Sarasota County Jail

You can search the Sarasota County 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 941-861-4165. Need to check for a warrant? Use Florida’s wanted persons search for Sarasota County and the rest of the state. You can also look up criminal court cases if Sarasota County is one of the participating counties.

Sarasota County Jail Inmate Search

Florida’s constitution guarantees most defendants in Sarasota County pretrial release on reasonable conditions, unless they face a capital or life felony and the proof is evident, or no conditions could protect the community. Many minor misdemeanors and traffic offenses end with a notice to appear. Other bonds follow a uniform statewide schedule adopted by the Florida Supreme Court, which sets a minimum amount for each charge.

Calling the Sarasota County Jail at 941-861-4165 is the quickest way to find out an inmate’s bail. For a general idea of the amount, check the charge against the Florida uniform statewide bond schedule for 2026. Judicial circuits can set higher local amounts, and a judge at the first appearance hearing isn’t bound by the schedule. The county accepts cash, surety bonds, and property bonds, and may release someone on personal recognizance.

While the Sarasota County Jail has a licensed capacity of 830, it is often forced to make room for many more inmates, especially on weekends. City and county jails in Florida generally turn over at least 35-40% of their inmates each month, another 25-30% every 90 days, and another 15-20% every six months, and about 8-9% stay incarcerated six to twelve months. Those held longer than twelve months are usually charged with serious crimes such as murder or rape. Because those cases take longer to prepare for trial, offenders arrested in this county are held at one of the Sarasota County facilities much longer.

Every year, approximately 18,380 offenders are arrested and detained by Sarasota County law enforcement agencies.

We’ve collected photos of the Sarasota County Jail over the years, and you can view them here.

Steps to pay bail in Sarasota County

After an arrest, individuals are brought to Sarasota County Jail in Sarasota for processing. Following this, three possible outcomes exist:

1. The individual may be released without posting bail, with a promise to appear in court.
2. The individual could be held in jail until their court date.
3. Bail or bond can be posted for release; for more information, contact 941-861-4165.

Bail payment can be handled through various means.

• Pay a cash bond in full at the bonding window inside the jail or at the clerk of court, by cash, cashier's check or money order; a lobby kiosk or online bond vendor often takes debit and credit cards for an extra fee, and you should bring the inmate's full name and booking number (the jail can be reached at 941-861-4165).
• Licensed bail bond agents in Sarasota County are available for assistance.
• Land or a home can often serve as bond collateral: the owner provides a deed and a recent tax or appraisal value showing clear title and equity of at least the bond amount, commonly double, and the court that set bail approves the pledge.

To learn more about the bail process in Sarasota County, Florida, visit the Sarasota County Jail Bail Page.

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Sarasota County Jail? What is the Schedule?

Sarasota County Jail Inmate Video Visitation Schedule & Registration

2020 Main St.
Sarasota, FL 34237
941-861-4165

• First, you must register online or in the jail lobby with GTL / Viapath.
  
• On-site visits are free.
• Remote visits are $12.00 for a 25 minute visit.
• Inmates are allowed three (3) fifty-minute visitations per week.
• The maximum number of visitors allowed at each visit is three (3), including children.
• Visits may be scheduled two weeks in advance and up to 24 hours prior to your desired visit. Visits may be canceled up to 48 hours prior to visit.
• Dress professionally and NON seductively.
• You will need a valid government issued photo ID.
• If you have any questions call the jail at 941-861-4692.

* Remote Visits begin at 8:30AM

Sarasota County Jail uses Viapath / GettingOut for their Remote Video Visitation and/or Visit Scheduling. 



There are three ways to remotely visit your inmate:
1.  Using the Viapath/GettingOut/GTL Kiosk at the jail.
2. Using your computer from home.
3. Using your phone on the GettingOut or GTL apps.

How it Works with GettingOut
1.  Register an account.
2. Select Sarasota County Jail
3. Choose either an INMATE ACCOUNT or FRIENDS & FAMILY ACCOUNT.   

• **NOTE** Friends and Family must have funds in their "Friends & Family Account" to respond to inmate messages. 
• If you deposit money online in the INMATE ACCOUNT, than they have the freedom to spend the money on visits or phone calls to anyone, or any other communications services available at Sarasota County Jail.
• With the FRIENDS & FAMILY ACCOUNT, you control all communication services such as phone calls, video visits and messaging. Your inmate can only call the phone number you want.

4. You will then receive prompts to validate both your identity and phone number .
5. Again, choose your inmate's facility, then type their name and select your inmate.

GettingOut will then guide you through the steps needed to arrange your remote visit.

Customer Service for GettingOut
If you have any questions, you can call them at 866-516-0115.
GettingOut online contact form
The GettingOut App is available on Google Play and Apple Store.

How Do You Visit an Inmate in Sarasota County Jail?

To visit an inmate in Sarasota County, whether by video or in person 'at the jail', follow these steps:

Other than 'at the jail' visits between you and your inmate, which is explained and outlined in detail on our Visit Inmate Page, Sarasota County remote video inmate visitation can be done using the services of Viapath / GettingOut. 



There are three ways to remotely visit your inmate in Sarasota County Jail:
1.  Using the GettingOut Kiosk at the jail.
2. Using your computer from home.
3. Using your phone on the Viapath / GettingOut apps.

To remotely visit an inmate in Sarasota County follow these steps:
1.  Start by confirming that Sarasota County Jail's Video Visitation is working correctly by looking up Sarasota County here.
2.  The next step is to create an account here for Viapath / GettingOut.
3. Then add funds to your account.
4. Last, select Sarasota County Jail, and then the inmate you wish to communicate with.

Other Sarasota County Services provided by GettingOut:
 - Phone Calls & Voicemail 
 - Email, Photo & Video Sharing
-  Inmate Tablet Rental
-  Deposits

Customer Service
If you have any questions about the Sarasota County Jail Visitation Services you can call them at 866-516-0115.

* All the information you need to have complete knowledge about inmate visitation; policies, rules, fees, schedules, tips, dress codes, and children, lawyers and clergy visitation in Sarasota County, can be found on our Visit Inmate Page.

Sarasota County Jail Phone: 941-861-4165

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Sarasota County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 941-861-4165 for further assistance.

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

Sarasota County Jail Inmate Video Visitation Schedule & Registration

2020 Main St.
Sarasota, FL 34237
941-861-4165

• First, you must register online or in the jail lobby with GTL / Viapath.
  
• On-site visits are free.
• Remote visits are $12.00 for a 25 minute visit.
• Inmates are allowed three (3) fifty-minute visitations per week.
• The maximum number of visitors allowed at each visit is three (3), including children.
• Visits may be scheduled two weeks in advance and up to 24 hours prior to your desired visit. Visits may be canceled up to 48 hours prior to visit.
• Dress professionally and NON seductively.
• You will need a valid government issued photo ID.
• If you have any questions call the jail at 941-861-4692.

* Remote Visits begin at 8:30AM

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Sarasota County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 941-861-4165 for further assistance.

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Sarasota County Jail?

There are multiple ways to add money to an inmate's account at Sarasota County Jail, 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 Sarasota County Jail 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 Sarasota County

To send commissary money to an inmate in Sarasota County Jail follow these steps:

• Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
• 
• Select Florida, then select Sarasota County Jail, 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 Sarasota County Jail.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Sarasota County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 941-861-4165 for further assistance.

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Sarasota County Jail?

How Do You Communicate with an Inmate in the Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 941-861-4165 for further assistance.

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Sarasota County Jail, and what can I send them?

Sarasota County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
Check the Sarasota County Jail's mail rules before sending postcards or books. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.

Envelopes
The Sarasota County Jail also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.

Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope. 

Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID Number
Sarasota County Corrections Facility, FL
PO Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131

Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID Number
Sarasota County Correctional Facility
2020 Main Street
Sarasota, FL 34237

Newspapers
Local or national newspapers may also be mailed to the inmate as long as they are mailed directly from the newspaper publisher.

Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.

Books
Check the Sarasota County Jail's mail rules before sending postcards or books.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Sarasota County Jail standards will be disposed of.

All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID Number
Sarasota County Correctional Facility
2020 Main Street
Sarasota, FL 34237

How to Send and Receive Secure Text and Email Messages with an Inmate in Sarasota County Jail

To communicate by text or email with an Sarasota 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 Sarasota County inmates or detainees to connect with.
• When you locate the Sarasota County inmate that you want to connect with, you can send them a connection request.
• Sarasota County 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 Sarasota County 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 Sarasota County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 941-861-4165 for further assistance.

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Sarasota County Jail, and what can I purchase?

Sarasota County Jail 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 Sarasota County Jail.
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 Sarasota County Jail 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 Sarasota County

To send commissary money to an inmate in Sarasota County Jail follow these steps:

• Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
• 
• Select Florida, then select Sarasota County Jail, 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 Sarasota County Jail.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Sarasota County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 941-861-4165 for further assistance.

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Sarasota County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?

Sarasota County 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 Sarasota County Jail

To communicate by text or email with an Sarasota 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 Sarasota County inmates or detainees to connect with.
• When you locate the Sarasota County inmate that you want to connect with, you can send them a connection request.
• Sarasota County 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 Sarasota County 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 Sarasota County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 941-861-4165 for further assistance.

Do Inmates in the Sarasota County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Sarasota County 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 Sarasota County 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 Sarasota County Jail at 941-861-4165 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 Sarasota 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.

Sarasota County 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 Sarasota County 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 Sarasota County Jail at 941-861-4165 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 941-861-4165 for further assistance.

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

Sarasota County County Jails

Sarasota County City Jails

Sarasota County Juvenile Facilities

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