Broward County Main Jail – Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Broward County Main Jail is located in Broward County, Florida and is the primary correctional facility for that region. Know someone locked up at Broward County Main Jail? This site will tell you info about anything you might need to know about Broward County Main Jail,like: How to do a jail inmate search. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and how to get out of jail. Broward County Main Jail intake procedures. Court records. And much more…

The thought of going to jail is a daunting and scary prospect, not only for whoever gets locked up, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is meant to give information that you’ll need to make helping someone get out of jail a lot easier. If you have specific questions, just ask it, and also any comments or feedback that might help other people in the same situation will be much appreciated.

Do you have a friend or family member that has gone to jail and don’t know how to contact them?

Has somebody who’s been arrested and you need to find out where they are?

To find out who’s in jail at Broward County Main Jail you need to go to their web site and perform an inmate lookup.

The Broward County Main Jail Inmate Roster is a list of persons currently in custody, which includes status, how much their bail is, and schedule for visitation. Also, you are able to get info for anybody booked or discharged in the last 24 hours. Inmates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You can get the information fast if you enter their first and last name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

If the inmate you are looking for may be in another jail you should check our guide to other Florida jails: Other Jails in Florida

A mugshot, also called a jail booking picture, is the photo taken by the police when you are processed at the jail intake. A mugshot is actually one and a side picture. Your name and jail booking number will be on the pictures, and they will be on file at the jail.

Mugshots of inmates are online, or you can go in person to the Broward County Main Jail. When viewing online you need to enter the person’s name, and a booking date, if you have one.

Are you trying to figure out what to do in order to have your mugshot taken off of the Broward County Main Jail website? This may not be possible, since the mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot taken down you will need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. This means that all of your arrest records will be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

To learn more about getting your mugshot taken down, the many different mugshot websites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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If you are in jail, your primary thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve been booked, your bail is determined using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. If no bail is set this might mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you are released from jail you are required to promise to be in court on your court date, and you will not be permitted to leave town.

Typically, an inmate in the Broward County Main Jail can earn time off in exchange for good behavior when they follow the rules and don’t cause any problems while incarcerated.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be allowed to do work release. Either you will have to return to jail each day when you’re finished at your job, or you could get to move into a halfway house when you are not working.

Your bail is money that you have to pay to get out of jail pending trial. The amount you will have to pay depends on the crime you are charged with. Someone will have to pay 10% of the amount that was determined so you are able to bail out of jail. If you don’t show up for your scheduled court date, whoever paid your bail will lose all of the bail money.

To find out someone’s bail amount you will need to call the Broward County Main Jail or the County Courthouse. If you have all the person’s information, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know what their bail is set at. You can also see the bail amount on the Broward County Main Jail website.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is no fun, but fortunately, its easy if you have the money. First, figure out if their bail is a Cash Only Bond. If so, you can’t use a Bail Bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail will not take a check. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the prisoner will be released to your care. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you can’t afford it yourself, you will need to use a bail bondsman. They usually charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total bail amount, and sometimes charge a minimum charge of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman is non-refundable and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bondsman will require that they use your assets as collateral for the bond.

To talk to a bail bondsman go to: How to find a bail bondsman

Have you ever hired a Bail Bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If you have, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how it worked out for you.

Speak Your Mind

• Early Release For Good Behavior
• Work Release
• Get Out For Time Served
• Get Out on a Pre-Trial Release Program
• Released On House Arrest
• Get Released on Your Own Recognizance

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The intake process includes each of these steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If the jail is busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• The first thing you will have to is you have to answer some basic questions, like your full name, address, birth date and a contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your mental and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate ID number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• They will take your mugshot.
• All personal property will be taken from you and stored until you get released.
• You will be allowed to make a telephone call to call a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you might get to keep wearing your own clothes, otherwise you will have to change into a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, you should tell your story. How long did you have to wait? What was your treatment like? Do you know any things that could help other people to get through the procedure?

Click here to leave a comment

When you pay your bail, you will be discharged from jail. This process takes anywhere from 10 minutes to many hours. So, the faster you can post bail, the sooner you will get discharged. How quickly you get discharged depends on whether you have a cash bond amount or if a judge has to figure out the amount of bail to be set. For a minor charge, you will be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. If you have served a sentence in jail and know the release date, plan to get released at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

out against you, or if you need to start your sentence, it is highly advisable that you follow the law and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. If it is for a warrant, go to the jail intake center, and let them know that you think they might have an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will do a record check, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody. If it is for a jail sentence, go down to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order states. Be sure that you aren’t late. Only bring approved items when you go, like your driver’s license or ID, prescription medication, as well as the sentencing order.

Inmates need to provide the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail in advance. Your visitors will be put into a Visiting log for the inmate. Each and every visitor will have to provide identification. Anyone that gets to visitation or any visitors that are not approved to visit will be turned away.
Visitation procedures change often, so make sure that you double-check the jail site before you try to go to visitation.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Phone calls made in jail are a lot more expensive than regular phone calls. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates must keep in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you break the jail rules, phone privileges might get reduced or eliminated altogether.

Phone Number: (954) 831-5900

Any mail that you send to an inmate has to be mailed using the US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other type of mail delivery. You have to clearly print the name, inmate ID, and the jail address on the envelope. Don’t mail a package, envelope with padding, plastic bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. Any mail sent to inmates gets opened and read and examined by the officers at the jail, and the mail will get sent back if it can’t be delivered.

The mailing address for Broward County Main Jail is:

Broward County Main Jail
555 Se 1St Ave.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Broward County Main Jail
555 Se 1St Ave.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301

The mail policy at Broward County Main Jail changes, so we suggest that you check the the Broward County Main Jail website before send a letter to someone in jail there.

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When you get arrested, you have certain rights, one of these being the right to request a lawyer. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is a good idea to have a friend or relative find a lawyer when you call. You may be asking yourself ‘but do I really need an attorney’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, an attorney can advise you of your rights, help protect your interests and help you find your way through the complicated court system. The sooner you get an attorney working on your case, the better off you’ll be.

For more info on how to find an attorney, go to: How to Find a Lawyer in Broward County

If you cannot afford a lawyer, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender’s Office has access to private investigators, forensics experts and social workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are actual lawyers that are members of the State Bar and are licensed to handle your case.

Have you or someone you know had to use a Public Defender? How did they do?

All court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. They include a court case file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and all documents that have been filed in the case. You have the ability to access your court case records via the online service, or by going to the Broward County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

The Clerk of Court is a member of the court that manages access to court records. They also administer the oath in a court case, and read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records, documents, and evidence relating to your case are kept at Broward County Clerk of Court office.

Court costs and court fees are all costs associated with your court case, such as for example filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you are low income and have a court appointed attorney, you may not have to pay them.

The Broward County court magistrate is the person that will preside over your case. Magistrate judges do several different things, like deciding a bail amount, issuing arrest warrants, and presiding over preliminary court appearances and detention proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is put together to include information about the arrestee’s background and information about the defendant’s life and public history, which the magistrate will take into consideration when deciding on the sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be gathered from the defendant, his or her family members, and in some circumstances the victim. Remember that you can ask to get a copy of the pre-sentencing report prior to sentencing, and make sure that you go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, which include community service and probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on the severity of the crime, you could be taken into custody immediately, or you could be given a date to report to jail to do your time.

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Do you want to find out if somebody you know is in jail, or has ever been locked up?

You can you need to go to the Broward County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and do a search using:

• Name.
• Date of birth.
• Approximate booking date.
• or inmate ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can also call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you believe you have an outstanding warrant, you can find out by checking the court records on the Broward County court website or you can call the court directly. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and inquire at the information desk. Keep in mind that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the jail, by phone, go there in person, or look online. An arrest is public record and the information is freely available.

Civil processes are when you get served with legal papers, like , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these civil process orders by going to the Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All people registered as sex offenders are registered and listed on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. The people on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You are able to see these listings online, but you should know that you won’t find the exact address, just the address block that they live on.

Court Records are public records. Court Records include a case file that contains a docket sheet and any filings and documents filed in the court case. You are able to access the court records online, or at Clerk of Court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Every state maintains a record of someone’s criminal history. These databases are all connected so you can track criminal backgrounds from another state. You are able to go to the Broward County Courthouse and make an inquiry, or check the website. You must know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that the crime was in a completely different state, you might have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you will be able to find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for the following crimes:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

When you do a criminal history search, you generally will not discover if that person has had any infractions like moving violations:

• Speeding.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Any accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get driving histories, you have to do a driving history search.

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? How easy was it? Did you search online or did you call the courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are many reasons that folks search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your account might make it easier for others.

Click here to share your story

Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI keeps a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Broward County, the Broward County Sheriff’s Department has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link

Broward County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of serving a jail sentence in the Broward County jail is something you wish you could avoid, soon you will get accustomed to the routine that is set for you in jail. Inmates get a wake-up alarm each morning at 6:00am, and next you’ll have roll call. Next, you will have breakfast. When you finish breakfast you will be required to work in the work program that you’ve been assigned to. This could be working in the kitchen, laundry, or some sort of manufacturing job. While this may seem tedious, it may help you when you leave jail, as you are gaining experience in a certain field of work. Other inmates go to school, while some take part in mandated treatment programs. After lunch, there will be another roll call, then back to work. Your evening will be spent either in your cell or a common room. During this time dinner is served and you will be expected to take a shower. After another roll call, it’s lights out. Even though you will be confined to your cell, there may be enough light to read or write letters. Then again, most inmates welcome lights out, and try to get as much sleep as they can.

Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in Broward County Main Jail, your experiences would be welcomed, if it can help another person to deal with it.

Dress Code

When incarcerated, all inmates are expected to wear the Broward County Main Jail uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

How To Send Money to an Inmate

You will have your own ‘bank account’ while in jail. This money is used to purchase items from the Commissary. Family and friends can deposit money into this account for you, and any money you earn while in prison will also be deposited into your account. Outside money can be paid in to your account via a money order, cash or check. If someone sends a check or money order, make sure that they write your inmate ID on it. The maximum amount you are allowed in your account is $290 per month.

The rules for sending funds to someone in jail changes, so we suggest that you visit the the Broward County Main Jail website before you send funds to an inmate there.


Commissary

The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

Inmate Medications

If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

Meals

You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

Pods / The Yard

The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

Gangs

As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Broward County Main Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Broward County Main Jail, overseeing the day to day operations and administration of the jail. An inmate is unlikely to have much interaction with the Deputy Sheriff, unless they have committed an infraction. Detention Officers are responsible for the custody and care of the inmates. They maintain order in the jail, and handle security. A Detention Officer is assigned to a certain pod, and therefore is responsible for the same inmates each day. They get to know the inmates on a certain level and are well equipped to handle any problems that may occur.

Apply for a Job at Broward County Main Jail

Requirements:

• You must be over the age of 21.
• You must possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You must be a US Citizen.
• You must pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You must pass a drug test.
• You must have a good level of fitness.
• You must be in good health.
• You must have a valid Driver’s License
• An applicant for Deputy Sheriff must possess a Law Enforcement Certification.


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Family Resources

There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.

If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.

Click here to tell about all about it


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Victim Resources

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• You have the right to protection from the accused.
• You have the right to notification.
• You have the right to attend proceedings.
• You have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• You have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• You have the right to restitution.
• You have the right to a speedy trial.
• You have the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The definition of victim includes:

• Spouses and children of all victims.
• Parents and guardians of minor victims.
• Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
• Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

Victim Notification

The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

Click here to comment

Sex Offender Information and Search

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been incarcerated at Broward County Main Jail? Do you know anybody there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner in this jail?

If yes, then please leave a comment below about it. Write down your jail experience so that other people will know what to expect.

Things you might want to write in what you write:

• Conditions in Broward County Main Jail.
• Jail facility and layout
• Guards and staff
• Commissary and food
• Having Visitors
• Other Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Gangs
• Inmate activities and programs


Write Your Review

Tell Your Story

Everyone’s who has been put in jail has a story to tell. How’d you get locked up? How did the guards treat you? What happened to you while you were locked up? Were the other inmates cool? How did it affect you to go to jail?

Click here to tell your story about Broward County Main Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Do you need to say wassup to somebody you met in jail? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

Send a message to someone at Broward County Main Jail

Links and Resources

Main Broward County Main Jail Website
Broward County Main Jail Inmate Search Link
Broward County Main Jail Mugshots
Broward County Main Jail Bail Amount Link

Broward County Main Jail Visitation Procedures
Broward County Main Jail Mail Policy
Find an inmate at Broward County Main Jail
Broward County Main Jail Warrant Inquiry Link
Broward County Main Jail Arrest Inquiry
Send Funds to an Inmate at Broward County Main Jail
Broward County Main Jail Jobs


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