Monroe County Plantation Key Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Monroe County bail and bond: the Keys jails and the 2026 bond order
Adults arrested anywhere in the Florida Keys are held by the Monroe County Sheriff. The Sheriff's site says detention facilities sit on Stock Island, in Marathon, and on Plantation Key. The big one is the Monroe County Detention Center at 5501 College Road, Key West. Monroe County Inmate Search shows the holding site and bond. The sheriff's headquarters answers at 305-292-7000, and the bond instructions for the Key West jail explain the usual payment steps.
Which Keys jail is my husband in?
Start with Monroe County Inmate Search. It should show the facility. People are booked on Stock Island, in Marathon, or on Plantation Key, and a person can be moved between them. Monroe's list can trail a fresh booking, so look again later.
For anything the search cannot answer, the Sheriff's 24-hour non-emergency line is 305-289-2351. Headquarters is 305-292-7000. Monroe callers should give the inmate's legal name and birthday.
Where is the Key West jail and who runs it?
The Sheriff runs it. The address most sources give is 5501 College Road, Key West, FL 33040. Sheriff's headquarters is at 5525 College Road, on the same road. Ask the desk which door to use before you drive.
Why does a Monroe felony record show no bond?
In 2026 the chief judge's order lets staff release people before first appearance only on a short list of misdemeanors. Every felony, from a third-degree felony up to a capital felony, waits for a judge. So does DUI or boating under the influence. A judge will usually see the person within 24 hours, under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.130.
Nothing is wrong with the booking. The number comes after the hearing.
What do misdemeanor bonds cost this year?
The Sixteenth Circuit order for 2026 is Administrative Order 2.063/25-1, signed December 22, 2025. It runs from January 1 through December 31, 2026. The Monroe figures are $2,500 for a nonviolent first-degree misdemeanor, $2,500 for a forcible second-degree misdemeanor, $500 for a nonviolent second-degree misdemeanor.
A first-degree misdemeanor involving force, or stalking, has no pre-hearing bond. A Monroe judge may change the amount at any point. Expect one bond per charge.
Which Keys courthouse handles the case?
The Clerk lists three criminal offices. Key West: Monroe County Courthouse, 500 Whitehead Street, 305-294-4641. Marathon: 3117 Overseas Highway, 305-289-6027. Upper Keys: 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, 305-852-7145. The Clerk's criminal FAQ says people who bond out are told their next court date at release.
Where do I pay in Monroe, and what should I bring?
Carry a government ID, the booking number and the right amount in full. The Sheriff's pages do not confirm hours. Call 305-292-7000 before you go, then ask whether the Key West window, a Clerk counter, or a bail agent is the right door for your case.
Can I pay by card?
Some Florida jails accept cards at a lobby kiosk or online for a fee. Whether Monroe County does is a question for the Sheriff at 305-292-7000. Never send a card number to a person who contacted you first.
Should we hire a bail agent?
You don't have to, but many families use one. In the Keys, as everywhere in Florida, the state Department of Financial Services puts a state-bond premium at 10 percent of the bail. On a $2,500 bond that is $250. Monroe agents must charge the state-filed rate under section 648.33. Ask for the price in writing. Section 903.101 gives licensed agents equal access to the jails.
You can also ask whether the judge will take a cash deposit. Section 903.105 describes a deposit of 10 percent of the bond with the clerk.
Can a house or land in the Keys back a bond?
Maybe. Non-agents may back a Monroe bond if they're Florida residents or landowners (section 903.05), with net worth matching or topping the bond (section 903.08). Keys property is costly, but the court still wants a deed and papers signed by every owner. For the exact steps and forms, ask the Clerk's criminal desk at 305-294-4641.
How can we get a lawyer in Monroe if we can't pay?
The Clerk's criminal FAQ says you may qualify for a public defender and points people to Pretrial Services at 305-294-7288. The Public Defender's office is at 1111 12th Street, Suite 311, Key West, 305-295-3100. In Monroe, ask the first appearance judge for one if you have no lawyer.
Why is someone held when the bond is posted?
In Monroe, section 903.011(6) bars release before a hearing for people on pretrial release, probation, or community control, those on the sex-offender list, and several other groups. Under section 903.0471, a judge may also revoke release if there is probable cause of a new crime. A hold from another county or agency stops release too. Ask the jail which case holds the person.
What if my son is under 18?
The state Department of Juvenile Justice runs the Monroe Juvenile Detention Center at 5503 College Road, first floor, Key West, 305-293-1500. DJJ lists 10 beds for youth sent by the Sixteenth Circuit. Visits are listed for Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 2 p.m. Monroe's adult search leaves out children, whose records are private. The Clerk's juvenile desk in Key West is at 305-294-4641.
What if she misses court?
The judge declares the bond forfeited. The Clerk then sends notice, and section 903.26 gives 60 days after the notice goes out to pay or get the forfeiture discharged. Surrender, or confinement in another jail with a hold, can lead to a discharge in listed cases. Phone a Monroe lawyer that same day. A Monroe letter may come late, so act now.
When do I get the money back?
Under section 903.31, the court must cancel the bond within 10 business days once conditions are met. If a 10 percent deposit was used, section 903.105 has the clerk return 75 percent and keep 25 percent as bail costs. A cash bond paid by someone other than a bail agent can be cut by unpaid fines and fees (section 903.286). Bail agent premiums work differently. Monroe agents earn and keep the premium the moment the person walks out, per the Department of Financial Services. A person who never leaves jail is owed the full premium back. Monroe collateral is due back within three weeks after the court discharges the bond.
How can I spot a bail scam?
In Monroe, distrust demands for gift cards, crypto, or wires to someone. Real offices are the Sheriff at 305-292-7000 and the Clerk at 305-294-4641. Hang up and call them yourself.
How do ICE holds work at the Monroe jail?
- ICE uses Form I-247A to ask Monroe jailers for more time.
- In Monroe, that means up to 48 more hours.
- In Monroe, weekends and holidays count toward those 48 hours.
- Paying a Monroe bond will not lift the detainer.
- F.S. 908.105 says the Monroe bond judge must be told.
- The Monroe state attorney gets notice as well.
- Every Florida jail sheriff, Monroe included, must join 287(g) (F.S. 908.11).
- ICE lists these 287(g) models for Monroe:
- Task Force Model
- Warrant Service Officer
- If ICE takes someone from Monroe, search the ICE detainee locator.
Monroe County bond contacts
- Jails
- Monroe County jails and bond help: Key West (Stock Island) Detention Center, 5501 College Road, Key West, FL 33040; Marathon and Plantation Key facilities
- Bond guide
- Bail and bond instructions, Key West jail
- Custody lookup
- Monroe County Inmate Search
- Sheriff
- 5525 College Road, Key West, FL 33040; 305-292-7000; 24-hour non-emergency 305-289-2351
- Clerk of Court
- Clerk; Key West criminal division 305-294-4641; Marathon 305-289-6027; Plantation Key 305-852-7145
- Bond order
- 2026 Sixteenth Circuit bond schedule
- Pretrial Services
- 305-294-7288
- Public Defender
- 1111 12th Street, Suite 311, Key West, FL 33040; 305-295-3100
- Juvenile
- Monroe Juvenile Detention Center, 5503 College Road, Key West, FL 33040; 305-293-1500
Keys hours, amounts, and payment rules shift, and judges may choose another amount. In Monroe, call the Sheriff or Clerk before sending money. Read this Monroe page as general information, not legal advice.
Monroe County Plantation Key Jail
Address:
88770 Overseas Highway
Tavernier, FL 33070
Phone:
305-853-3266
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Monroe County
What kind of bonds are accepted in Monroe County?
Who can set bail in Monroe County?
When is bail set in Monroe County Florida?
Does Monroe County have bail?
Yes, Monroe 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 Monroe County Plantation Key Jail 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 Monroe County?
Florida offers bail in the form of cash bail or surety bond and bonds from a professional bondsperson.
Who can set bail in Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe County Plantation Key Jail 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, Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe County have bail?
Yes, Monroe 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 Monroe County?
Florida offers bail in the form of cash bail or surety bond and bonds from a professional bondsperson.
Who can set bail in Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe County Plantation Key Jail at 305-853-3266 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 Monroe County Florida?
Some counties do accept online payment. Other only accept cash, money orders, or cashier’s checks. Contact the Monroe County Plantation Key Jail at 305-853-3266 for more information regarding accepted forms of payment.
What options are there to pay bail in Monroe 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 Monroe County Plantation Key Jail for more information about posting bail in Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe County Plantation Key Jail 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.