Lee County Jail - Core Facility

Search for an Inmate in Lee County

Lee County Jail - Core Facility Information

Located in Ft. Meyers, Lee County, Florida, the Lee County Jail - Core Facility is a 1552-bed jail. For inmate information, you can contact them 24 hours a day at 239-477-1500.

This facility handles the booking and processing of offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies. Depending on their charges, inmates may be held until they are bonded out, released on their own recognizance, or remain in custody until their trial is concluded.

You can use the inmate search tool to view the roster of individuals currently in custody.

Inmates sentenced to less than one year will serve their time at this facility, while those sentenced to longer terms will be transferred to either the Florida State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

This page provides details on the visitation schedule, how to fund an inmate's account, send mail, receive phone calls, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bonds, and commissary purchases.

It’s advisable to save the inmate’s jail ID or booking number for communication purposes. If you cannot locate it online, call Lee County Jail - Core Facility at 239-477-1500 for help.

Phone: 239-477-1500

Physical Address:
2501 Ortiz Avenue
Ft. Meyers, FL 33905

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & booking number
Smart Communications - Lee County Sheriff’s Office
P.O. Box 9152
Seminole, Florida 33775

Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & booking number
Lee County Jail - Core Facility
2501 Ortiz Avenue
Ft. Meyers, FL 33905

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Lee County Jail - Core Facility?

To search for an inmate in the Lee County Jail - Core Facility, 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 239-477-1500 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up Arrests Warrants for Lee County and the entire state of Florida, as well as Lee County Criminal Court Cases and Courts for each county in the state of Florida.

Lee County Jail - Core Facility Inmate Search

The Lee County Jail - Core Facility maintains an average of 1552 offenders in custody on any given day. The Lee County Jail - Core Facility 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 Lee County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 47,900 offenders.

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About the Lee County Jail - Core Facility

Providing for the medium to maximum security needs for Lee County the Lee County Jail - Core Facility houses up to 1216 inmates. Both male and female inmates are housed at this location, and they are both able to access the wide range of classes, programs, and services.

Licensed teachers are in place each day from 8am to 11am and again 1pm to 3pm Monday to Friday to provide GED classes and even elementary school education for any of the inmates who have not finished school for any reason. Each student will be met where they are in their education and the teachers, education assistants, and GED instructors will help each student to understand the topics and gain credits for their home school. In addition, they offer self help groups including AA, NA, CA, health classes, and treatment with counseling for abuse, anger management, alternatives to domestic violence, parenting skills, and others.

Lee County Jail - Core Facility is also the location at which services are provided for all of the locations including the food, medical, and laundry services for all three of the Lee County locations. Questions about these programs and other aspects can be directed to the facility by calling 239-477-1500, and inmates will have access to phones to make outgoing calls regularly which are funded via online, and they will have visits that can be attended at the visitation center that serves all three locations 2501 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33905.

Each inmate will be provided a list they can add 5 visitors they want to see, and those visitors only will be permitted access to visits, and all visits will be 1 hour long with two visits occurring each week. Hours for the visitation area are Monday to Sunday 5am to 11pm. 

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Recent Bookings & Arrests

Booking process details at Lee County Jail - Core Facility

When someone is arrested, they are taken to Lee County Jail - Core Facility for booking. This process involves verifying identity, assessing charges, and determining whether the person will be released on bail or detained.

It's crucial to remain silent during this process, as any statements could be used in court. Legal counsel should be consulted before making any comments about the arrest.

The booking process at Lee County Jail - Core Facility typically involves the following steps:

  • Identifying the individual.
  • Taking a mugshot.
  • Health assessments and questions about criminal background.
  • DNA collection if applicable.
  • Conducting a full-body search.
  • Confiscating personal property.
  • Allowing a phone call.

Booking times can range from one hour to 48 hours. For details on posting bond for an arrestee, call the facility at 239-477-1500.

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Directions / Map to the Lee County Jail - Core Facility
Inmate Bail and Bonding

How to post bail for a loved one in Lee County

Once booked at Lee County Jail - Core Facility in Ft. Meyers, the individual has several possible outcomes:

1. Release without posting bail, with a commitment to appear in court.
2. Remaining in custody until their court date.
3. Posting bail or bond for release. For the exact amount, call 239-477-1500.

Several payment methods are available for bail.

  • Bail can be paid in cash, by credit card, or with a money order.
  • Licensed bail bondsmen in Lee County can assist with the process.
  • Property within the county can also be used to pay bail.

For more details on the bail process in Lee County, Florida, visit the Lee County Jail - Core Facility Bail Information Page.

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Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Lee County Jail - Core Facility? What is the Schedule?

Lee County Jail - Core Facility Inmate Visitation Schedule

ATTENTION: Visits for all Lee County jail facilities (Main Jail, Core and CPU’s) take place at the Lee County Inmate Visitation Center, located at the Ortiz facility:
2501 Ortiz Ave
Fort Myers, FL 33905

239-258-3773

  • First, you MUST register with GTL/ViaPath and schedule your visit in advance.
  • All Visits are conducted through a video monitor.
  • Each inmate is allowed two(2) one-hour visits per week.
  • Plan on arriving and checking in at least 15 minutes before your scheduled visit.
  • Inmates are allowed up to five people (family & friends) on their Visitor List. Updates are allowed once every four months.
  • No more than two visitors from the Inmate's Authorized Visitor List will be allowed per visit (children under one year are not included in that count).
  • You must arrive with a valid, government issued photo ID, as does any visitor older than 16 years of age.
  • Attorneys & Clergy Visits are treated differently. They aren't on the inmates list and they don't require appointments.
DAY TIMES
MONDAY 5:00AM - 11:00PM
TUESDAY 5:00AM - 11:00PM
WEDNESDAY 5:00AM - 11:00PM
THURSDAY 5:00AM - 11:00PM
FRIDAY 5:00AM - 11:00PM
SATURDAY 5:00AM - 11:00PM
SUNDAY 5:00AM - 11:00PM

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lee County Jail - Core Facility’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 239-477-1500 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 Lee County Jail - Core Facility?

Lee County Jail - Core Facility Inmate Visitation Schedule

ATTENTION: Visits for all Lee County jail facilities (Main Jail, Core and CPU’s) take place at the Lee County Inmate Visitation Center, located at the Ortiz facility:
2501 Ortiz Ave
Fort Myers, FL 33905

239-258-3773

  • First, you MUST register with GTL/ViaPath and schedule your visit in advance.
  • All Visits are conducted through a video monitor.
  • Each inmate is allowed two(2) one-hour visits per week.
  • Plan on arriving and checking in at least 15 minutes before your scheduled visit.
  • Inmates are allowed up to five people (family & friends) on their Visitor List. Updates are allowed once every four months.
  • No more than two visitors from the Inmate's Authorized Visitor List will be allowed per visit (children under one year are not included in that count).
  • You must arrive with a valid, government issued photo ID, as does any visitor older than 16 years of age.
  • Attorneys & Clergy Visits are treated differently. They aren't on the inmates list and they don't require appointments.
DAY TIMES
MONDAY 5:00AM - 11:00PM
TUESDAY 5:00AM - 11:00PM
WEDNESDAY 5:00AM - 11:00PM
THURSDAY 5:00AM - 11:00PM
FRIDAY 5:00AM - 11:00PM
SATURDAY 5:00AM - 11:00PM
SUNDAY 5:00AM - 11:00PM

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lee County Jail - Core Facility’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 239-477-1500 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Lee County Jail - Core Facility?

There are five choices for putting money on an inmate's books that can be used for communication services:

1. Commissary money in the form of a money order may be mailed to:
AdvancePay Service Department
P.O. Box 911722
Denver, CO 80291-1722

2. You may use cash or credit/debit cards at any time by using the kiosk located in the front lobby.  The fee for the use of the ATM is generally $1.50 per transaction for cash and 10% fee for credit/debit cards.

3. Commissary money can also be added to an inmates account at any time using any of these methods online.

4. Cash deposits to ConnectNetwork are now available at 26,000 retail locations nationwide including Walmart, ACE, Kmart, Kroger, and more. You’ll start the payment process online in your ConnectNetwork account, then complete your transaction with cash at a participating local retail store. Plus, many of these stores are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Find a retail store near you.

5. You can call customer service 24/7 at 877-650-4249 and get instructions for depositing money over the phone using a debit or credit card.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lee County Jail - Core Facility’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 239-477-1500 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Lee County Jail - Core Facility?

How Do You Communicate with an Inmate in the Lee County Jail - Core Facility 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 Lee County Jail - Core Facility, 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 Lee County Jail - Core Facility 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 Lee County Jail - Core Facility’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 239-477-1500 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Lee County Jail - Core Facility, and what can I send them?

Postcards
The Lee County Jail - Core Facility 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.

Envelopes
The Lee County Jail - Core Facility also allows regular postcards and envelopes to be mailed to inmates as well.

Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & booking number
Smart Communications - Lee County Sheriff’s Office
P.O. Box 9152
Seminole, Florida 33775


Newspapers
Not allowed.

Magazines
Not allowed.

Books
Not allowed.

Care Packages
Not allowed.

How to Send and Receive Secure Text and Email Messages with an Inmate in Lee County Jail - Core Facility

To communicate by text or email with an Lee 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 Lee County inmates or detainees to connect with.
  • When you locate the Lee County inmate that you want to connect with, you can send them a connection request.
  • Lee County Jail - Core Facility 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 Lee County Jail - Core Facility 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 Lee County Jail - Core Facility’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 239-477-1500 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Lee County Jail - Core Facility, and what can I purchase?

Lee County Jail - Core Facility contracts with Oasis Commissary (aka jailcanteen.com) for the online ordering of snacks and other foods, hygiene products, letter writing materials, clothing and reading glasses.



Family members and friends can go to their website, order for their inmate and have it delivered directly to Lee County Jail - Core Facility.

Instructions
1.     Register here first.    
2.    Confirm registration in your email.
3.    Select Florida, then Lee County Jail - Core Facility, then input your inmate’s name.
4.    Shop… then pay using a Visa, MC or Discover credit or debit card.

Useful Information
1.     Each order incurs a $5.95 processing fee.
2.    Orders are delivered once a week.
3.    There is no limit to the number of orders you can place each week.
4.    You can purchase orders for multiple inmates and/or at multiple jails.
5.    Orders are processed weekly. The cutoff time is on Sunday at 11:59 PM.
6.    Orders are delivered to the jail within ten days.
7.    Returns incur a 20% restocking fee.

Resources
Frequently Asked Questions.  
Check the Status of your order here.  
Online Contact Form.

Oasis is now offering tablets for inmates to use for easy ordering of commissary of products. They can be used for free for 15 minutes at a time.  If an inmate wishes to use on a reguar basis for education, entertainment or programming, they can be rented for a small monthly fee.

Customer Service Contact
Call 800-956-2747 Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST. 
Email: support@jailcanteen.com.

How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Lee County

To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Lee County Jail - Core Facility follow these steps:

  • Select Florida, then select Lee County Jail - Core Facility, and then select the 'Send a Package Order' option.
  • Register and create an account with My Care Pack, also known as Access Securepak, for Lee County.
  • Choose the inmate and the products you want shipped to them, and input your payment method. 
  • NOTE: There may be a limit on how much product you can send your inmate in Lee County at any one time.

For all information, tips and available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Lee County Jail - Core Facility check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Lee County.

Customer Service Contact
Call 800-956-2747 Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST. 
Email: support@jailcanteen.com.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lee County Jail - Core Facility’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 239-477-1500 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Lee County Jail - Core Facility using an Online Messaging Service?

Lee County Jail - Core Facility 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 Lee County Jail - Core Facility

To communicate by text or email with an Lee 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 Lee County inmates or detainees to connect with.
  • When you locate the Lee County inmate that you want to connect with, you can send them a connection request.
  • Lee County Jail - Core Facility 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 Lee County Jail - Core Facility 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 Lee County Jail - Core Facility’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 239-477-1500 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the Lee County Jail - Core Facility have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Lee County Jail - Core Facility 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 Lee County Jail - Core Facility, 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 Lee County Jail - Core Facility.
-  Subscription services are funded separately by family and friends with deposits made into an inmate’s Debit Link account.
-  Lee County Jail - Core Facility Inmates will then be able to purchase subscription services and premium content to enjoy.

What Does a Tablet Cost?

To estimate costs for tablets and other services such as phone calls, sign in to your account and click “Rate & Fees Calculator” in the footer (bottom of the page), but the following gives you a general idea.

Game Center:

30-Day Subscription: $4.99, with an additional $1.00 service infrastructure charge ($5.99)

Fourteen-Day Subscription: $2.99, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($3.74)

Seven-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($2.49)

Unlimited eBooks:

Thirty-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $1.00 service infrastructure charge ($2.99)

Fourteen-Day Subscription: $0.99, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($1.74)

Seven-Day Subscription: $0.49, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($0.99)

Streaming Music:

Thirty-Day Subscription: $8.99, with an additional $16.00 service infrastructure charge ($24.99)

Fourteen-Day Subscription: $5.99, with an additional $9.00 service infrastructure charge ($14.99)

Seven-Day Subscription: $2.99, with an additional $5.00 service infrastructure charge ($7.99)

Newsfeed

Thirty-Day Subscription: $3.99, with an additional $6.00 service infrastructure charge ($9.99)

Fourteen-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $5.00 service infrastructure charge ($6.99)

Seven-Day Subscription: $0.99, with an additional $3.00 service infrastructure charge ($3.99)

Same Day Subscription Services

Game Center: $0.99, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($1.49)

Unlimited eBooks: $0.25, (Total = 0.25)

Newsfeed: $0.24, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($0.99)

FM Radio: $0.24, with an additional $0.25 service infrastructure charge ($0.49)

All Subscription and message credit pricing is subject to state and local taxes. 

Replacement Components - should your inmate break it...

Tablet: $249.99 per each

Charger: $8.99 per each

Earbuds: $2.99 per each

How Inmates Can Use a Tablet to Access Services at Lee County Jail - Core Facility

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 Lee County Jail - Core Facility 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 Lee County Jail - Core Facility’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 239-477-1500 for further assistance.

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Are there photos of the Lee County Jail - Core Facility? What does it look like?
Other Jails in Lee County

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

Lee County County Jails
Lee County Juvenile Facilities
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Other Jails Nearby

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

Lee Charlotte Hendry Collier Glades
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Search for an Inmate in Lee County

This facility, known as "Lee County Jail - Core Facility" is also known as Lee County Ortiz Facilities, Lee County Jail , Lee County Jail , Florida, Lee.