access Securepak carries over 1,000 different items in the following categories:
- Food and Snacks
- Personal Hygiene Products
- Electronics
- Apparel

Registration Process:
1. Register here.
2. Select Florida.
3. Select Sarasota County Jail.
4. Find your Inmate.
5. Deposit Funds.
6. Order Commissary Items.
Once you are logged in, you will receive instructions on how much (and what products) you can send your inmate.
Contact Information:
* If you have any questions, you can call Access Securepak at 800-546-6283.
* You can email My Care Pack at [email protected].
* You can write them at:
    Access Securepak
    10880 Linpage Place
    St. Louis, MO 63132

* You can Live Chat with a Representative online: (bottom left corner of page)
   Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.–11 p.m. CST, 
   and Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. CST.

*Note* Access Securepak will issue a refund for or replace broken, damaged, or missing products reported by Sarasota County Jail staff. They will not honor reports of discrepancies from inmate's families or friends.
My CarePack is the Sarasota County Jail's outside vendor for Commissary Items. They have a very good mix of Chips, Snacks, Candy, Meat, Seafood, Hygiene products, Letter writing materials, Electronics and Apparel items for sale on their website.

*NOTE* -- Once you are fully registered and have selected the inmate you wish to send commissary to, you will receive instructions on how much you can deposit, how much (and what) you can purchase for your inmate, and how often you can send commissary.

How to Send Money to an Inmate in Sarasota County

To send commissary money to an inmate in Sarasota County Jail follow these steps:

• Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
• 
• Select Florida, then select Sarasota County Jail, and then the inmate you want to send money to.
• Choose the amount of money you want to send, and input your payment method.

For all information on how to Send Money to an inmate's account check out our full money and commissary guide for Sarasota County Jail.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Sarasota County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 941-861-4165 for further assistance.

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Sarasota County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?

Sarasota County Jail uses a secure messaging service call Smart Communications so that inmates can communicate electronically with friends and family members on the outside.

SmartMail allows inmates to communicate safely and quickly with family and friends outside of the jail, prison or detention center. Inmates send and receive electronic letters using a safe and secure computer kiosk or tablet stationed in their institution. THE COST IS JUST $0.50 CENTS; cheaper than a postage stamp and envelope.

• The message can be sent with postage paid and will be free to open and read for the recipient.
• Or, the message can be sent collect / "COD" for free and will be paid for by the recipient.
• To send or receive a message you MUST open a SmartJailMail.com account.
• Once you open an account, you may search for inmates, prisoners, or detainees to connect with.
• When you locate the inmate that you want to connect with, you can send them a connection request.
• They will then need to approve the request before you can send messages.
• Sending messages with SmartMail is just like sending an e-mail, except it is contained within the SmartJailMail web site. Messages can be delivered instantly or may be held for review depending on the destination facility.
• Electronic messages are delivered much more quickly than traditional paper mail to the correctional facility so you can stay connected.

More information on how to send and receive messages and photos with an inmate.

How to Send and Receive Secure Text and Email Messages with an Inmate in Sarasota County Jail

To communicate by text or email with an Sarasota County inmate, follow these instructions:

• To send or receive a message you MUST first open a SmartJailMail.com account.
• 
• Once you open an account, you may search for Sarasota County inmates or detainees to connect with.
• When you locate the Sarasota County inmate that you want to connect with, you can send them a connection request.
• Sarasota County Jail will then need to approve the request before you can send messages.

For all the information you need to send and receive secure messages in the form of text or email with a Sarasota County Jail inmate, including how it works, how much it costs, renting your inmate a tablet, how often you can communicate and more, check out our Text/Email an Inmate Page.
NOTE: Your messages will be monitored and stored. You may want to refrain from discussing your inmate's court case.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Sarasota County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 941-861-4165 for further assistance.

Do Inmates in the Sarasota County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Sarasota County Jail allows inmates access to tablets to use for the services provided by 'gettingout'.

The devices are similar to common handheld tablets, but are made exclusively by GettingOut, a GTL / Viapath company.
Tablets offer specialized content and services for inmates to use during their stay at Sarasota County Jail, such as:

• Music
• Books
• Games
• Education
• News
• Radio
• Television
• Read mail and messages
• Video visits

-  Free services are already available for use on the device at Sarasota County Jail.
-  Subscription services are funded separately by family and friends with deposits made into an inmate’s Debit Link account.
-  Sarasota County Jail Inmates will then be able to purchase subscription services and premium content to enjoy.

What Does a Tablet Cost?

• Tablet devices include some services and the content is free.
• The subscription services require additional funding.
• There may be multiple options such as 7-day or 30-day subscriptions.
• Costs are dependent upon the available services and what the Sarasota County Jail charges.

To estimate costs for phone calls, sign in to your account and click “Rate & Fees Calculator” in the footer (bottom of the page) or call 866-516-0115 for assistance.

How Inmates Can Use a Tablet to Access Services at Sarasota County Jail

To find out how to get access to a tablet for inmate read the following:

1.  First, Register or Sign In to GettingOut/GTL

2.  Purchase the services you want for your Sarasota County Jail inmate.
3. All inmates have free access to the tablets to read their letters from family & friends, but there are many other services available to keep your inmate busy while incarcerated... such as Games, Books, Music and Movies. These other services come with fees that you can pay for when you pay for phone service.

To learn more about Tablet Rentals for inmates, including the cost, all the services available and everything else you need to know, check out our Tablet Rental Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Sarasota County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 941-861-4165 for further assistance.

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Sarasota County?