Miami-Dade Metro West Detention Center Inmate Bail & Bonds
Miami-Dade County bail and bond: which jail, where release happens, and what to ask
Miami-Dade runs its jails through the county's Corrections and Rehabilitation Department, not the sheriff. The Miami-Dade County jails are the Pre-Trial Detention Center, Metro West Detention Center, and the Turner Guilford Knight (TGK) Correctional Center. Miami-Dade has several jails, so start with Miami-Dade County Inmate Search to find the building and the bail. The county's inmate information line, which gives bond amounts and status, is 786-263-7000. Pay attention to one detail: the county says everyone is released from TGK, not from the building where the person sleeps.
1. Which of the three Miami-Dade jails is my fiancé in?
Type the name into Miami-Dade County Inmate Search. The record shows where the person is held. People can be moved between buildings, so do not assume. The county says arrested people are first taken to TGK, and booking can take several hours.
A missing Miami-Dade name may mean booking is still underway. Try again later, then call the TGK information desk at 786-263-5550.
2. Where do they actually let him out?
The county's release page says people are released from Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, 7000 NW 41st Street, Miami, between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. The county's arrest page says they come out in front of TGK, near the sign marked Inmate Release Area. Even after a bond is posted or a court clears the charges, release can take several hours. Call the release office at 786-263-5360 before you drive over.
3. Who do I call about the amount?
Look first at Miami-Dade County Inmate Search. If you need a person to explain it, the county names 786-263-7000 for bond amounts and inmate status, and the TGK information desk at 786-263-5550 for location, bond, and general questions.
4. Where are the three jails?
Pre-Trial Detention Center: 1321 NW 13th Street, Miami, FL 33125. Metro West Detention Center: 13850 NW 41st Street, Miami, FL 33178. TGK Correctional Center: 7000 NW 41st Street, Miami, FL 33166. The county lists these street addresses on its contact page. Mail rules can differ from them, so ask before you send anything.
5. Where is the bonding window, and what are its hours?
The county says people with bondable charges can bond out at any time, and that a cash bond is paid in full, in person at the facility, through a payment kiosk. Release itself happens only between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. at TGK. The county pages do not give a window location or other payment types, so check the amount on Miami-Dade County Inmate Search and then call 786-263-5550 to ask where to pay. Know the full name, jail number, and bond amount before you go.
6. What do common charges cost under the statewide schedule?
Order AOSC25-69 sets Miami-Dade 2026 pre-hearing release from $150 for the lightest misdemeanor to $5,000 for a forcible third-degree felony.
A chief judge may set higher amounts, and Miami-Dade's own circuit may have done so. A Miami-Dade judge at first appearance may pick any amount, so go by the figure on the person's record.
7. What does a bail agent in Miami-Dade charge?
The Florida Department of Financial Services says a state bond premium is 10 percent of the bail the court sets, which is $500 on a $5,000 bail. After the agent frees your loved one, that fee is earned and you cannot ask for it back. If no release happens, the agent must refund it. Section 648.33 requires the agent to charge the rate filed with the state, no higher and no lower.
The county cannot recommend an agent, but its arrest page links to the state's licensee search. Check the license, ask for a written contract, and ask about collateral, which the state says should be returned within 21 days of the court discharging the bond.
8. When is the first hearing for someone arrested in Miami-Dade?
Florida Rule 3.130 puts the Miami-Dade hearing within 24 hours of arrest. Miami-Dade judges decide release and conditions, for example staying away from an alleged victim (Florida Statutes 903.047). The TGK information desk, 786-263-5550, may be able to tell you whether the person has been seen.
9. Can I use a house in Miami-Dade or elsewhere?
Possibly. Florida's bail law sets no single rule on location or equity, and the county pages say nothing about property bonds. Ask the court that set the bail and a lawyer. Recording a Miami-Dade bond creates a two-year lien against the land (section 903.26).
10. Why would someone have no bond?
A judge may not have decided yet. Section 903.011(6) makes some Miami-Dade arrestees wait for first appearance, including sex offenders and people accused of breaking an injunction.
Miami-Dade courts may refuse bail in capital or life cases if guilt is plain (Article I, section 14 of the Florida Constitution). A hold from another case also keeps a person in.
11. What if a city police department arrested my brother?
Miami-Dade has many city departments. Ask the Miami-Dade arresting agency for the location and report number, then recheck Miami-Dade County Inmate Search. Cities do not set bail; the court does.
12. Who represents my brother if we cannot hire a lawyer?
In Miami-Dade, the first hearing is where you ask for an appointed lawyer. The Eleventh Judicial Circuit Public Defender serves Miami-Dade; the TGK information desk at 786-263-5550 can explain how to reach that office. A Miami-Dade lawyer may push for smaller bail or release with conditions.
13. Where does the county send a teenager who is arrested?
The Miami Dade Regional Juvenile Detention Center, 3300 NW 27th Avenue, Miami, FL 33142, phone 305-637-4500, serves Miami-Dade and Monroe counties, according to the state Department of Juvenile Justice. A minor's file is confidential, so the adult search might list no one.
14. What is the risk if he skips a hearing?
A Miami-Dade no-show means a warrant and a lost bond. Under section 903.26 the clerk gives notice within five days, and money is due 60 days after notice. Section 903.28 can return nearly all of it when the defendant comes back within 90 days. Call the lawyer and agent that day.
15. When does bail money come back to me?
Once the case ends and the court cancels the bond, cash paid by someone other than an agent comes back minus unpaid costs and fees. A bail agent's fee does not. Keep your receipt and ask the Clerk of Court about refund steps.
16. What payment requests should make me suspicious?
Miami-Dade jails never want payment by gift card or app transfer. Hang up on pushy callers and dial the county line at 786-263-7000 yourself.
17. Can ICE keep someone in the Miami-Dade jail after bond is posted?
- An ICE detainer (Form I-247A) asks the Miami-Dade jail to hold someone longer.
- The Miami-Dade hold can last up to 48 hours past release.
- The Miami-Dade clock keeps running on weekends and holidays.
- Paying a Miami-Dade bond will not lift the detainer.
- Under F.S. 908.105, the Miami-Dade judge setting bond must hear about it.
- The Miami-Dade state attorney gets notice as well.
- Florida law (F.S. 908.11) puts the Miami-Dade sheriff in the 287(g) program.
- ICE lists these 287(g) models for Miami-Dade:
- Task Force Model
- After ICE takes a Miami-Dade inmate, use the online detainee locator.
Miami-Dade County bail contacts
- Jails
- Miami-Dade County jails, run by Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation
- Bond guide
- bail and bond help for the county jails
- Custody lookup
- Miami-Dade County Inmate Search
- Inmate information
- 786-263-7000; department headquarters, 3505 NW 107th Avenue, Doral, FL 33178
- Pre-Trial Detention
- 1321 NW 13th Street, Miami, FL 33125; 786-263-4110
- Metro West
- 13850 NW 41st Street, Miami, FL 33178; 786-263-5110
- TGK and release
- 7000 NW 41st Street, Miami, FL 33166; information desk 786-263-5550; release office 786-263-5360; release 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Youth detention
- Miami Dade Regional Juvenile Detention Center, 3300 NW 27th Avenue, Miami, FL 33142; 305-637-4500
- Statewide schedule
- Supreme Court order AOSC25-69
Miami-Dade may revise posted figures and phone lines; the bond is the judge's decision. Confirm with Miami-Dade before you pay. This Miami-Dade page is not legal advice.
Miami-Dade Metro West Detention Center
Address:
13850 NW 41 Street
Miami, FL 33178
Phone:
786-263-5110
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Miami-Dade County
Does Miami-Dade County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Miami-Dade County?
Who can set bail in Miami-Dade County?
When is bail set in Miami-Dade County Florida?
Does Miami-Dade County have bail?
Yes, Miami-Dade County has bail and recognizes most types of bonds.
As of January 1, 2024, Florida moved to a statewide uniform bond schedule. The uniform bond schedule may change every year. The Miami-Dade Metro West Detention Center will let you know the amount of the bond.
Under most circumstances your bond amount is set during the booking process, and you are eligible to bond out prior to going to court. Prior to January 1, 2024, each county set their own bond schedule. For more serious crimes, bond will be set at the first appearance.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Miami-Dade County?
Florida offers bail in the form of cash bail or surety bond and bonds from a professional bondsperson.
Who can set bail in Miami-Dade County?
Under most circumstances your bond amount is set during the booking process by a judge, and you are eligible to bond out prior to going to court. Prior to January 1, 2024, each county set their own bond schedule.
For more serious crimes, bond will be set at the first appearance. Bail is set by a judge in accordance with a precalculated schedule based on the seriousness of the offense.
When is bail set in Miami-Dade County Florida?
In most cases bail is set immediately after arrest, based on the precalculated schedule. If a defendant is not eligible for immediate release bail may be set by a judge at the initial court hearing, or arraignment.
What is Bail?
Bail is what the arrested in Miami-Dade County must pay or do to stay out of jail until the first court appearance.
The agreement to bail acts as a promise that the arrested will return to court for court dates and trial. Bail usually refers to a dollar amount, but bail can also mean something that has to be done, or a condition such as reporting to an officer of the court, a curfew, restraining orders or attending a treatment program.
Bail is usually a significant enough amount of money and/or condition that the person will be negatively impacted and has incentive to return to court and not flee. A flight risk usually means that the person would flee the area, and not necessary that they are going to take an airplane.
If a judge in Miami-Dade County feels that the arrested will return to court for further proceedings, the arrested could be released under a conditional release without needing to pay bail money. This is called Released on Own Recognizance, or ROR.
Conditions for ROR might be to obey all court orders and laws, maintain contact with the lawyer, report changes in residence or have no contact with the victim. Family support will show the court that there are people who will make sure that the defendant makes it to court.
If the judge or bail schedule determines that the defendant would be a danger to the public if they were released, bail can be denied, and the person will be detained in the Miami-Dade Metro West Detention Center until the case is resolved or goes to trial.
Bail can be denied if the defendant did not comply with bail conditions from a previous arrest. Bail is usually denied in cases of violent offenses.
What is the difference between Bail and Bond?
Bail and bond are used interchangeably to mean the same thing but technically, they are different.
The bail is the amount to be paid and a bond is a signed document promising payment of the bail amount with certain conditions.
Think of a bond as a loan to pay for the bail.
The bond payment is always written to the court in your municipality, Miami-Dade County or district directly and does not go through the defendant. Chances of obtaining a bond from a bond company or clerk of court are better if family is involved.
The thought of being in jail can cause the arrested to panic and try to secure a bond immediately.
DO NOT panic and take the time to understand all the options.
More courts are now trying to work with defendants to make bail work and might provide non-monetary options or even reduce the bail.
Payments to a bond company are not refundable. It is a long process to get back property title or money that was given to the clerk of court or bondsperson to secure the bond. This could put your loved ones into a difficult financial situation.
Another reason not to unnecessarily rush into securing a bond is that if the court notes that you came up with the money to pay a bond company, they may assume you have resources to pay a defense attorney and decline public defense.
On the other hand, as anyone who has ever been involved in their criminal defense understands, fighting your case while ‘out on the streets’ gives you a much better chance of either winning, or getting a more favorable sentence.
What are the different types of bonds in Miami-Dade County?
Based on a review of information from the arrest, the judge or bail officer will determine and notify the accused of which types of bonds are available to them.
To describe the types of bonds, let’s use an example of buying your neighbor’s car. Your neighbor decides the price of the car and how they would be paid. Similarly, the court (meaning a police or bail officer, clerk of court, bail magistrate or judge) determines the bail amount and how it would be paid. Here are different options that the seller of the car or the court might consider:
You could pay full asking price for the car in cash. This is similar to paying cash bail. The full amount of bail would be paid to the town or county clerk or at the jail. Cash, cashier’s checks and credit cards are usually accepted. A Florida bondsperson will not write a bond for under $250.
Surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.
You can put a deposit down for your neighbor’s car and sign an agreement that the car will be paid off at a later date. Cash percentage in lieu of bonds is when the defendant pays a percentage of the bail amount, usually 10%, to the court which then holds the money until the case is over.
The amount is returned to the person who paid the 10% after the case is over. In most cases, the full amount is not returned if there are court fees or fines due. This is a type of surety bond if another person signs the bond paperwork.
You could sign an agreement that if the car were not paid off, that your neighbor would get your house or something of value.
A property bond is a bond that the courts might consider in which the bond is pledged in land or home real estate (mobile homes are not accepted).
Usually, the property must be in the same state as the courts, and it must be worth at least 1 ½ - 2 times the amount of the bond.
There are multiple court fees involved to execute a property bond with the courts and a tedious process to get the property deed back. This is another type of surety bond if another person or a bond company is used to secure the bond.
You could also go to a local bank and take out a car loan offering property or anything of value for collateral. You may get someone to co-sign on the loan and offer their property. The bank charges fees, interest and could keep your property if you did not pay the loan back, or even on time.
A professional bondsperson makes money, at least 10% of the bond amount by providing you with a “loan” called a bond. The percent that they charge is fixed by the state and cannot be negotiated. The defendant or surety does not get that 10% or more back even if the terms of the bail are met.
With a property bond, the property deed would need to be signed over to the bondsperson and everyone on the deed would need to be involved.
A bondsperson might consider a transfer bond that is transferable across state lines but generally a bond company will only assume the loan to adjoining states. For a Florida resident arrested in another state, bond companies will do transfer bonds but the person putting up the security has to be a Florida resident.
Since the bondsperson signed off, to be responsible that you show to court as your surety and ultimately, they can send a bounty hunter to bring you to court if you flee. A bondsperson does not have to give you a bond if the defendant seems to be too much of a risk.
Ask the bondsperson to explain all the costs: percentage, fees or court fees. There is never a reason to rush through signing the paperwork with a bond company. Make sure that everything told to you is in writing and that you understand what you are signing. Ask questions, and if you feel rushed or don’t understand the contract with the bond company, you might want to call another one.
(There have been phone scams where a bond company calls and informs a person that their family member has been arrested and they ask for financial information. A bondsperson will not call asking for money without involvement of the arrested.)
Does Miami-Dade County have bail?
Yes, Miami-Dade County has bail and recognizes most types of bonds.
As of January 1, 2024, Florida moved to a statewide uniform bond schedule.
Under most circumstances your bond amount is set during the booking process, and you are eligible to bond out prior to going to court. Prior to January 1, 2024, each county set their own bond schedule. For more serious crimes, bond will be set at the first appearance.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Miami-Dade County?
Florida offers bail in the form of cash bail or surety bond and bonds from a professional bondsperson.
Who can set bail in Miami-Dade County?
Under most circumstances your bond amount is set during the booking process by a judge, and you are eligible to bond out prior to going to court. Prior to January 1, 2024, each county set their own bond schedule.
For more serious crimes, bond will be set at the first appearance. Bail is set by a judge in accordance with a precalculated schedule based on the seriousness of the offense.
When is bail set in Florida?
In most cases bail is set immediately after arrest, based on the precalculated schedule. If a defendant is not eligible for immediate release bail may be set by a judge at the initial court hearing, or arraignment.
Can I get the bail or bond reduced in Miami-Dade County Florida?
Yes, if there are extenuating circumstances, let the judge know at your initial appearance. Your attorney can also request a bond reduction.
In Miami-Dade County, who can pay bail for me?
Monetary bail may be posted by any friend or relative. Surety bonds are only accepted from registered bail bond agent. Bail may be posted at the county jail where the defendant has been charged. Please contact Miami-Dade Metro West Detention Center at 786-263-5110 for information related to types of payment accepted, hours of operation, and location.
The person posting bail should be a relative or close friend, called a surety, because they are promising and taking responsibility that you will return to court to get their money back.
A surety is not responsible for court fees or paying off personal debts for the defendant. A professional bondsperson who is approved by the State of Florida could be the surety and execute a bond to the court on your behalf.
Can bail be paid online in Miami-Dade County Florida?
Some counties do accept online payment. Other only accept cash, money orders, or cashier’s checks. Contact the Miami-Dade Metro West Detention Center at 786-263-5110 for more information regarding accepted forms of payment.
What options are there to pay bail in Miami-Dade County Florida?
Cash or surety bond. Surety bonds are only accepted from registered bail bond agents. Bail may be posted at the county jail where the defendant is charged. Please contact the jail for specific information on what methods of payment are accepted: Go to the Miami-Dade Metro West Detention Center for more information about posting bail in Miami-Dade County.
Will I get all my bond money back in Florida?
Money is returned to the person who paid the bail; in whole or in part once the case is finished. There may be fees, restitution (money to pay for damage caused by the crime) or fines that come out of that amount. If you used a bondsperson, you would not get your 10% back. Property is returned by the court or bondsperson after the appropriate requests and formal paperwork are completed with the court.
Can I get bail or a bond with no money down in Miami-Dade County?
The judge or officer who sets bail determines which kind of bond will be an option however personal recognizance bonds are not offered in Florida, leaving few options for no money up front.
What are the least expensive and affordable bail bonds in Florida?
The Miami-Dade Metro West Detention Center or court in this jurisdiction can provide you with a list of approved and licensed bond companies, but they cannot recommend a specific company. You are not obligated to use the first company available and can call several companies to compare what kind of bonds that the bondsperson is willing to execute.
The percentage of bail that the bond company can charge is set, usually at 10%, by the state and cannot be negotiated.