Charlotte County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Charlotte County?
Inmate records in Charlotte County are official government documents maintained by the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office that contain comprehensive information about individuals who are currently or were previously incarcerated within the county's correctional facilities. These records are created and maintained pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.071, which governs the management of public records in the state.
Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important ways. While court records document the judicial proceedings related to an individual's case and are maintained by the Charlotte County Clerk of Court, inmate records specifically document an individual's custody status and are maintained by correctional authorities. The creation of an inmate record begins at the booking and intake process when an individual is first taken into custody. The record is subsequently updated throughout the period of incarceration to reflect changes in the inmate's status, housing assignments, disciplinary actions, and other relevant information.
According to the Florida Department of Corrections, inmate records typically include:
- Demographic information
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Fingerprints
- Criminal charges
- Court case numbers
- Custody classification
- Housing assignments
- Disciplinary records
- Visitation logs
- Release information
These records serve multiple purposes, including ensuring proper identification of inmates, facilitating facility management, and providing information to authorized parties including law enforcement agencies, courts, and members of the public in accordance with applicable laws.
Are Inmate Records Public In Charlotte County?
Inmate records in Charlotte County are generally considered public records under Florida's Public Records Law, specifically Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This law, commonly known as the "Sunshine Law," establishes a presumption of openness for government records, including those related to incarcerated individuals.
The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, as the custodian of inmate records, is required to provide public access to certain information about individuals in custody. According to Florida Statute § 119.07, which outlines inspection and copying of public records, members of the public have the right to access the following inmate information:
- Current inmate roster
- Booking and arrest records
- Charges filed
- Mugshots
- Bond/bail amounts
- Expected release dates
- Current housing facility
However, certain portions of inmate records may be exempt from public disclosure. Under Florida Statute § 119.071(5), specific personal identifying information such as social security numbers, medical records, and certain security-related information may be redacted from public records. Additionally, information related to juvenile offenders may be subject to different disclosure rules under Florida law.
The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search portal that provides public access to basic information about currently incarcerated individuals. For more comprehensive records or historical information, formal public records requests may be submitted to the Sheriff's Office Records Division.
What's Included Inmate Records in Charlotte County
Inmate records maintained by the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office contain a comprehensive set of information documenting an individual's incarceration. These records are structured to include several categories of information as detailed below:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height, weight, and distinguishing physical characteristics
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
- State identification number
- Booking number/inmate ID
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking
- Arresting agency
- Booking officer
- Current custody status
- Housing assignment
- Classification level
- Disciplinary records
- Behavioral notes
Charge Information:
- Current charges
- Charge classification (misdemeanor/felony)
- Charge status (pending/sentenced)
- Warrant information, if applicable
- Case numbers
- Arresting agency
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type
- Bond amount
- Bond status (posted/not posted)
- Bondsman information, if applicable
- Bond conditions
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Judge assigned
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court case numbers
- Attorney information
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Conviction date
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Good time/gain time calculations
- Probation/parole eligibility dates
Release Information:
- Release date and time
- Type of release (bond, time served, transfer, etc.)
- Release conditions
- Probation/parole requirements
- Post-release supervision details
The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Florida Statute § 951.23, which establishes standards for county and municipal detention facilities, including record-keeping requirements.
Charlotte County Prison System
The Charlotte County correctional system operates under the authority of the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the management and operation of the county's detention facilities. The system primarily consists of the Charlotte County Jail, which serves as the main facility for housing pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of less than one year.
It is important to distinguish between county jails and state prisons in Florida's correctional system. The Charlotte County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office, primarily houses individuals awaiting trial, those convicted of misdemeanors, and those serving sentences of less than one year. In contrast, state prisons, operated by the Florida Department of Corrections, house individuals convicted of felonies and serving sentences longer than one year.
The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division is responsible for the safe and secure operation of the county's detention facilities, including inmate supervision, classification, transportation, and provision of basic services such as medical care, food, and programming.
Charlotte County Sheriff's Office
7474 Utilities Road
Punta Gorda, FL 33982
(941) 639-2101
Charlotte County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office operates under the authority granted by Florida Statute § 30.15, which outlines the powers, duties, and obligations of county sheriffs, including the responsibility to operate county detention facilities.
Types of Correctional Facilities In Charlotte County
Charlotte County maintains several types of correctional facilities to accommodate various security levels and inmate populations. Each facility serves a specific purpose within the county's correctional system:
Charlotte County Jail
26601 Airport Road
Punta Gorda, FL 33982
(941) 833-6300
Charlotte County Jail
The Charlotte County Jail serves as the primary detention facility in the county. This medium-security facility houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving misdemeanor sentences, and those awaiting transfer to state prison facilities. The jail includes separate housing units for male and female inmates, with varying security classifications.
Charlotte County Stockade
26601 Airport Road
Punta Gorda, FL 33982
(941) 833-6300
Charlotte County Stockade
The Stockade is a minimum-security facility that primarily houses inmates who are on work release programs or participating in community service activities. These inmates typically have non-violent offenses and are nearing the end of their sentences.
Charlotte County Juvenile Detention Center
1100 Loveland Boulevard
Port Charlotte, FL 33980
(941) 613-3247
Charlotte County Juvenile Detention
This facility, operated in conjunction with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, houses juvenile offenders awaiting adjudication or placement in longer-term juvenile programs. The facility provides educational services and counseling for juvenile detainees.
Charlotte Behavioral Health Care - Forensic Unit
1700 Education Avenue
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 639-8300
Charlotte Behavioral Health Care
While not a correctional facility in the traditional sense, this specialized unit provides court-ordered mental health evaluations and treatment for inmates with mental health issues. The unit works in coordination with the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office to ensure appropriate care for inmates with psychiatric needs.
Each of these facilities operates in accordance with standards established by the Florida Model Jail Standards and is subject to regular inspections to ensure compliance with state regulations.
Who's in Prison In Charlotte County
The Charlotte County correctional facilities house a diverse population of individuals who are in custody for various reasons. The inmate population primarily consists of the following categories:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals who have been arrested and charged with crimes but have not yet been convicted
- Those who could not post bail or were denied bail due to the nature of their charges
- Persons awaiting arraignment, trial, or other court proceedings
Sentenced Misdemeanants:
- Individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences of less than one year
- Common offenses include driving under the influence (DUI), petty theft, simple assault, and minor drug possession
- These inmates typically serve their entire sentence in the county jail
Short-term Felony Offenders:
- Persons convicted of certain felonies who are sentenced to county jail time rather than state prison
- Typically includes non-violent offenders serving sentences of less than one year
- May include individuals convicted under Florida's Criminal Punishment Code for lower-level felonies
Probation/Parole Violators:
- Individuals who have violated the terms of their probation or parole
- May be held pending a violation hearing or serving a short sanction for the violation
- Can include technical violations (such as missing appointments) or new criminal offenses
Individuals Awaiting Transfer:
- Convicted felons awaiting transfer to the Florida Department of Corrections
- Federal detainees awaiting transfer to federal facilities
- Inmates awaiting transfer to mental health facilities or treatment programs
Weekend Inmates:
- Persons serving sentences on weekends only, allowing them to maintain employment
- Typically sentenced for minor offenses and permitted to serve time non-consecutively
According to data from the Florida Department of Corrections, the demographic composition of Charlotte County's inmate population generally reflects statewide trends, with variations based on local factors. The population fluctuates daily as individuals are booked, released, or transferred to other facilities.
The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office maintains statistics on the jail population, including demographic information, most common offenses, average length of stay, and recidivism rates, which are periodically reported to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Charlotte County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Charlotte County may utilize several methods to access this information. The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office provides multiple options for conducting inmate searches:
Online Inmate Search Portal:
- Visit the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" or "Jail Information" section
- Enter the required search criteria (name, booking number, or date of birth)
- Review the search results, which typically include basic information such as name, booking date, charges, and bond information
- For mugshots or additional details, follow the prompts on the website
In-Person Records Request:
- Visit the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours
- Complete a public records request form, specifying the information sought
- Provide identification as required
- Pay any applicable fees for document reproduction
Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Records Division
7474 Utilities Road
Punta Gorda, FL 33982
(941) 639-2101
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Written Records Request:
- Submit a written request via mail, email, or fax to the Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Include specific information about the inmate (full name, date of birth, approximate booking date)
- Specify the records being requested
- Provide contact information for response
- Include payment for any applicable fees
Telephone Inquiry:
- Contact the Charlotte County Jail at (941) 833-6300
- Provide the name and date of birth of the individual
- Basic information about current inmates may be provided over the phone
For historical records or more comprehensive information, a formal public records request may be required pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.07(1)(a), which states that "every person who has custody of a public record shall permit the record to be inspected and copied by any person desiring to do so, at any reasonable time, under reasonable conditions, and under supervision by the custodian of the public records."
How To Find an Inmate in Charlotte County for Free?
Charlotte County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals currently incarcerated within the county's correctional system. These free resources are accessible to the general public:
Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Locator:
- Access the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" section
- Enter the inmate's first and last name (middle name or initial is helpful but not required)
- Review the search results, which include current inmates and those released within the past few days
- The system provides basic information including charges, booking date, and bond status
VINELink (Victim Information and Notification Everyday):
- Visit the VINELink website
- Select Florida from the state dropdown menu
- Choose to search by offender name
- Enter the inmate's information
- VINELink provides custody status and facility information
- This service also offers free notification of changes in an inmate's custody status
Telephone Inquiry to Charlotte County Jail:
- Call the Charlotte County Jail at (941) 833-6300
- Request information about a specific inmate
- Provide the inmate's full name and, if possible, date of birth
- Basic information about current inmates is typically provided without charge
Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search:
- For inmates who may have been transferred to state custody, visit the Florida Department of Corrections Offender Information Search
- Enter the inmate's name or DC number if known
- This database includes all inmates in state custody, including those transferred from Charlotte County
In-Person Inquiry:
- Visit the Charlotte County Jail during regular business hours
- Request information about a specific inmate at the reception desk
- Provide the inmate's full name and, if possible, date of birth
Charlotte County Jail
26601 Airport Road
Punta Gorda, FL 33982
Lobby Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday
These free resources provide basic information about an inmate's custody status. For more detailed records, a formal public records request may be necessary, which might involve nominal fees for document reproduction as permitted under Florida Statute § 119.07(4).
How To Visit an Inmate In Charlotte County
Visitation with inmates at Charlotte County correctional facilities is governed by specific rules and procedures established by the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office. Individuals wishing to visit an inmate must adhere to the following guidelines:
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must pre-register at least 24 hours before the intended visit
- Registration can be completed online through the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office website or in person at the jail
- Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
- Each inmate is allowed up to 5 approved visitors
- Visitors must be 18 years of age or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
Visit Schedule:
- Regular visitation hours: Wednesday through Sunday
- Morning sessions: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Afternoon sessions: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Evening sessions (Wednesday and Friday only): 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Each inmate is permitted two 30-minute visits per week
- Schedule may vary for holidays and special circumstances
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Vehicle information (make, model, license plate number)
- Small locker key deposit ($5, returned after visit)
- Medical devices with proper documentation (if necessary)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons of any kind
- Tobacco products, including e-cigarettes
- Cell phones or electronic devices
- Cameras or recording equipment
- Food or beverages
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Cash exceeding $20
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire is required
- No revealing clothing (no shorts above mid-thigh, no tank tops, no low-cut tops)
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No uniforms that resemble those worn by correctional staff
- Shoes must be worn at all times
- No hats or head coverings (except religious head coverings)
Visit Types:
- On-site video visitation (primary method)
- Remote video visitation (available for a fee)
- Contact visits (limited to certain classifications of inmates)
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.)
Visit Restrictions:
- Visitors with criminal histories may be denied visitation privileges
- Visitors under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
- Disruptive behavior will result in termination of the visit
- Violation of rules may result in suspension of visitation privileges
These visitation policies are established pursuant to Florida Administrative Code 33-601.722, which governs visitation procedures in Florida correctional facilities.
For the most current information on visitation policies and procedures, visitors should contact:
Charlotte County Jail Visitation Office
26601 Airport Road
Punta Gorda, FL 33982
(941) 833-6300
Charlotte County Sheriff's Office
How To Send Money to a Charlotte County Inmate
Charlotte County provides several methods for depositing funds into an inmate's account. These funds can be used for commissary purchases, telephone calls, and other approved expenses. The following options are currently available:
Online Deposits:
- Visit the Access Corrections website
- Create an account or log in if you already have one
- Select "Charlotte County Jail" as the facility
- Enter the inmate's information (full name and inmate ID number)
- Enter the deposit amount and payment information
- Transaction fees apply: $2.95 for deposits up to $20; $3.95 for deposits of $20.01-$100; $4.95 for deposits of $100.01-$200
- Maximum online deposit: $200 per transaction
Mobile App Deposits:
- Download the Access Corrections mobile app from the App Store or Google Play
- Create an account or log in
- Follow the prompts to deposit funds
- Same fee structure as online deposits
- Deposits are typically posted to the inmate's account within 24 hours
Lobby Kiosk:
- Visit the Charlotte County Jail lobby during business hours
- Use the self-service kiosk located in the lobby
- Follow the on-screen instructions
- Cash, credit cards, and debit cards are accepted
- Transaction fees apply: $2.50 flat fee for all deposits
- Maximum kiosk deposit: $300 per transaction
Mail-In Money Orders:
- Purchase a money order payable to "Charlotte County Jail" with the inmate's name and ID number in the memo line
- Complete a money order deposit form (available on the Sheriff's Office website)
- Mail to:
Charlotte County Jail Inmate Accounts
26601 Airport Road
Punta Gorda, FL 33982 - No fee for money orders
- Processing time: 5-7 business days
- Maximum money order amount: $500
Amount Limits:
- Maximum weekly deposit limit per inmate: $500 from all sources combined
- Maximum account balance allowed: $1,000
- Deposits exceeding these limits may be rejected or held for review
Fees:
- Online/mobile deposits: $2.95-$4.95 depending on amount
- Kiosk deposits: $2.50 flat fee
- Money orders: No fee
What You Cannot Send:
- Cash through the mail (will be returned to sender)
- Personal checks (will be returned to sender)
- Third-party checks (will be returned to sender)
- Cashier's checks (only money orders accepted by mail)
Fund Usage Regulations:
- Funds can be used for commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, clothing)
- Telephone calls and video visitation fees
- Medical co-pays for non-emergency services
- Funds cannot be used for bail or bond payments
- Funds cannot be transferred to other inmates
- Certain restrictions may apply to inmates with court-ordered financial obligations
These procedures are established in accordance with Florida Administrative Code 33-203.201, which governs inmate trust fund accounts in Florida correctional facilities.
How To Send Jail Mail In Charlotte County
Sending mail to inmates in Charlotte County correctional facilities requires adherence to specific guidelines established by the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office. The following procedures and restrictions apply to all incoming inmate mail:
General Mailing Instructions:
- Address all mail as follows:
Inmate's Full Name and Inmate ID Number
Charlotte County Jail
26601 Airport Road
Punta Gorda, FL 33982 - Include your complete return address on the envelope
- All mail must arrive through the U.S. Postal Service
- Private courier services (FedEx, UPS, etc.) are not accepted
- Mail without a return address will be rejected
Acceptable Mail Items:
- Letters (maximum 10 pages, single-sided)
- Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
- Photographs (maximum 5 per envelope, 4x6 inches or smaller)
- Money orders (must include inmate's full name and ID number)
- Legal documents (clearly marked as "Legal Mail")
- Religious materials (subject to security review)
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages of any kind
- Cash, personal checks, or cashier's checks
- Stamps, envelopes, or stationery
- Polaroid photographs
- Photographs depicting nudity, gang symbols, or criminal activity
- Cards with glitter, stickers, or attachments
- Hardcover books or magazines (must be sent directly from publisher)
- Perfumed or stained letters
- Plastic or metal items of any kind
- Illegal substances or contraband
- Sexually explicit materials
Mail Inspection Procedures:
- All non-legal mail is opened and inspected for contraband
- Mail may be photocopied, with copies provided to inmates
- Original mail items may be stored in the inmate's property
- Mail containing contraband will be rejected and may be held as evidence
- Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate
Electronic Messaging Option:
- Visit the SmartJailMail website
- Create an account and purchase credits
- Compose and send messages to inmates
- Messages are subject to the same content restrictions as physical mail
- Fees apply: typically $0.50 per message
- Photos can be attached for an additional fee
Publications and Books:
- Books must be paperback only
- Must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved online retailer
- Maximum of 3 books per mailing
- Subject to content review and approval
- Religious texts are generally permitted subject to security review
Mail Rejection Notices:
- Senders will receive notification if mail is rejected
- Notification includes reason for rejection
- Appeal process is available through written request to the Jail Administrator
These mail procedures are established in accordance with Florida Administrative Code 33-210.101, which governs inmate correspondence in Florida correctional facilities.
For the most current information on mail policies, contact:
Charlotte County Jail Mail Room
26601 Airport Road
Punta Gorda, FL 33982
(941) 833-6300
Charlotte County Sheriff's Office
Lookup Inmate Records in Charlotte County
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