Main Jail Bureau

Search for an Inmate in Broward County

Main Jail Bureau Information

Located in Ft. Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida, the Main Jail Bureau is a 1538-bed jail. You can call them 24 hours a day for inmate information at 954-831-5900.

This facility handles the booking and processing of offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies. Inmates remain in custody until they are either bonded out, released on recognizance, or held until their trial is settled.

The inmate search tool provides access to the jail's roster of those in custody.

Individuals sentenced to less than one year will serve their time here. Those sentenced to more than a year are transferred to either the Florida State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

This page offers detailed information on services such as the visitation schedule, inmate account funding, mail, phone calls, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond details, and commissary purchases.

Save the inmate's jail ID or booking number for future communication needs. If it’s not available online, call Main Jail Bureau at 954-831-5900 for assistance.

Phone: 954-831-5900

Physical Address:
555 SE 1st Ave.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate's Arrest Number
Central Intake Bureau
PO Box 9356
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33310

Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate's Arrest Number
Central Intake Bureau
PO Box 9356
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33310

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Main Jail Bureau?

To search for an inmate in the Main Jail Bureau, 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 954-831-5900 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up Arrests Warrants for Broward County and the entire state of Florida, as well as Broward County Criminal Court Cases and Courts for each county in the state of Florida.

Main Jail Bureau Inmate Search

The Main Jail Bureau maintains an average of 1538 offenders in custody on any given day. The Main Jail Bureau 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 Broward County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 153,620 offenders.

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About the Main Jail Bureau

Main Jail Bureau in Broward County, Florida has 1,538 inmate beds and houses male inmates only. There are eight floors in this building. It is a maximum-security facility located near the Broward County Courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Four-hundred staff members supervise the inmates. The address is 555 SE 1st Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. You can reach this facility by phone by calling 954-831-5900

Main Jail Bureau is managed by the Broward Sheriff's Office which also oversees four other jails in the County: Joseph V. Conte Facility, North Broward Bureau, Central Intake Bureau, and the Paul Rein Detention Facility. At this jail, inmates are either waiting to be sentenced or they are serving time for one year or less than one year.

You can find a friend or relative who may have been arrested and processed into Main Jail Bureau by looking for them with the Inmate Search using the Broward County Sheriff's Arrest Search online tool.

If you do find the inmate and you wish to visit them, you can do remote inmate video visits or on-site visits. If you plan to visit from home, you'll need to follow the instructions here for Remote Visits.

On-site visits are offered Mondays through Sundays, but you can only visit a maximum of two times per week. These visits also take place via video. You have to go in person to the Video Visitation Center at 3700 West Oakland Park Blvd. in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. It can take two days before you are properly set up to make a visit, and you must get there early once you've scheduled an appointment. Be sure to read all of the rules on the Visits page.

To read about other services related to Main Jail Bureau, scroll down or click on these links: Mail, Phone, Money, Bail, email, Commissary, Most WantedTablet rental.

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Recent Bookings & Arrests

How is booking conducted at Main Jail Bureau?

After an arrest, individuals are transported to Main Jail Bureau for the booking process. This procedure ensures the person’s identity, assesses charges, and determines if they will be released, eligible for bail, or detained until court.

Remaining silent during this process is vital. Anything said could be used as evidence, so it’s wise to wait for an attorney before speaking about the arrest.

Here’s a breakdown of the booking steps at Main Jail Bureau:

  • Verifying identification information.
  • Capturing mugshots for record-keeping.
  • Health assessments and questions about criminal history.
  • Possible DNA collection.
  • Physical search for contraband or weapons.
  • Securing personal belongings.
  • Granting a free phone call.

The booking process varies in duration, taking anywhere from an hour to 48 hours. For questions about an arrestee’s bond, call the facility at 954-831-5900.

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Directions / Map to the Main Jail Bureau
Inmate Bail and Bonding

How to post bail for someone arrested in Broward County

When an individual is arrested and booked at Main Jail Bureau in Ft. Lauderdale, the outcomes include:

1. Release without bail, under the condition they appear for their court date.
2. Remain in custody until the court appearance.
3. Post a bail or bond for release. Contact 954-831-5900 for specific bail amounts.

Bail payments can be made in different ways.

  • Cash, credit, or money order are accepted forms of payment.
  • You can work with a licensed bail bondsman in Broward County.
  • County real estate property can be used as collateral.

For further information on posting bail in Broward County, Florida, visit the Main Jail Bureau Bail Information Page.

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Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Main Jail Bureau? What is the Schedule?

Main Jail Bureau ON-SITE (at the jail) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE

Note: The Main Jail Bureau uses a central location for their video visitation.
The address is NOT the same as the jail. (see address below)


Video Visitation Center
3700 West Oakland Park Blvd.,
Lauderdale Lakes, FL

It is located in between:
NW 31st Ave. and State Road 7
in the Lauderdale Market Place Plaza

954-831-5900

Schedule Video Visits online with Securus

  • On-site Visits are free.
  • Visits are 60 minutes.
  • You must check in 15 minutes before scheduled visit.
  • Visitation schedule subject to change.
  • Inmates are allowed two one-hour visits per week from the Video Visitation center.
  • A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per an on-site video session. That includes minors.
  • Government issued Picture ID is required.
  • All visits must be made at least 24 hours in advance. You can schedule up to 7 days out.
  • Initial registration approval takes 48 hours.
DAY TIME
SUNDAY 7:45AM - 1:45PM
3:45PM - 9:45PM
MONDAY 7:45AM - 1:45PM
3:45PM - 9:45PM
TUESDAY 7:45AM - 1:45PM
3:45PM - 9:45PM
WEDNESDAY 7:45AM - 1:45PM
3:45PM - 9:45PM
THURSDAY 7:45AM - 1:45PM
3:45PM - 9:45PM
FRIDAY 7:45AM - 1:45PM
3:45PM - 9:45PM
SATURDAY 7:45AM - 1:45PM
3:45PM - 9:45PM

Main Jail Bureau REMOTE (at home) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE

  • All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
  • Visits are 30 minutes.
  • Visits from home cost $5.00 each.
  • Inmates can have up to four home video visits per week.
DAY TIME
SUNDAY 7:45AM - 1:45PM
3:45PM - 9:45PM
MONDAY 7:45AM - 1:45PM
3:45PM - 9:45PM
TUESDAY 7:45AM - 1:45PM
3:45PM - 9:45PM
WEDNESDAY 7:45AM - 1:45PM
3:45PM - 9:45PM
THURSDAY 7:45AM - 1:45PM
3:45PM - 9:45PM
FRIDAY 7:45AM - 1:45PM
3:45PM - 9:45PM
SATURDAY 7:45AM - 1:45PM
3:45PM - 9:45PM

Main Jail Bureau uses Securus Video Connect for Remote Inmate Video Visitation. 



Video Visitation allows 'approved' friends, family members, attorneys and clergy of an inmate to connect with them using their computer, Securus Video Visitation app, or ‘on-site’ kiosk. 

Steps:
Register and/or log in.
Select the facility of your inmate.
Review the days, available hours and the cost of remote and on-site visits.
Schedule your visit.

What is the Cost of a Remote Video Visit?
Costs vary and are subject to change, but generally visits range from $5.00 to $15.00 for a 15 to 30 minute online or on-site video visit.

How do you know if your Inmate will be available during the time you schedule?
The Securus system knows the times that Main Jail Bureau inmates are available for remote video visits.
It will not allow you to schedule a visit with your inmate if they are not available or the video visitation kiosk(s) in the jail are booked already.
Once you schedule a visit with your inmate they will be notified of the date and time of the visit.

Important Tips:
Your entire visit is being monitored and recorded. Do not say or do anything that you would not want being replayed in court.
You should schedule your visit, in advance, at a time that works best for you.
For best sound quality, use earbuds or headsets.

Quick & Easy Access to Important Information & Help:
Phone: 972-734-1111 or 877-578-3658
Video Tutorial on Registering for Securus Video Visits.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Main Jail Bureau Pricing.
Securus Contact Information.
iphone app
Android app

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Main Jail Bureau’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 954-831-5900 for further assistance.

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Remote Video Visitation

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

Main Jail Bureau ON-SITE (at the jail) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE

Note: The Main Jail Bureau uses a central location for their video visitation.
The address is NOT the same as the jail. (see address below)


Video Visitation Center
3700 West Oakland Park Blvd.,
Lauderdale Lakes, FL

It is located in between:
NW 31st Ave. and State Road 7
in the Lauderdale Market Place Plaza

954-831-5900

Schedule Video Visits online with Securus

  • On-site Visits are free.
  • Visits are 60 minutes.
  • You must check in 15 minutes before scheduled visit.
  • Visitation schedule subject to change.
  • Inmates are allowed two one-hour visits per week from the Video Visitation center.
  • A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per an on-site video session. That includes minors.
  • Government issued Picture ID is required.
  • All visits must be made at least 24 hours in advance. You can schedule up to 7 days out.
  • Initial registration approval takes 48 hours.
DAY TIME
SUNDAY 7:45AM - 1:45PM
3:45PM - 9:45PM
MONDAY 7:45AM - 1:45PM
3:45PM - 9:45PM
TUESDAY 7:45AM - 1:45PM
3:45PM - 9:45PM
WEDNESDAY 7:45AM - 1:45PM
3:45PM - 9:45PM
THURSDAY 7:45AM - 1:45PM
3:45PM - 9:45PM
FRIDAY 7:45AM - 1:45PM
3:45PM - 9:45PM
SATURDAY 7:45AM - 1:45PM
3:45PM - 9:45PM

Main Jail Bureau REMOTE (at home) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE

  • All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
  • Visits are 30 minutes.
  • Visits from home cost $5.00 each.
  • Inmates can have up to four home video visits per week.
DAY TIME
SUNDAY 7:45AM - 1:45PM
3:45PM - 9:45PM
MONDAY 7:45AM - 1:45PM
3:45PM - 9:45PM
TUESDAY 7:45AM - 1:45PM
3:45PM - 9:45PM
WEDNESDAY 7:45AM - 1:45PM
3:45PM - 9:45PM
THURSDAY 7:45AM - 1:45PM
3:45PM - 9:45PM
FRIDAY 7:45AM - 1:45PM
3:45PM - 9:45PM
SATURDAY 7:45AM - 1:45PM
3:45PM - 9:45PM

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Main Jail Bureau’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 954-831-5900 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Main Jail Bureau?

There are multiple ways to add money to an inmate's account at Main Jail Bureau, 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
Emailcustomerservice@accesscorrections.com
Online Chat - Look for 'bubble' on bottom right of the page linked here.

How to Send Money to an Inmate in Broward County

To send commissary money to an inmate in Main Jail Bureau follow these steps:

  • Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
  • Select Florida, then select Main Jail Bureau, 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 Main Jail Bureau.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Main Jail Bureau’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 954-831-5900 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Main Jail Bureau?

How an Inmate Makes a Phone Call to You or Others from Main Jail Bureau

To set up a phone account so that your inmate can call you from Broward County do the following:

1. Enroll in an account with Securus Technologies.

2. Choose one of three account types, Securus Debit, Advance Connect or Direct Bill.
3. Choose [facility_name_1}, then connect with your inmate.
4. If you have any questions, call Securus: 972-734-1111 or 800-844-6591.

To find out fees, how to's, calling times, limits on phone calls and other systems Securus has do that you can communicate with your Broward County inmate, check out our Inmate Phone Page.
NOTE: All of your inmate's phone calls are recorded and stored. It is advised not to discuss their pending case.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Main Jail Bureau’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 954-831-5900 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

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

Main Jail Bureau only allows postcards to be mailed to inmates. 

Mailing Address:

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate's Arrest Number
Central Intake Bureau
PO Box 9356
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33310

Letters in envelopes are NOT allowed.

** Legal Mail is exempt from this. Incoming and outgoing legal mail can be on letters, and in envelopes.

  • Postcards must white, pre-metered cards purchased from the Post Office.
  • Mimimum size of 3 ½ x 5 inches.  
  • Maximum size of 4 ¼ x 6 inches.
  • Ink must be black or blue only.
  • All photos mailed in must be printed on the actual postcards.
  • Photos attached (glued, stapled, paper clipped, etc.) to a postcard in any way will not be accepted.

Unacceptable Postcard forms:

  • Defaced or altered cards;
  • plastic or wrappings on the cards;
  • postcards marked with paint, crayons, watermarks, or stains;
  • postcards with any biohazards to include lipstick or perfumes;
  • postcards depicting nudity; explicit images of sexual activity, suggestive content, weapons, coded messages, or gang references;
  • money, labels, or stickers attached to the postcard; images or the likeness of the recipient inmate or other inmate(s);
  • oversized postcards;
  • fold over multi-layered postcards; and
  • imprinted holograms onto postcards.

Main Jail Bureau only allows postcards to be mailed to inmates. 

Mailing Address:

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate's Arrest Number
Central Intake Bureau
PO Box 9356
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33310

Letters in envelopes are NOT allowed.

** Legal Mail is exempt from this. Incoming and outgoing legal mail can be on letters, and in envelopes.

  • Postcards must white, pre-metered cards purchased from the Post Office.
  • Mimimum size of 3 ½ x 5 inches.  
  • Maximum size of 4 ¼ x 6 inches.
  • Ink must be black or blue only.
  • All photos mailed in must be printed on the actual postcards.
  • Photos attached (glued, stapled, paper clipped, etc.) to a postcard in any way will not be accepted.

Unacceptable Postcard forms:

  • Defaced or altered cards;
  • plastic or wrappings on the cards;
  • postcards marked with paint, crayons, watermarks, or stains;
  • postcards with any biohazards to include lipstick or perfumes;
  • postcards depicting nudity; explicit images of sexual activity, suggestive content, weapons, coded messages, or gang references;
  • money, labels, or stickers attached to the postcard; images or the likeness of the recipient inmate or other inmate(s);
  • oversized postcards;
  • fold over multi-layered postcards; and
  • imprinted holograms onto postcards.

For full information on exactly what you can mail an inmate in Broward County, and where to send it, check out our Inmate Mail page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Main Jail Bureau’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 954-831-5900 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

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

Main Jail Bureau 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 Main Jail Bureau.
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 customerservice@securepak.net.
* 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 Main Jail Bureau staff. They will not honor reports of discrepancies from inmate's families or friends.
My CarePack is the Main Jail Bureau'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 Broward County

To send commissary money to an inmate in Main Jail Bureau follow these steps:

  • Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
  • Select Florida, then select Main Jail Bureau, 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 Main Jail Bureau.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Main Jail Bureau’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 954-831-5900 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Main Jail Bureau using an Online Messaging Service?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Main Jail Bureau’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 954-831-5900 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the Main Jail Bureau have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Main Jail Bureau now offers Securus 'SecureView' Tablet Rentals to their inmates.


  
Securus is the same company that handles the inmate phone system, video visitations, email and texting and digital letters.

The tablets can be rented on a monthly basis and while not directly connected to the internet, the inmates can use them for the following activities:

  • Phone Calls - Inmates may make calls directly from their tablet allowing for more privacy. The rates are the same as the phones in the unit, and the calls are still recorded and monitored.
  • eMessaging - Communicate via a text based message or picture. Fee based system.
  • Job Search - Using JobView, a secure job search application, inmates have the ability to see what jobs are available when they are released.
  • Education - Free educational platform and course catalog that provides thousands of educational resources.
  • Self Help -Inmates have daily access to mental health and addiction recovery programming.
  • Music - Top-40, Hip-Hop, Country, Rock, Gospel, and more.
  • Law Library -  Legal research with up-to-date case information.
  • eBooks - Thousands of available titles.
  • Religion - Religious resources for spiritual guidance.
  • Games - Inmates can play their favorite games. Available through monthly subscriptions
  • Facility Services - Digital access to submitted forms, requests, facility documents, and notifications from staff.

Here's how it works:

  • Register here.  It is recommended you use Chrome or Firefox.
  • Pay for the subscription using Paypal.
  • You get charged the 1st of each month. 
  • You get charged a full month even if it's only used for a partial month.
  • No activation or early termination fees.
  • Your inmate will receive their tablet in 3-5 business days, after you pay.

Questions:

How to Rent a Tablet for an Inmate in Main Jail Bureau

To rent a tablet for an inmate in Broward County follow these instructions:

  • Register here.  It is recommended you use Chrome or Firefox.
  • Pay for the subscription using Paypal.
  • You get charged the 1st of each month. 
  • You get charged a full month even if it's only used for a partial month.
  • No activation or early termination fees.
  • Your Broward County inmate will recieve their tablet in 3-5 business days, after you pay.


If you have any questions:

For all Broward County information on Tablet Rentals for your inmate, check out our Tablet Rental Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Main Jail Bureau’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 954-831-5900 for further assistance.

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Are there photos of the Main Jail Bureau? What does it look like?
Other Jails in Broward County

What are the other City and County Jails in Broward County?

Broward County County Jails
Broward County Juvenile Facilities
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Other Jails Nearby

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

Broward Hendry Collier Miami-Dade Palm Beach
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Search for an Inmate in Broward County

This facility, known as "Main Jail Bureau" is also known as Broward County Main Jail, Broward County Sheriff's Office, Department of Detention and Community Control, Broward County Criminal Court, Broward County Jail, Main , Broward County Jail, Main , Florida, Broward.