Walton County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Walton County bail and bond: DeFuniak Springs jail, release rules, and who sets the amount
People arrested in Walton County are booked into the Walton County Jail in DeFuniak Springs, which the sheriff's office operates. Type the name into Walton County Inmate Search to see if the person is held, which charges are listed, and what the bond is. The jail's listed number is 850-892-8196. Walton County is in Florida's First Judicial Circuit. The sections below cover how bail is set, paid, and returned.
Is the person in the DeFuniak Springs jail?
Search the full name on Walton County Inmate Search. A hit shows the charges and the bond. Walton might not show a very recent arrest, so look again later. After that, phone 850-892-8196, which is listed as answering at any hour, and ask which agency arrested the person.
Which street address is right?
Do not guess. Call 850-892-8196 and ask where to bring papers or money. The sheriff's non-emergency line, listed as 850-892-8111, can also point you in the right direction.
Who sets the bond here?
A court-approved schedule gives the first number at booking. Florida Statutes section 903.011 now calls for a uniform statewide bond schedule from the Supreme Court. A chief judge may set higher local amounts without approval, but not lower ones. The schedule does not bind a judge at a first appearance. That section also means only a Walton judge can set, cut, or change bail.
What is the bond for my charge?
The figure for the person you're helping is on the record at Walton County Inmate Search. The First Judicial Circuit, which covers Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton, may set its own local amounts by order of the chief judge, and those can be higher than the statewide schedule. For a general sense, the statewide 2026 schedule, AOSC25-69, lists 2026 minimums before a judge: second-degree misdemeanor without force, $150; first-degree misdemeanor without force, $500; first DUI filed as first-degree, $1,000; third-degree felony without force, $2,500; with force, $5,000. Do not use numbers from other circuits, because they differ. Ask the Walton jail at 850-892-8196 if the bond came from the schedule or a judge.
Why can't anyone post bond yet?
Section 903.011(6) bars release before a first appearance or bail decision for several groups. In Walton, that includes people on release when arrested, frequent arrestees, and certain serious charges. Section 903.046 also holds registered sex offenders and predators until first appearance. Booking can also take hours, and no amount appears until it is done.
When does a judge look at the arrest?
Within 24 hours, under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.130. The hearing can be held over video. At this Walton hearing, the judge sets release terms under rule 3.131 or orders detention under rule 3.132, and asks if the person can pay for a lawyer.
How do I pay?
The sheriff's website lists a Bail Bonds page but gives no hours or payment rules, so the clerk's office, 571 U.S. Highway 90 East, 850-892-8115, is a second place to ask. Phone 850-892-8196 to get the place, the hours, and the accepted payment types before you leave. Pack a photo ID, the defendant’s booking name and all of the bond money, then hold on to the receipt. Cash and surety release carry the same dollar figure under section 903.011.
Which bail agent should a Walton County family trust?
Pick a licensed agent. The Florida Department of Financial Services sets the Walton premium at 10 percent, so a $1,000 bond costs $100. A Walton agent keeps it after release but must refund it if the person stays jailed. Collateral should be returned within 21 days after the court discharges the bond. Do not accept a "special deal." Ask for the premium, collateral, and the steps you must take after a missed court date, and read all of it before signing.
Can I use land or a house?
In Walton, section 903.05 accepts a non-company surety who lives in Florida or owns land in the state. Walton's recording steps and equity requirement are not in the statute. Ask the clerk at 850-892-8115, and expect it to move slower than cash or an agent.
Are there rules after release?
Yes. Section 903.047 requires the person to refrain from criminal activity of any kind. A Walton no-contact order starts at once and lasts as long as the release. Walton judges can also order work, a curfew, or treatment. Breaking a term can lead the court to revoke release and order detention under section 903.0471.
Can someone be refused bail altogether?
In limited cases. Article I, section 14 of the Florida Constitution makes release the usual rule in Walton, except for capital or life charges where the proof is strong. Walton judges may also detain if no terms keep the public safe, secure appearance, or protect the process. Probation-violation holds are covered by section 903.0351.
Where is a Walton County teen held?
The Department of Juvenile Justice screens Walton youth at 4448 Straight Line Road, Crestview, 850-689-7800, the same site as the Okaloosa Regional Juvenile Detention Center. That 35-bed center serves Okaloosa and Walton counties. Parents, grandparents, and guardians may visit Sundays from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Youth cases stay out of the adult lookup.
How is a free lawyer arranged?
Walton's first appearance judge decides if the person can pay for counsel. When someone qualifies and wants a lawyer, rule 3.130 says the judge must appoint one right away. Ask the jail at 850-892-8196 how to contact the First Circuit public defender after that hearing, and bring the booking number.
What if a hearing is missed?
Under section 903.26 the court can declare the bond forfeited, with notice from the clerk to the surety. The person can be rearrested, and section 903.046 limits recognizance bonds for someone who failed to appear before. Phone a lawyer and the agent at once.
Is a commissary deposit a bond?
No. Deposits go on a jail account for the person's own use. Only a bond payment, a bail agent, or a judge's order brings a release. Treat any message that asks you to wire bond money to a private person, or to buy gift cards, as a scam, and call 850-892-8196 instead.
Can ICE keep someone in the Walton jail after bond is posted?
- An ICE detainer (Form I-247A) asks the Walton jail to hold someone longer.
- That extra hold in Walton lasts up to 48 hours.
- The Walton clock keeps running on weekends and holidays.
- Posting bond in Walton does not end an ICE hold.
- Under F.S. 908.105, the Walton judge setting bond must hear about it.
- The Walton state attorney gets notice as well.
- Florida law (F.S. 908.11) puts the Walton sheriff in the 287(g) program.
- ICE lists these 287(g) models for Walton:
- Task Force Model
- Warrant Service Officer
- To find a person ICE took from Walton, try the ICE locator.
Walton County contacts
- Jail
- Walton County Jail, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433; 850-892-8196
- Bond guide
- Bail and bond instructions
- Custody lookup
- Walton County Inmate Search
- Sheriff
- non-emergency line 850-892-8111
- Clerk
- 571 U.S. Highway 90 East, DeFuniak Springs; 850-892-8115; South Walton annex, 31 Coastal Centre Boulevard, Santa Rosa Beach, 850-267-3066
- Circuit
- First Judicial Circuit (Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton)
- Juvenile
- Okaloosa Regional Juvenile Detention Center, 4448 Straight Line Road, Crestview, FL 32539; 850-689-7800
Hours, payment types, and amounts at the Walton County jail can change without notice, and judges may order something different. Ask the jail before sending any payment. This guide is for general understanding and does not replace a lawyer.
Using GTL/gettingout to make bail payments
How to make a bail payment using gettingout.com/Viapath
- gettingout.com/Viapath assists you in using their banking system to make bail payment for your inmate.
- You can call them at 866-516-0115.
- Gettingout, also known as Viapath, limits your 24 hour online deposit to $3,000.00. So if the bail is higher, it may take multiple deposits over the same number of days.
Walton County Jail
Address:
896 Triple "G" Rd
Defuniak Springs, FL 32433
Phone:
850-892-8196
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Walton County
What kind of bonds are accepted in Walton County?
Who can set bail in Walton County?
When is bail set in Walton County Florida?
Does Walton County have bail?
Yes, Walton 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 Walton 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.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Walton County?
Florida offers bail in the form of cash bail or surety bond and bonds from a professional bondsperson.
Who can set bail in Walton 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 Walton 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 Walton 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 Walton 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 Walton County 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, Walton 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 Walton 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 Walton County have bail?
Yes, Walton 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 Walton County?
Florida offers bail in the form of cash bail or surety bond and bonds from a professional bondsperson.
Who can set bail in Walton 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 Walton 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 Walton 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 Walton County Jail at 850-892-8196 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 Walton County Florida?
Some counties do accept online payment. Other only accept cash, money orders, or cashier’s checks. Contact the Walton County Jail at 850-892-8196 for more information regarding accepted forms of payment.
What options are there to pay bail in Walton 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 Walton County Jail for more information about posting bail in Walton 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 Walton 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 Walton County 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.