Central Intake Bureau

Last updated by Elizabeth Boyle

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Broward County

Central Intake Bureau

You can call the 2500-bed Central Intake Bureau 24 hours a day for inmate information at 954-831-5900.

This jail processes individuals arrested for misdemeanors and felonies. After booking and processing, inmates may be held until they are either bonded out, released on their own recognizance, or remain in custody until their trial is concluded.

The inmate search tool allows you to check the jail's roster and find out who is currently in custody.

Offenders serving less than one year will do their time here, while those sentenced to longer terms will be sent to either the Florida State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

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

Remember to save the inmate's jail ID or booking number for any communication needs. If you cannot locate it online, call Central Intake Bureau at 954-831-5900 for assistance.

Phone: 954-831-5900

Physical Address:
555 SE 1st Ave.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33310

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 Central Intake Bureau?

Looking for someone in the Central Intake Bureau? The official inmate roster lets you search by name and review their charges, bond amount, visiting eligibility, and mugshot. Or call the jail at 954-831-5900 and ask. The state also offers a wanted persons search covering Broward County and every county in Florida, along with online court records for participating counties.

Central Intake Bureau Inmate Search

In Florida, including Broward County, pretrial release on reasonable conditions is a constitutional right for most people charged with a crime, except capital or life felonies where the proof is evident, or cases where no conditions can protect the community. Minor misdemeanors and traffic offenses frequently result in a notice to appear instead of bail. Most other bonds start from the Florida Supreme Court’s uniform statewide bond schedule.

Want to know an inmate’s bail? Call the Central Intake Bureau at 954-831-5900. If you know the charge, the Florida uniform statewide bond schedule for 2026 shows the minimum bond for each offense, although local circuits can require more. Certain serious charges mean the person must wait for a judge at first appearance, usually within 24 hours. Cash, surety, and property bonds are accepted, and release on personal recognizance is also possible.

With a licensed capacity of 2500 inmates, the Central Intake Bureau is often forced to make room for many more offenders, especially on weekends. Most city and county jails in Florida turn over at least 35-40% of their population every month. Another 25-30% turns over every 90 days and another 15-20% every six months, while about 8-9% stay between six and twelve months. Inmates held longer than twelve months are generally facing serious charges like rape or murder. Because those cases take longer to prepare for trial, offenders arrested in this county stay in custody at one of the Broward County facilities much longer.

Every year, Broward County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 153,620 offenders.

You can also view photos of the Central Intake Bureau that we’ve collected over the years.

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About the Central Intake Bureau

Central Intake Bureau is located in the city of Fort Lauderdale in Broward County, Florida. It is a medium-security jail with 2,500 inmate beds that was built in 1985. This jail mainly houses pretrial detainees and those waiting for their sentences, and they are overseen by 255 staff members. The Broward County Central Intake Bureau (Booking) is located at 555 SE 1st Ave, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 and can be contacted at 954-831-5900. The Main Jail Bureau is also located in this building.

This facility not only processes and releases inmates from all of Broward County, a county with over 2,003,000 residents, but it also transports inmates between facilities. The other facilities in this county are the Main Jail Bureau, Joseph Conte Facility, North Broward Bureau, and the Paul Rein Detention Facility.

If you believe a friend or family member has been taken here and you want to look them up, you can use this Inmate Search to find an arrestee on the Broward County Sheriff's Arrest Search site. You will be allowed to visit an inmate, but it could take up to 48 hours before you can do so.

Inmates are allowed to have visitors twice a week for one hour each visit. Up to two people can visit an inmate at a time. The schedule permits visitation every day of the week, but you will need to schedule your visit one day in advance. You will be communicating with your inmate friend or family member via video.

Please scroll down for information about how you an insure that an inmate has a phone account so that they can call out of the facility to friends and family. If you are going to be the person who helps the inmate in this regard, you can click on Phone for the specifics. Please note that any time an inmate calls out of the facility, the telephone conversation gets recorded.

You can also get information about Commissary accounts.

 

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Recent Bookings & Arrests

How does the booking process work at Central Intake Bureau?

Once someone is arrested, they are taken to Central Intake Bureau for booking. This process involves identifying the individual, determining charges, and deciding if they will be released on their own recognizance, released on bail, or held in custody until their court date.

It’s important for the arrestee to stay silent, as anything they say can be used against them. The best advice is to avoid answering any questions about the arrest until legal counsel is present.

The booking process at Central Intake Bureau typically includes the following steps:

  • Verifying identity.
  • Taking a mugshot.
  • Answering questions regarding medical, mental health, and substance use history.
  • DNA collection, if required.
  • Conducting a thorough search.
  • Confiscating personal belongings.
  • Providing a free phone call.

For questions about paying an arrestee’s bond or bail amount, contact the facility at 954-831-5900.

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Directions / Map to the Central Intake Bureau
Inmate Bail and Bonding

What is the process to pay bail for someone detained in Broward County?

After an individual is apprehended and taken to Central Intake Bureau in Ft. Lauderdale for booking, their release options vary based on the situation:

1. They might be released without bail, on the condition they appear in court on a scheduled date.
2. They may be detained until their court appearance.
3. They may be eligible for release after posting a bail or bond.  Call 954-831-5900 for the exact bail amount.

There are different ways to settle an individual's bail or bond.

  • To post a cash bond, pay the full amount at the jail bonding window or the clerk's office by cash, cashier's check or money order; many facilities also accept cards at a lobby kiosk or through an online bond vendor for a fee, and you will need the inmate's full name and booking number (jail phone: 954-831-5900).
  • A licensed bail bondsman in Broward County can assist with payment.
  • Real property such as land or a house is accepted as collateral by many courts, provided the owner proves clear title and equity worth at least the bond, frequently twice the bond, with a deed and a current tax or appraisal value; the court that set bail signs off on it.

For more information on the bail process in Broward County, Florida, visit the Central Intake Bureau Bail Information Page.

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Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Central Intake Bureau? What is the Schedule?

Central Intake Bureau ON-SITE (at the jail) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE

Note: The Central Intake 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

Central Intake 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

Central Intake 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 Central Intake 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.
Central Intake 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 Central Intake 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 Central Intake Bureau?

Central Intake Bureau ON-SITE (at the jail) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE

Note: The Central Intake 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

Central Intake 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 Central Intake 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 Central Intake Bureau?

There are multiple ways to add money to an inmate's account at Central Intake 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. Lobby kiosk - Ask the jail whether it has an Access Corrections kiosk for deposits.
4. By mail - Ask Access Corrections or the jail whether money orders can be mailed, and to what address.

Ask who the money order should be made out to, and include the inmate name and ID number on all money orders.

5. Walk-in Cash Deposits - Ask the Central Intake Bureau whether it accepts cash deposits in person, and where.

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: customerservice@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 Central Intake Bureau follow these steps:

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

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Central Intake 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 Central Intake Bureau?

How an Inmate Makes a Phone Call to You or Others from Central Intake 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 Central Intake Bureau, 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 Central Intake 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 Central Intake Bureau, and what can I send them?

Central Intake 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.

Central Intake 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 Central Intake 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 Central Intake Bureau, and what can I purchase?

Central Intake Bureau contracts with Access Securepak for families to send pre-determined packages of commissary items to your inmate.

Access Securepak's catalog groups items into categories such as:
- Food and Snacks
- Personal Hygiene Products
- Electronics
- Apparel

Registration Process:
1. Register here.
2. Select Florida.
3. Select Central Intake 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 Central Intake Bureau staff. They will not honor reports of discrepancies from inmate's families or friends. 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 Central Intake Bureau follow these steps:

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

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Central Intake 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 Central Intake Bureau using an Online Messaging Service?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Central Intake 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 Central Intake Bureau have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Central Intake 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:

  • Send funds to the inmate and he or she will be able to subscribe and pay at the Central Intake Bureau.

Questions:

How to Rent a Tablet for an Inmate in Central Intake 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 Central Intake 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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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 or Active Arrest Warrant in Broward County