Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail

You can search the Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail’s inmates on the Official Jail Inmate Roster and review each person’s charges, bond amount, when they can get visits, and mugshot. For more help, call the jail at 239-477-1700. The state of Florida also lets you search for wanted persons in Lee County and statewide, and search court records in participating counties.

Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail Inmate Search

In Lee County and every other Florida county, the state constitution gives most defendants the right to pretrial release on reasonable conditions, except in capital or life felony cases where the proof is evident, or when no conditions would keep the community safe. Minor misdemeanors and traffic offenses often end with a notice to appear rather than bail. Other bond amounts follow a uniform statewide schedule adopted each year by the Florida Supreme Court.

For an inmate’s exact bail amount, call the Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail at 239-477-1700. The Florida uniform statewide bond schedule for 2026 lists minimum bond amounts by charge, but each judicial circuit can set higher amounts, and the judge at first appearance has the final say. The county accepts cash, a surety bond, or a property bond, or may release an offender on personal recognizance.

The Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail at a glance:

• Licensed for 457 inmates, but often forced to make room for more, especially on weekends
• At least 35-40% of inmates at most city and county jails in Florida turn over monthly
• Another 25-30% turn over every 90 days
• Another 15-20% turn over every six months
• About 8-9% stay six to twelve months
• Those held longer than a year usually face serious charges like rape or murder

Because serious cases take longer to prepare for trial, offenders arrested in this county on those charges remain in custody at one of the Lee County facilities much longer.

Every year, Lee County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 47,900 offenders.

See photos of the jail that we’ve collected over the years.

How to post bail for someone arrested in Lee County

When an individual is arrested and booked at Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail in Fort Myers, the outcomes include:

1. Release without bail, under the condition they appear for their court date.
2. Remain in custody until the court appearance.
3. Post a bail or bond for release. Contact 239-477-1700 for specific bail amounts.

Bail payments can be made in different ways.

• Cash bonds must be paid in full, either at the jail's bonding window or with the clerk of court, and are accepted as cash, cashier's check or money order; many jails also process cards through a lobby kiosk or online vendor for a fee, so bring the inmate's full name and booking number, and phone the jail at 239-477-1700 if needed.
• You can work with a licensed bail bondsman in Lee County.
• Many courts allow a property bond, letting an owner put up land or a home after proving clear title and equity of at least the bond (often double) through a deed and a recent tax or appraisal value, with approval from the court that set bail.

For further information on posting bail in Lee County, Florida, visit the Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail Bail Information Page.

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail? What is the Schedule?

Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail 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.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 239-477-1700 for further assistance.

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail?

Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail 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.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 239-477-1700 for further assistance.

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail?

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 Maximum Security Downtown Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 239-477-1700 for further assistance.

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail?

How Do You Communicate with an Inmate in the Lee County Maximum Security Downtown 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 Lee County Maximum Security Downtown 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 Lee County Maximum Security Downtown 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 Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 239-477-1700 for further assistance.

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail, and what can I send them?

Postcards
The Lee County Maximum Security Downtown 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.

Envelopes
The Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail 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 Maximum Security Downtown Jail

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 Maximum Security Downtown Jail 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 Maximum Security Downtown Jail 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 Maximum Security Downtown Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 239-477-1700 for further assistance.

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail, and what can I purchase?

Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail 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 Maximum Security Downtown Jail.

Instructions
1.     Register here first.    
2.    Confirm registration in your email.
3.    Select Florida, then Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail, 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 Maximum Security Downtown Jail follow these steps:

• Select Florida, then select Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail, 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 Maximum Security Downtown Jail 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 Maximum Security Downtown Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 239-477-1700 for further assistance.

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail using an Online Messaging Service?

Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail 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 Maximum Security Downtown Jail

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 Maximum Security Downtown Jail 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 Maximum Security Downtown Jail 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 Maximum Security Downtown Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 239-477-1700 for further assistance.

Do Inmates in the Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail Gives Inmates Access to Tablets At No Cost for Communication, Research and Entertainment

They may not be directly connected to the internet, but inmates at Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail are provided free tablets to use within the jail that allow them to have access to the following services and information:

• 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.
• Video Visitation - Visitation may not be allowed on the Tablets.  Call Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail at 239-477-1700 to confirm.

The availability of tablets may seem like something that inmates who are serving time do not deserve, but here are some of the benefits for inmates in Lee County:

• Keeps inmates busy.
• The threat of losing access to tablets keeps them better behaved.
• Safer for the staff to keep inmates happy.
• Allows communication with family members.
• Educational programming.
• Legal research.
• Social programming such as anger management, substance abuse, etc.

Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail Gives Inmates Access to Tablets At No Cost for Communication, Research and Entertainment

They may not be directly connected to the internet, but inmates at Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail are provided free tablets to use within the jail that allow them to have access to the following services and information:

• 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.
• Video Visitation - Visitation may not be allowed on the Tablets.  Call Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail at 239-477-1700 to confirm.

The availability of tablets may seem like something that inmates who are serving time do not deserve, but here are some of the benefits for inmates in Lee County:

• Keeps inmates busy.
• The threat of losing access to tablets keeps them better behaved.
• Safer for the staff to keep inmates happy.
• Allows communication with family members.
• Educational programming.
• Legal research.
• Social programming such as anger management, substance abuse, etc.

For more information about Tablets and how your inmate can get one to use while he is in jail, chek out our Inmate Tablet page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lee County Maximum Security Downtown Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 239-477-1700 for further assistance.

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

Lee County County Jails

Lee County Juvenile Facilities

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