Broward County Inmate Search

Finding reliable custody information fast matters when a loved one is booked, a court date is approaching, or a victims’ rights notification is required. This guide explains how to complete a Broward County Florida Inmate Search, what each result means, how to interpret charges and bond notes, where to verify court events, and how to contact or visit someone held in a Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) jail. You’ll also learn how the county’s detention system is organized—Central Intake/Booking, the Main Jail Bureau, and the satellite facilities—so you can align your next steps with how Broward actually processes, houses, and releases inmates.

Master the Basics: What the Broward County Jail System Includes and Why It Affects Your Search

Broward County’s detention operations are centralized under the Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Detention & Community Programs. All arrests from agencies across the county flow into Central Intake (often called “Booking”) before a person is assigned to one of several facilities based on security level, medical and behavioral health needs, or classification. Understanding this flow helps you read search results and anticipate where to call, visit, or post bond.

How the booking-to-housing flow works

Arrest → Central Intake Bureau (CIB): Officers bring arrestees to Central Intake for processing, identification, and pre-magistrate holding. After first appearance and classification, inmates are either released, transported to court, or assigned to a housing facility.

Facility assignment: Depending on risk level and needs, a person may be held at the Main Jail Bureau (maximum security, adjacent to the courthouse), the Joseph V. Conte Facility (direct supervision, mostly pretrial males), the North Broward Bureau (special needs, medical and mental health), or the Paul Rein Detention Facility (direct supervision, medium/max with services including OB-GYN for pregnant inmates).

Ongoing movement: Court events, medical needs, re-classification, or discipline can prompt transfers. Your search results may show a facility today that changes tomorrow; verify immediately before visiting or arranging bond.

Start Here: Use the Official Broward Sheriff’s Office Arrest Search

The fastest way to complete a Broward County Florida Inmate Search is to run the Broward Sheriff’s Office arrest search by last and first name. The tool returns recent and current custody entries, charge snapshots, and booking details tied to BSO’s detention system. Use clear spelling and, if possible, include both surname and given name for the best match rates. If you encounter a CAPTCHA, resolve it and resubmit the query; this is normal and helps protect the system.

Use the full legal name if known. If you only have a last name, review multiple results carefully.

Watch for duplicate names: Distinguish people by middle initial, age, or booking number.

Treat search results as informational: The BSO notice reminds users that online data changes quickly and may contain errors; results are not proof of a conviction and shouldn’t be used for legal action without verification.

Pro tip: If your initial query returns “no results,” try alternate spellings or check whether the person’s arrest was extremely recent (not yet posted) or occurred in another county. Broward’s system displays activity processed through its Central Intake and detention facilities.

Run a Broward Sheriff’s Office arrest search

Read Results Like a Local: Booking Details, Charges, and Bond Status

Once your search produces a record, review it with an eye for action—what can you do right now?

Booking identifiers and timestamps

Booking number / arrest number: Your anchor for calls, inquiries, and bond discussions.

Booking date/time: Tells you how recent the custody event is and whether first appearance has likely occurred.

Charges and legal posture

Charges listed ≠ conviction: BSO emphasizes that an arrest alone does not establish guilt.

Count-by-count overview: Each listed offense usually includes a statute reference and a brief label. Use those for court verification with the Clerk’s Office.

Hold notes or detainers: If present, these can restrict release even when bond is posted.

Bond and release pathways

If a bond amount appears, you’ll need the exact figure and any conditions before arranging payment or surety. Broward centralizes bond information and provides guidance specific to its facilities and processes:

Review bond information for inmates

Action checklist before posting bond:

Confirm the current housing facility and booking number.

Verify whether cash bond, surety bond, or no bond applies.

Ask if there are holds (out-of-county warrants, immigration, or court-ordered detainers) that would block release.

Plan for release timing: After conditions are met, releases still take processing time at Central Intake or the facility.

Go Beyond the Roster: Match Jail Records to Court Events

The jail record helps you locate the person; the court record tells you what’s next. For hearing dates, case numbers, and docket updates, check the Broward Clerk of Courts. Use the case number shown in the jail entry if available; otherwise, search by name and date of birth. Expect multiple entries if the person has more than one open case.

Check court dockets with the Broward Clerk of Courts

Why this matters: Court decisions (e.g., a judge modifying bond, issuing a release order, or setting special conditions) cascade back to the jail. If your jail search and court docket seem out of sync, the court record usually updates the legal status first; the facility will reflect it once processing is complete.

Contact, Visit, Communicate: What Families and Attorneys Should Know

Connecting with an incarcerated person involves both contact protocols and visitation rules set by BSO. While every facility follows agency-wide policies, the logistics differ slightly by location and security level.

Where to find visiting rules and general custody information

BSO maintains centralized guidance pages that explain visiting schedules, phone access, charges, bond basics, and the booking process. Review these first so you understand ID requirements, scheduling windows, and prohibited items.

Read inmate visitor information and jail guidance

Video visitation at Broward facilities

BSO operates a dedicated Video Visitation program to reduce waiting lines and make scheduling manageable across all jails. Appointments are scheduled in advance, accounts require approval, and daily availability runs generally from morning to early evening, seven days a week (with exceptions for emergencies and operations). The page includes rules, weekly allowances, and contact details if you have questions.

Use BSO’s Video Visitation page for rules and scheduling

Quick planning notes:

Visitor accounts require approval; plan ahead.

Visits may be postponed due to security or operational needs; cancellation notices are sent by email or phone.

Professional (legal) visits follow separate procedures that are explained on the BSO site.

Zero In on the Right Facility: What Each Broward Jail Does and How to Work With It

Your next steps—calling to confirm housing, planning a visit, preparing for bond, or coordinating legal materials—depend on the facility. Broward’s detention network is designed to separate inmates by risk, medical/behavioral needs, and classification status.

Central Intake Bureau (Booking): Where the Process Starts

Role: Central Intake processes the county’s arrests (tens of thousands annually), manages pre-magistrate holding, and coordinates court activities, classification, releasing, hospital details, and inter-facility transfers and pickups. It’s also the handoff point for custody releases to state prison, the U.S. Marshals, and other agencies. If you’re tracking a very recent arrest or a pending release, Central Intake is where updates originate.

Learn about the Central Intake Bureau (Booking)

Practical takeaways:

If your arrest search shows Brand-new booking or you don’t see a facility assignment yet, call Central Intake with the booking number.

Release processing happens here even when the person will not be assigned to long-term housing.

Inter-agency transfers (to state DOC or other jurisdictions) are coordinated through this bureau.

Main Jail Bureau: Maximum Security and Centralized Operations

Role: The Main Jail is an eight-story maximum security facility located next to the Broward County Courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale. It houses higher-risk adult males and includes important operational functions: Central Intake (Booking), pre-magistrate hearings, centralized classification, an infirmary, and administration.

See details for the Main Jail Bureau

How it affects you:

Expect stricter movement controls, which can affect visiting schedules and logistics.

Court-related movement is frequent due to proximity to the courthouse; verify availability before planning same-day visits.

If your loved one’s charges or classification change, transfers to or from the Main Jail are common.

Joseph V. Conte Facility: Direct Supervision, Pretrial Focus

Role: The Conte Facility in Pompano Beach is a male, medium-custody jail using direct supervision—deputies are stationed inside the housing units and services are delivered within those units. This design reduces inmate movement and supports on-unit programming, including 30-day substance abuse and educational offerings.

Review the Joseph V. Conte Facility page

What families should note:

Direct supervision can support more predictable routines and on-unit services.

Because meals, recreation, and clinics are provided within housing, visit timing and movement are tightly scheduled.

North Broward Bureau: Special Needs, Medical, and Protective Housing

Role: North Broward houses a minimum-to-medium security special needs population, including inmates who are mentally ill, medically infirm, or otherwise require protective management. It also houses protective custody for female offenders and female juveniles. The mission emphasizes stabilizing health and safety needs while maintaining custody.

Check the North Broward Bureau page

Key implications:

Medical and mental health appointments may change schedules at short notice.

Communication with the facility should account for treatment timetables and clinical privacy constraints.

Protective housing adds additional clearance steps for visits.

Paul Rein Detention Facility: Direct Supervision With Expanded Services

Role: Paul Rein is a modern direct supervision complex built with separate male and female housing, higher-risk management, and enhanced services. Notably, the on-site medical area includes an OB-GYN clinic for pregnant inmates. Facility design allows certain higher security inmates to complete visits through a secured window and built-in phone—reducing the need to leave housing units.

Explore the Paul Rein Detention Facility page

Plan accordingly:

Expect procedures tailored to medical or pregnancy-related needs when applicable.

Visitation logistics may differ from other facilities due to the secure window/phone setup for certain classifications.

Visiting Rules and Remote Contact: What To Do Before You Go

Every successful visit starts with a review of current rules, scheduling windows, and ID requirements. Broward’s centralized Inmate Visitor Info and Video Visitation pages outline what you need to know before you arrive at a facility or schedule remotely.

Book ahead: Visits are set by appointment and must be made days in advance.

Account approval: Visitor registrations can take time to process; don’t wait until the day before.

Two one-hour visits/week (subject to change): The framework provides routine contact opportunities, but operations and emergencies can shift availability.

Bring correct ID and follow dress codes: Non-compliance can lead to denied entry or canceled sessions.

Arrive early: Security screening and facility movement take time; late arrivals risk loss of the slot.

Confirm rules on the BSO Video Visitation page

When Work Programs Apply: Understanding Broward’s Inmate Work Units

For inmates serving short sentences for non-violent offenses, Broward may assign Inmate Work Units that support public and nonprofit projects—beach cleanups, debris removal, and more—under deputy supervision. Eligibility requires medical clearance, no escape history, warrant checks, and the ability to meet physical requirements.

This matters for families because:

Daily location can vary while on work details; check schedules before planning calls or visits.

Program participation can support pro-social adjustment and may align with court expectations or sentencing structures.

Review Broward’s Inmate Work Units overview

Bonding in Broward: Align Steps With Booking and Facility Operations

Bonding is a time-sensitive process. To avoid missteps:

Confirm exact bond amount and type in the arrest search entry and by contacting the current facility.

Check for additional holds (e.g., other counties, federal, or immigration) that could block release even if bond is posted.

Coordinate with Central Intake if the person has not yet been classified or is pending release processing.

Ask about timing—releases occur after administrative checks; late-day postings may roll to the next day for completion.

Use BSO’s official guidance tailored to its detention system:

Read how to bond an inmate in Broward

Common Issues and How to Resolve Them Quickly

“I can’t find my person in the database.”
Double-check spelling; try searching with only the last name. If the arrest is extremely recent, the entry may not yet appear. Call Central Intake with the person’s name and date of birth to check processing status.

“The online page shows a runtime or server error.”
Occasionally, a direct detail link may return a runtime error while the main search page remains available. Go back to the main arrest search, re-enter the name, and open the result again. If the issue persists, try a different browser or clear your cache before resubmitting.

“The bond shows as eligible, but release hasn’t happened.”
Ask whether there are detainers or additional holds. Confirm where the release processing will occur (facility vs. Central Intake) and the estimated processing queue.

“Court shows a new event, but the jail record still looks old.”
Court dockets update first. The jail’s classification and transport operations will sync after paperwork reaches the facility. If a court order affects release, call the facility or Central Intake with the booking number to confirm that the order has been received and processed.

“I need to visit, but the schedule looks full.”
Check the Video Visitation appointment window daily; cancellations and new slots open periodically. If the person is in medical or special needs housing, ask the facility about any additional restrictions or accommodations.

Build a Reliable Routine: Best Practices for Families and Counsel

Always capture the booking number during your first call. It’s the key to efficient follow-ups.

Use official pages first for rules, bond guidance, and addresses. Third-party summaries can be incomplete or out of date.

Check both jail and court: Pair the arrest search with the Clerk’s docket to stay aligned with real-time legal status.

Call before you travel: Facility movement, lockdowns, and medical holds can interrupt visits without much notice.

Document everything: Keep a simple log (date, time, person you spoke with, and notes). It shortens future calls and helps attorneys resolve discrepancies quickly.

Broward County Facility Snapshots: Use-Case Scenarios to Guide Your Next Step

If the arrest happened today and you just got a call

Search the roster to confirm booking.

If no record appears yet, call Central Intake with the person’s name and DOB to check whether they are pending intake.

Keep your phone available for updates about first appearance.

If you need to plan a visit this week

Review Inmate Visitor Info for ID rules, dress code, and frequency limits.

Set up Video Visitation and request the earliest available slot; in-person logistics vary by classification and may be restricted for certain housing units.

Re-check the person’s current facility the day of your visit.

If you’re arranging bond

Verify bond amount and type on the arrest record and confirm with the facility.
Ask specifically about holds and detainers.
Use the bond information page to follow official procedures and avoid delays.

If the person needs medical or mental health support

Determine if they are at the North Broward Bureau (special needs housing).

Plan communications around treatment schedules and request guidance from staff on the best times to reach the inmate.

If the inmate is pregnant or requires specialized medical care

Confirm if housing is at Paul Rein, which includes an on-site OB-GYN clinic.
Ask about any additional rules for prenatal care scheduling and communications.

Plain-Language Glossary for the Broward County Florida Inmate Search

Booking Number: The unique identifier assigned when someone is processed at Central Intake. Essential for calls, bond, and visits.

Pre-Magistrate: The phase before the first judicial appearance; many release and bond decisions begin here.

Detainer/Hold: A legal notice indicating the inmate may not be released even if bond is posted, due to another jurisdiction or condition.

Direct Supervision: Housing model where deputies are stationed inside units; used at Conte and Paul Rein to minimize inmate movement.

Protective Custody: Segregated housing for safety reasons, including for some female inmates and female juveniles at North Broward.

Frequently Asked Questions About Broward County Jails and Searches

Is the online record enough to post bond?
Treat the online record as guidance. Always confirm the amount, type of bond, and any holds directly with the current facility or Central Intake, then follow the official bond information procedures.

Why did the housing facility change overnight?
Reclassification, court orders, or medical needs can prompt transfers. Always verify the current facility on the day you plan a visit or release pickup.

Can I walk in to visit without scheduling?
BSO requires scheduling in advance and account approval for Video Visitation. Facility operations, security, and movement plans make walk-ins impractical or prohibited.

The search page shows a disclaimer—what does that mean for me?
The disclaimer explains that records change rapidly and can contain errors. Use the search as a starting point and confirm details by contacting the facility or checking the Clerk of Courts docket.

Where should I call for very new arrests?
Start with Central Intake. That bureau oversees new bookings, pre-magistrate holding, and initial classification and release processing.

At-A-Glance: Which Facility Fits Which Scenario?

Main Jail Bureau: Maximum security; many court-bound inmates; male population; centralized classification and medical infirmary.

Joseph V. Conte Facility: Medium custody, direct supervision, primarily pretrial males, robust in-unit programming.

North Broward Bureau: Special needs (mental health, medical), protective custody for certain female populations.

Paul Rein Detention Facility: Direct supervision; separate male and female housing; on-site OB-GYN; secure window/phone visits for certain higher-risk inmates.

Central Intake Bureau (Booking): New arrests, first appearance holding, classification, releases, and inter-agency transfers.

Use the arrest search to identify the current location, then apply the facility-specific considerations to plan your visit, bond arrangement, or court follow-up.

Broward County Florida Inmate Search — Relevant Departments and Contact Details

Broward Sheriff’s Office (Headquarters) — 2601 W Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 — (954) 831-8901

Department of Detention & Community Programs — 2601 W Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 — (954) 831-5900

Central Intake Bureau (Booking) — 555 SE 1st Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 — (954) 831-5900

Main Jail Bureau — 555 SE 1st Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 — (954) 831-5900

Joseph V. Conte Facility — 1351 NW 27th Ave, Pompano Beach, FL 33069 — (954) 831-5900

North Broward Bureau — 1550 NW 30th Ave, Pompano Beach, FL 33069 — (954) 831-5900

Paul Rein Detention Facility — 2421 NW 16th St, Pompano Beach, FL 33069 — (954) 831-5900

BSO Video Visitation Center — 3700 W Oakland Park Blvd, Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33311 — (954) 982-6925

Bond Information (BSO Detention) — 2601 W Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 — (954) 831-5900

Broward Clerk of Courts — 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 — (954) 831-6565