The Bay County Jail is a 808 bed jail in the city of Panama City, Bay County, Florida. You can call them 24 hours a day for inmate information at 850-785-5245.
Offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies in this county are brought here for booking and processing, and if their crime requires it, are incarcerated until they are either bonded out, are released from custody on their own recognizance, or are ordered to remain in custody until the disposition of their trial.
You can also use the inmate search tool to see this facility's roster of those who have been arrested and are still in custody.
Those who are found guilty and sentenced to a term of less than one year, will do their time in this county. Those sentenced to longer terms will be sent to either the Florida State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, or by calling the facility at 850-785-5245, directions to the facility, and inmate services such as the visitation schedule and policies, funding an inmate's account, mailing them a letter, receiving phone calls from an inmate, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.
It's always a good idea to find out and save the inmate's jail ID number or booking number as you may need this for sending mail or other communication needs. If you can't locate it online, you can call the Bay County Jail at 850-785-5245 to get it.
Phone: 850-785-5245
Physical Address:
5700 Star Lane
Panama City, FL 32404
Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Bay County Jail, FL
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Bay County Jail
5700 Star Lane
Panama City, FL 32404
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the Bay 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 850-785-5245 for the information you are looking for. To look up an offender's criminal court case use the Bay County Court Case Lookup.
The Bay County Jail maintains an average of 808 offenders in custody on any given day. The Bay 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 Bay County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 16,760 offenders.
The following charts of Bay County inmate population demographics are updated daily. The information shown is for today. For research purposes we have broken down the inmates by sex, age, ethnicity, and criminal charges.
The information is compiled from the Bay County Corrections Department, the state of Florida Department of Corrections, as well as the United States Department of Justice and Census Bureau records. It represents every person in custody in Bay County.
For complete information on how to get directions, bond, visit, mail, send and receive email and texts, receive phone calls, and send money or commissary to an inmate, find arrest information for Bay County and other counties surrounding this one, scroll down this page. We have a section for each.
We also provide photos of the jail that we have collected over the years, and a database of most wanted criminals for Bay County, neighboring counties and the state of Florida.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessThe Bay County Jail in Florida currently has a capacity of 808 inmates, but by 2025, due to an expansion of 120 beds specifically for inmates with substance abuse, a part of the Lifeline Program, it will have a capacity of 928 beds. And there is still enough room on the site, built in 2020, to add building space for several hundred more inmates in the future. Like all of Florida, Bay County is getting thousands of new residents every month, so there needs to be room for expansion. Currently the county has a total population of approximately 190,000.
Approaching the jail, visitors will go down a 1/4 mile long drive before reaching the jail. Don't be fooled by the seclusion of the drive... your vehicle is being monitored by hidden cameras.
Inmates in Bay County Jail can be searched for online that bring up their mugshot, booking number, commissary number, criminal charges and bond needed to get them out of jail. If you have any questions about an inmate you can call the jail 24 hours a day by calling 850-785-5245. If you need to know a court date for your inmate, you can look that up online as well.
The Bay County Jail in Florida is located at 5700 Star Lane, Panama City, FL 32404. The main phone number for the jail is 850-785-5245, and the secondary number is 850-215-5140. The jail also has a fax number of 850-215-5270.
The Bay County Jail in Florida offers both on-site and off-site video visitation for family, friends, and others in the community. Visitors may visit four times per week, and each inmate is allowed four visits per week. The schedule and polices regarding dress code and behavior are detailed on our Inmate Visitation page.
Mail can be received every day and is processed and passed to the inmates quickly, however the jail uses a digital service to avoid contraband entering the facility. Friends and family of inmates in the Bay County Jail can arrange to visit inmates by video, both at the jail and remotely from home. They can also communicate using an online text/email system, send them money and buy them commissary online, and set up a phone account that allows the inmates to call them during the day and evening seven days a week.
All the information on these inmate services can be found in the sections below. If you still have questions, you can phone the jail 24 hours a day by calling 850-785-5245.
To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Bay County Jail, call the jail’s booking line at 850-785-5245.
There may be an automated method of looking them up by their name over the phone, or you may be directed to speak to someone at the jail. Sometimes the jail staff may ask you the offender’s date of birth to ensure privacy of the offender’s status.
Keep in mind that after an arrest, the information on an offender may not be publicly available for several hours.
If you don’t want to check up on an offender by calling the jail, you can also try looking up people recently booked online.
Bay County Jail Booking Roster
After being arrested and taken into custody, and after being read their Miranda Rights, an offender will next be transported to the local police or department or the Sheriff’s Department in Bay County for booking.
Booking is very involved and requires multiple steps in the process, however, keep in mind that most attorneys will advise that an offender remain silent and not offer any additional information about the crime they have been arrested for because anything they do say may be recorded and may very well be used against them in court.
Booking includes having their photo (mugshot) and fingerprints taken, as well as being asked a lot of questions about their personal history and state of mind. If it’s a serious felony, their DNA may also be taken. They will also be checked for warrants in Bay County and other Florida and USA jurisdictions.
If the offender was arrested for a DUI offense, and has refused a breathalyzer test, they may also be forced to have blood drawn by a doctor or nurse.
It is also very likely that the offender will undergo a humiliating full body search while in the nude. This includes bending over, spreading their cheeks in the direction of an officer, and coughing. They will also be walked through a metal detector or x-ray machine, like those used at an airport.
The arresting jurisdiction will ask about gang affiliations, tattoos, medical conditions, prescribed medication they are taking, recreational drugs they are on or addicted to, allergies, if they are suicidal, and other relevant information that will help with determining their cell assignment and special needs.
During the arrest and booking process an offender will also have all their personal property confiscated and held for either their release from jail, or with the offender’s approval, released to a friend or family member.
Personal property includes the clothing they are wearing, money, wallets, purses, cell phones, jewelry, body rings, earrings, watches, and even glasses if they are deemed a security risk. If they are allowed to keep their shoes or sneakers, the laces are removed.
At this point the offender will be allowed to make a free phone call to a person of their choice to notify them of their arrest, and/or arrange a bond or bail for their release.
If the offender is being detained and housed while awaiting arraignment, the Bay County Jail will provide a jail garment and slip-on shoes, a blanket, sheets, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a towel.
Often, before they are dressed in the jail outfit and brought to their housing location, they will be forced to take a shower and undergo a disinfectant treatment for body and hair lice, scabies or other pests that may be residing on their person.
Booking can take anywhere from an hour to 24 hours or more. It all depends on the number of people that are awaiting processing, the number of staff on duty at the time, and the behavior of the offender.
If the offender is heavily intoxicated and/or violent, the Booking Officer may decide to stick the offender in a holding cell for several hours until they become more manageable.
However if you don't want to use a bail bond agent:
Call 850-785-5245 to find out the exact bond (plus other fees) amount, or look it up online by looking up the information on the Bay County inmate locator.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Visit an Inmate in the Bay County Jail? What is the Schedule?
5700 Star Lane
Panama City, FL 32404
850-785-5245
Schedule Video Visits online with gettingout
DAY | TIME |
SUNDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:00PM |
MONDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:00PM |
TUESDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:00PM |
WEDNESDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:00PM |
THURSDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:00PM |
FRIDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:00PM |
SATURDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:00PM |
DAY | TIME |
SUNDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:00PM |
MONDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:00PM |
TUESDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:00PM |
WEDNESDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:00PM |
THURSDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:00PM |
FRIDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:00PM |
SATURDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:00PM |
How it Works with GettingOut
1. Register an account.
2. Select Bay County Jail
3. Choose either an INMATE ACCOUNT or FRIENDS & FAMILY ACCOUNT.
4. You will then receive prompts to validate both your identity and phone number .
5. Again, choose your inmate's facility, then type their name and select your inmate.
GettingOut will then guide you through the steps needed to arrange your remote visit.
Customer Service for GettingOut
If you have any questions, you can call them at 866-516-0115.
GettingOut online contact form
Frequently Asked Questions
The GettingOut App is available on Google Play and Apple Store.
To visit an inmate in Bay County, whether by video or in person 'at the jail', follow these steps:
Other than 'at the jail' visits between you and your inmate, which is explained and outlined in detail on our Visit Inmate Page, Bay County remote video inmate visitation can be done using the services of GettingOut.
There are three ways to remotely visit your inmate in Bay County Jail:
1. Using the GettingOut Kiosk at the jail.
2. Using your computer from home.
3. Using your phone on the GettingOut apps.
To remotely visit an inmate in Bay County follow these steps:
1. Start by confirming that Bay County Jail's Video Visitation is working correctly by looking up Bay County here.
2. The next step is to create an account here for GettingOut.
3. Then add funds to your account.
4. Last, select Bay County Jail, and then the inmate you wish to communicate with.
Other Bay County Services provided by GettingOut:
- Phone Calls & Voicemail
- Email, Photo & Video Sharing
- Inmate Tablet Rental
- Deposits
Customer Service
If you have any questions about the Bay County Jail Visitation Services you can call them at 866-516-0115.
Frequently Asked Questions
* All the information you need to have complete knowledge about inmate visitation; policies, rules, fees, schedules, tips, dress codes, and children, lawyers and clergy visitation in Bay County, can be found on our Visit Inmate Page.
Bay County Jail Phone: 850-785-5245
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Bay County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 850-785-5245 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Bay County Jail?
5700 Star Lane
Panama City, FL 32404
850-785-5245
Schedule Video Visits online with gettingout
DAY | TIME |
SUNDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:00PM |
MONDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:00PM |
TUESDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:00PM |
WEDNESDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:00PM |
THURSDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:00PM |
FRIDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:00PM |
SATURDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:00PM |
DAY | TIME |
SUNDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:00PM |
MONDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:00PM |
TUESDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:00PM |
WEDNESDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:00PM |
THURSDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:00PM |
FRIDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:00PM |
SATURDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:00PM |
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Bay County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 850-785-5245 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Bay County Jail?
To deposit money into the account of an inmate in Bay County, follow these instructions:
For all the information you need regarding making an inmate deposit, what it costs, how much you can send, how long it takes for your inmate to receive funds and more, and to get the Facility Locator Number, check out our Send Money Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Bay County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 850-785-5245 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Bay County Jail?
Follow these instructions on how to open an account with GTL Connect Network (aka Viapath Technologies)
For full instructions on the Bay 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 Bay County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 850-785-5245 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow do I Mail an Inmate in the Bay County Jail, and what can I send them?
Postcards
The Bay 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 Bay 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#
Bay County Jail, FL
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Bay County Jail
5700 Star Lane
Panama City, FL 32404
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 Bay 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 Bay 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#
Bay County Jail
5700 Star Lane
Panama City, FL 32404
TextBehind enables you to communicate with your incarcerated loved ones located inside the United States from anywhere in the world using text letters, kids' drawings, and custom greeting cards. Unlimited inmate reply letters are processed for electronic delivery to your smartphone and email at no extra charge.
The cost to send an electronic letter is approximately $1.00.
Here’s how it works for Bay County Jail:
1. All offender mail (paper and electronic) is addressed and delivered to TextBehind. Electronic mail is sent through the apps (iphone, Google Play). Paper mail is sent to the address below:
Inmate Name and Inmate Number
Bay County Jail Florida (note: please do not abbreviate the name)
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
2. If it was sent via TextBehind's app (iphone, Google Play), TextBehind can process it within one business day.
3. An additional step is involved in processing mail that is sent using the U.S. Postal Service. TextBehind will use a scanner to make digital files of the contents of the mailing—including cards, photos or artwork.
4. All digital files are then forwarded to the offender’s assigned prison.
5. Bay County Jail mailroom prints approved pages and delivers them to the inmate.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Here’s what happens when TextBehind receives a letter from an inmate:
YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS...
IMPORTANT TextBehind LINKS:
Register / Log in with TextBehind
Contact TextBehind with Questions
Add an Inmate to your list of Contacts
** Address to Mail letters using TextBehind **
Inmate Name and Inmate Number
Bay County Jail Florida (note: please do not abbreviate the name)
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
Why is TextBehind used by Lockups?
Due to the problem of letters and postcards containing, or soaked in contraband (drugs), TextBehind electronic and physical letters is replacing the former policy of allowing mail to be sent directly from inmate’s friends and family members, and vice versa.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Bay County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 850-785-5245 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Bay County Jail, and what can I purchase?
The service they use is called icaregifts.
Instructions
1. Register here.
2. Click the "Find an Inmate" button and enter your loved one’s first name, last name, or inmate number. When the information is entered correctly, click the “Search” button to confirm they are in the system.
3. Select the icare gift you want to send them.
4. Confirm the order in your confirmation email.
5. Bay County Jail has up to 30 days to give your icaregift pack to your inmate.
6. You will receive a confirmation email when it is delivered.
There are a total of fourteen (14) pre-determined icaregift packs available to choose from.
They range in price from $10.49 for ten pre-stamped envelopes, 2 pens and a pad of writing paper…
… to $104.99 for a box of 85 snack and food items…
… with many gift packs priced in between.
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (you must have an inmate chosen in order to review these FAQs for Bay County Jail
Contact Info:
888-439-5020 - 8AM–9PM ET, 7 days a week.
To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Bay County Jail follow these steps:
For all information, tips and available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Bay County Jail, as well as sending money to the inmate so that they can purchase their own items, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Bay County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Bay County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 850-785-5245 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Bay County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?
Bay County Jail contracts with GTL GettingOut, the same service that handles Inmate Phone Systems and Video Visitation, for sending secure messages and photos between you and your inmate.
If you are not already registered, do so here, or Log in.
Then use the Facility Finder to:
1. Select Bay County Jail,
2. Add your inmate to your list of contacts,
3. Add a credit or debit card to cover your costs.
How Messaging Works
Watch this video on how to send a message.
1. Messages can be up to 500 characters long, including punctuation. At the bottom of your message there is a 'character countdown' feature.
2. After you click the “CONTINUE” button, you can review the cost to send your message to your inmate. You can also attach credits for your inmate to reply to your message. Be sure to accept the Terms and Conditions and click the “SEND” button for your message to be successfully delivered to your inmate.
How Uploading Photos Works
Watch this video on how to upload a photo.
1. Select the Photos Tab.
2. Select “Take New Photo” or “Upload New Photo”.
3. Take a new photo with your webcam, or select "Choose File" to upload a photo from your computer.
4. Give your photo a Title or add it to the "Gallery" of your choice.
5. Select the "Share" button.
6. Select your inmate(s) and then select "Share".
7. Once the photo is approved, it will be shared with your inmate(s).
Customer Service Questions
'Online' Contact Form, or
Call 866-516-0115
To mail or email an inmate in Bay County follow these steps:
When mailing a letter or postcard to an inmate, please follow these instructions:
Emailing Messages & Photos
Facility_name_1} contracts with GTL GettingOut, the same service that handles iInmate Phone Systems and Video Visitation, for sending secure messages and photos between you and your inmate.
If you are not already registered, do so here, or Log in.
Then use the Facility Finder to:
1. Select Bay County Jail,
2. Add your inmate to your list of contacts,
3. Add a credit or debit card to cover your costs.
Customer Service Questions
'Online' Contact Form, or
Call 866-516-0115
Go here to this FAQ to get answers to how the transition to ViaPath from GTL and gettingout will affect your account.
All the information you need to understand mail and email policies for Bay County can be found on our Inmate Mail Page and our Text/Email an Inmate Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Bay County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 850-785-5245 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessDo Inmates in the Bay County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?
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 Bay County Jail, such as:
- Free services are already available for use on the device at Bay County Jail.
- Subscription services are funded separately by family and friends with deposits made into an inmate’s Debit Link account.
- Bay County Jail 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
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 Bay 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 Bay County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 850-785-5245 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other City and County Jails in Bay County?
What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Bay County?
This facility, known as "Bay County Jail" is also known as Bay County Sheriff, Panama City Police, Bay County Jail , Bay County Jail , Florida, Bay.