Union County Jail
Union County Jail
Day or night, you can get inmate information from the 36-bed Union County Jail by calling 386-496-2501.
Misdemeanor and felony arrests made in this county are brought to this facility, where the arrestee goes through booking and processing. When the charges require it, the person is held until they are released on bond, released on their own recognizance, or ordered to stay in custody until their trial is resolved.
The inmate search tool lets you browse the roster of people who have been arrested and remain in custody.
If found guilty, inmates with sentences of less than one year serve their time here. Those with longer sentences serve their time in the Florida State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page explains how to use the jail roster, how to reach the facility, and how inmate services work, including visitation hours and policies, inmate accounts, mail, inmate calls, voicemail, email and text, tablet rentals, bail, and commissary.
You’ll often be asked for the inmate’s booking number or jail ID, so save it once you find it. If you can’t locate it online, call Union County Jail at 386-496-2501.
Inmate Services
Other Jails and Prisons
Locate an inmate in the Union County Jail by searching the Official Jail Inmate Roster, where you can view criminal charges, bond amounts, visiting eligibility, and mugshots. Or call the jail at 386-496-2501 to get the information over the phone. Florida’s statewide warrant search covers Union County, and many counties post criminal court records online through a shared portal.
Union County Jail Inmate Search
Most people arrested in Union County can be released before trial. The Florida Constitution guarantees reasonable pretrial release except for capital or life felonies where the proof is evident, or where no conditions would protect the community. Minor misdemeanor and traffic arrests are often resolved with a notice to appear. For other charges, the Florida Supreme Court publishes a uniform statewide bond schedule with a minimum bond for each offense.
Calling the jail at 386-496-2501 is the easiest way to learn an inmate’s bail at the Union County Jail. If you know the charge, the Florida uniform statewide bond schedule for 2026 shows the starting bond, though local circuits can set higher amounts and the first appearance judge can change it. The county accepts cash, a surety bond, or a property bond, and can release offenders on personal recognizance.
The Union County Jail has a licensed capacity of 36 inmates, yet it is often forced to house many more, especially over the weekend. Most city and county jails in Florida see at least 35-40% of their inmates turn over monthly, another 25-30% every 90 days, another 15-20% every six months, and about 8-9% remain between six and twelve months. Stays of more than a year usually involve serious charges such as rape or murder, and because preparing those cases for trial takes time, offenders arrested in this county can remain in one of the Union County facilities far longer.
Approximately 3,060 offenders are arrested and detained by Union County law enforcement agencies every year.
Our collection of jail photos, gathered over the years, is also available.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessThe Union County Jail is at 50 NW 1st Street in Lake Butler, a short walk from the Union County Sheriff’s Office on W Main Street. Both use the Sheriff’s main number, (386) 496-2501. The Sheriff’s Office runs the jail. Like other Florida county jails, it holds adults waiting for trial and adults serving county sentences of a year or less, while longer sentences go to the Department of Corrections. Union County is home to several state prisons, including the Reception and Medical Center and Union Correctional Institution. Those are run by the Florida Department of Corrections, not the Sheriff. If someone was just arrested in the county, the county jail is where they’ll be.
After booking, first appearance before a judge takes place within 24 hours, and Union County belongs to the Eighth Judicial Circuit.
Article I, Section 14 of the Florida Constitution gives most defendants the right to release on reasonable conditions. Capital and life felonies with strong proof are the exception, as are cases where no conditions would keep the community safe. Early bond amounts follow the Florida Supreme Court’s 2026 uniform bond schedule (AOSC25-69). It sets minimums that the chief judge can raise, and the first appearance judge isn’t bound by them. Some serious charges require a judge’s decision before release. If you hire a bondsman, the premium on a state bond is 10% of the bail (DFS). Agents must charge the approved rate under section 648.33.
We couldn’t confirm the Sheriff’s current rules for visitation, mail, deposits or phones, or whether there’s an online inmate lookup. The Sheriff’s county jail page is the official place to check. It’s safest to call (386) 496-2501 before visiting, sending mail or posting bond. For warrants, the FDLE wanted persons search is a useful first step, though not every warrant appears there. You can also sign up for custody updates on VINELink.
No fixed-route bus serves the jail, so most families drive. Near downtown Lake Butler, you can get fuel at SunStop at 875 W Main Street or Circle K at 585 SW 6th Street. For something to eat, there’s McDonald’s at 615 W Main Street and Hardee’s at 1205 E Main Street.
- Jail (Main): 386-496-2501
- Sheriff: 386-496-2501
How does the booking process work at Union County Jail?
Once someone is arrested, they are taken to Union County Jail 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 Union County Jail 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 386-496-2501.
What is the process to pay bail for someone detained in Union County?
After an individual is apprehended and taken to Union County Jail in Lake Butler 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 386-496-2501 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: 386-496-2501).
- A licensed bail bondsman in Union 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 Union County, Florida, visit the Union County Jail Bail Information Page.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Visit an Inmate in the Union County Jail? What is the Schedule?
Union County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE
50 NW 1st Street
Lake Butler, FL 32054
386-496-2501
- Visits are 30 minutes.
- You must be on the inmate's visitor list, immediate family only.
- The actual visitation times depend on the inmate and their housing location. Call 386-496-2501 and get your inmate's times.
- Inmates are allowed one visit per week.
- Visitors must have a government issued photo ID.
- Dress professionally with non-revealing clothing.
ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE - ALWAYS CALL 386-496-2501 TO CONFIRM VISITATION SCHEDULE!
| THURSDAY | 1:00PM - 3:00PM |
|
| FRIDAY | 1:00PM - 3:00PM |
|
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Union County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 386-496-2501 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Union County Jail?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Union County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 386-496-2501 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Union County Jail?
There are two options for putting money on an inmate's books:
Choice 1 - Deposit Inmate Money Online
Union County Jail uses CommissaryDeposit.com to process all online deposits to an inmate's account. The company charges you a small fee for doing so, but the fee probably isn't as much as gas and parking would cost to take it to the jail in person.
Choice 2 - Mail the Inmate Deposit to the Jail
Mailing a deposit takes more time to process than the other methods but can be done if you live too far away to bring it in person and you don't have a debit/credit card for online deposits. Never send cash. Always send a Money Order from the US Post Office, a reputable bank or Western Union.
Make the Money Order out to the inmate's name and put their Inmate ID# in memo section of the Money Order.
**Call 386-496-2501 first to ask Union County Jail if this option is still available.
How to Deposit Money Online for an Inmate's Commissary Account in Union County
To deposit money in an Union County Jail inmate's commissary account follow these instructions:
- Start here and click ‘DEPOSIT MONEY’ in CommissaryDeposit.com
- Choose Florida
- Choose Union County Jail
- View the date your order will be delivered, then click ‘NEXT’.
- Search for, then Select your inmate.
- Choose the amount to send.
- Register, and Pay for the deposit transaction
Note: You will be charged a fee to send money to your Union County inmate. In addition, there is a maximum amount you can send.
Contact Information
Customer Support page.
Customer Support phone: 912-584-6102
Email - Support@commdeposit.com
Customer Support Hours - Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM EST
For complete information on fees, products, policies, deadlines, rules, minimum and maximum deposits and all the information you need to know regarding depositing money for your inmate in Union County, go to our Send Money Page for details.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Union County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 386-496-2501 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Union County Jail?
How Do You Communicate with an Inmate in the Union County Jail by Phone
Follow these instructions on how to open an account with GTL Connect Network (aka Viapath Technologies)
- Advance Pay - This phone account allows you to prepay so that your inmate can call you (and only you) whenever he/she wants and the cost of each call is deducted from your balance. You can even be notified by text when your balance gets low. You still have the option of accepting or rejecting each call.
- Pin Debit - This option allows you to fund an inmate's commissary account and lets him pay for phone calls to you and others with the money. You will have no control over who your inmate calls.
- Voicemail - You can leave a secure voicemail without having to contact the facility. When you call the local phone number for a facility offering Inmate Voicemail (call Customer Service at 877-650-4249 to get the local voicemail number for Union County Jail, you will be informed of the cost for leaving a message. To leave your message, simply select the inmate by ID number. Then, record your voicemail.
For full instructions on the Union 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 Union County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 386-496-2501 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow do I Mail an Inmate in the Union County Jail, and what can I send them?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Union County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 386-496-2501 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Union County Jail, and what can I purchase?
How to Deposit Money Online for an Inmate's Commissary Account in Union County
To deposit money in an Union County Jail inmate's commissary account follow these instructions:
- Start here and click ‘DEPOSIT MONEY’ in CommissaryDeposit.com
- Choose Florida
- Choose Union County Jail
- View the date your order will be delivered, then click ‘NEXT’.
- Search for, then Select your inmate.
- Choose the amount to send.
- Register, and Pay for the deposit transaction
Note: You will be charged a fee to send money to your Union County inmate. In addition, there is a maximum amount you can send.
Contact Information
Customer Support page.
Customer Support phone: 912-584-6102
Email - Support@commdeposit.com
Customer Support Hours - Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM EST
For complete information on fees, products, policies, deadlines, rules, minimum and maximum deposits and all the information you need to know regarding depositing money for your inmate in Union County, go to our Send Money Page for details.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Union County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 386-496-2501 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Union County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Union County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 386-496-2501 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessDo Inmates in the Union County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Union County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 386-496-2501 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other City and County Jails in Union County?
Union County County Jails
Union County Juvenile Facilities
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Union County?
Nearby counties
The Union County Jail serves the following cities and towns of Union County: Lake Butler, Raiford and Worthington Springs.