The Union County Jail is a 36 bed jail in the city of Lake Butler, Union County, Florida. You can call them 24 hours a day for inmate information at 386-496-2501.
Offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies in this county are brought here for booking and processing, and if their crime requires it, are incarcerated until they are either bonded out, are released from custody on their own recognizance, or are ordered to remain in custody until the disposition of their trial.
You can also use the inmate search tool to see this facility's roster of those who have been arrested and are still in custody.
Those who are found guilty and sentenced to a term of less than one year, will do their time in this county. Those sentenced to longer terms will be sent to either the Florida State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, or by calling the facility at 386-496-2501, directions to the facility, and inmate services such as the visitation schedule and policies, funding an inmate's account, mailing them a letter, receiving phone calls from an inmate, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.
It's always a good idea to find out and save the inmate's jail ID number or booking number as you may need this for sending mail or other communication needs. If you can't locate it online, you can call the Union County Jail at 386-496-2501 to get it.
Phone: 386-496-2501
Physical Address:
50 NW 1st Street
Lake Butler, FL 32054
Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Union County Jail
50 NW 1st Street
Lake Butler, FL 32054
Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Union County Jail
50 NW 1st Street
Lake Butler, FL 32054
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the Union County Jail, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 386-496-2501 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up Arrests Warrants for Union County and the entire state of Florida, as well as Union County Criminal Court Cases and Courts for each county in the state of Florida.
Union County Jail Inmate Search
The Union County Jail maintains an average of 36 offenders in custody on any given day. The Union County Jail has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Union County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 3,060 offenders.
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The 36-bed Union County Jail is responsible for the housing and care of those who are accused or convicted of committing a misdemeanor or felony in Union County as they wait for their trial or as they serve their sentence, usually less than one year.
It serves many law enforcement organizations including the Sheriff’s Department, local police, Immigration, and other surrounding counties as needed.
If you have questions regarding an inmate or the programs and services provided, the staff can be reached at 386-496-2501, and an online listing of all the detainees is published for your own investigation.
Upon intake, the booking process is completed, which includes a medical screening, fingerprinting and mugshots, DNA sample, along with an assessment to determine security needs, medical needs, mental health requirements, and housing assignment.
Staff is available to transport all inmates to court dates and any medical appointments or emergency needs, as well as inspecting all mail for contraband, receiving commissary funds and other money for inmates, maintaining the safety of the community and the security of the facility, and other tasks.
The Union County Jail also provides several other services to inmates including basic needs in meals, laundry, and hygiene items, and programs including AA, counseling, religious programs, education, recreation, and opportunities to grow social and life skills.
Along with the efforts made by the staff, reduced recidivism is seen when inmates are able to stay in contact and supported by their family or friends who are not incarcerated so mail, phones, and visits are provided.
Visits are in person, and are via video and an account is created online to book and complete visits, allowing both visitors and inmates to schedule a visit.
Phone accounts are also registered online, and allow for inmates to make outgoing calls during the daytime and evening hours when they are not participating in a task or program.
Information for money for an inmate’s commissary can be found on our Inmate Money page.
All personal mail is sent to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Union County Jail
50 NW 1st Street
Lake Butler, FL 32054
Staff will open each piece and look for contraband, which is removed before it is given to the inmate.
Legal mail, money orders, books and newspaper and magazine subscriptions are mailed to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Union County Jail
50 NW 1st Street
Lake Butler, FL 32054
To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Union County Jail, call the jail’s booking line at 386-496-2501.
There may be an automated method of looking them up by their name over the phone, or you may be directed to speak to someone at the jail. Sometimes the jail staff may ask you the offender’s date of birth to ensure privacy of the offender’s status.
Keep in mind that after an arrest, the information on an offender may not be publicly available for several hours.
If you don’t want to check up on an offender by calling the jail, you can also try looking up people recently booked online.
Union County Jail Booking Roster
After being arrested and taken into custody, and after being read their Miranda Rights, an offender will next be transported to the local police or department or the Sheriff’s Department in Union County for booking.
Booking is very involved and requires multiple steps in the process, however, keep in mind that most attorneys will advise that an offender remain silent and not offer any additional information about the crime they have been arrested for because anything they do say may be recorded and may very well be used against them in court.
Booking includes having their photo (mugshot) and fingerprints taken, as well as being asked a lot of questions about their personal history and state of mind. If it’s a serious felony, their DNA may also be taken. They will also be checked for warrants in Union County and other Florida and USA jurisdictions.
If the offender was arrested for a DUI offense, and has refused a breathalyzer test, they may also be forced to have blood drawn by a doctor or nurse.
It is also very likely that the offender will undergo a humiliating full body search while in the nude. This includes bending over, spreading their cheeks in the direction of an officer, and coughing. They will also be walked through a metal detector or x-ray machine, like those used at an airport.
The arresting jurisdiction will ask about gang affiliations, tattoos, medical conditions, prescribed medication they are taking, recreational drugs they are on or addicted to, allergies, if they are suicidal, and other relevant information that will help with determining their cell assignment and special needs.
During the arrest and booking process an offender will also have all their personal property confiscated and held for either their release from jail, or with the offender’s approval, released to a friend or family member.
Personal property includes the clothing they are wearing, money, wallets, purses, cell phones, jewelry, body rings, earrings, watches, and even glasses if they are deemed a security risk. If they are allowed to keep their shoes or sneakers, the laces are removed.
At this point the offender will be allowed to make a free phone call to a person of their choice to notify them of their arrest, and/or arrange a bond or bail for their release.
If the offender is being detained and housed while awaiting arraignment, the Union County Jail will provide a jail garment and slip-on shoes, a blanket, sheets, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a towel.
Often, before they are dressed in the jail outfit and brought to their housing location, they will be forced to take a shower and undergo a disinfectant treatment for body and hair lice, scabies or other pests that may be residing on their person.
Booking can take anywhere from an hour to 24 hours or more. It all depends on the number of people that are awaiting processing, the number of staff on duty at the time, and the behavior of the offender.
If the offender is heavily intoxicated and/or violent, the Booking Officer may decide to stick the offender in a holding cell for several hours until they become more manageable.
Yes, Union 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 Union County 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.
Florida offers bail in the form of cash bail or surety bond and bonds from a professional bondsperson.
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.
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.
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How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Union County Jail? What is the Schedule?
50 NW 1st Street
Lake Butler, FL 32054
386-496-2501
ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE - ALWAYS CALL 386-496-2501 TO CONFIRM VISITATION SCHEDULE!
| THURSDAY | 1:00PM - 3:00PM |
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| FRIDAY | 1:00PM - 3:00PM |
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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.
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Can 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.
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How Do You Deposit Money for 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 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.
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How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Union County Jail?
Follow these instructions on how to open an account with GTL Connect Network (aka Viapath Technologies)
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.
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How do I Mail an Inmate in the Union County Jail, and what can I send them?
Postcards
The Union County 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. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.
Envelopes
The Union 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#
Union County Jail
50 NW 1st Street
Lake Butler, FL 32054
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Union County Jail
50 NW 1st Street
Lake Butler, FL 32054
Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the 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
The Union County Jail allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Union County Jail standards will be disposed of.
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Union County Jail
50 NW 1st Street
Lake Butler, FL 32054
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.
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Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Union County Jail, and what can I purchase?
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.
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How 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.
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Do 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.
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What are the other City and County Jails in Union County?
What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Union County?
This facility, known as "Union County Jail" is also known as Union County Jail , Union County Jail , Florida, Union.
