Bay County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Bay County?
Inmate records in Bay County are official documents maintained by correctional facilities and law enforcement agencies that contain information about individuals who are or have been incarcerated within the county's detention facilities. These records are created and maintained pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.071, which governs public records in the state of Florida. The Bay County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of these records for the county detention facility.
The records management system utilized by Bay County correctional facilities tracks individuals from their initial booking through their release or transfer to other facilities. Each inmate record contains standardized information including:
- Demographic data
- Booking photographs
- Charge information
- Court dates
- Custody status
- Projected release dates (when applicable)
The Bay County Sheriff's Office maintains these records at:
Bay County Sheriff's Office 3421 N. Highway 77 Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 747-4700 Bay County Sheriff's Office
Records are maintained in both electronic and physical formats in accordance with Florida's records retention schedules as established by the Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services.
Are Inmate Records Public In Bay County?
Inmate records in Bay County are generally considered public records in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This legislation, commonly referred to as the "Sunshine Law," establishes that most government records, including inmate records, shall be open for inspection by any person.
The public status of these records means that:
- Citizens may request access to inmate information without demonstrating a specific need or purpose
- Records must be provided promptly and at a reasonable cost
- Denial of access must be based on a specific statutory exemption
However, certain components of inmate records may be exempt from public disclosure pursuant to § 119.071, Florida Statutes. These exemptions typically include:
- Medical and mental health information
- Information related to ongoing investigations
- Social Security numbers and other personal identifying information
- Information that would jeopardize institutional security
Requests for inmate records may be submitted to:
Bay County Clerk of Court 300 E 4th Street Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 763-9061 Bay County Government
The custodian of records is required to respond to all requests within a reasonable timeframe as prescribed by Florida law. Fees for copies and staff time may apply in accordance with established fee schedules.
What's Included Inmate Records in Bay County
Bay County inmate records contain comprehensive information about individuals in custody. Pursuant to Florida Administrative Code Rule 33-601.210, these records typically include the following components:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Current booking photograph (mugshot)
- Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
- Date of birth and age
- Current charges and case numbers
- Arrest date and arresting agency
- Bond information and amounts
- Court dates and appearances
- Custody classification
- Housing assignment within the facility
- Disciplinary records from current incarceration
- Visitation logs and approved visitor lists
- Commissary account information
- Scheduled release date (if determined)
Additionally, internal records not available to the general public may contain:
- Medical and mental health assessments
- Treatment plans and medication records
- Security risk assessments
- Program participation and behavioral notes
- Institutional adjustment reports
These records are maintained by both the Bay County Jail and the Florida Department of Corrections for state inmates housed in Bay County facilities. The primary record-keeping systems are located at:
Bay County Jail 5700 Star Lane Panama City, Florida 32404 (850) 785-5245 County Jails and Inmate Searches
Bay County Prison System
The Bay County prison system operates under a multi-jurisdictional framework that includes county, municipal, and state-level facilities. The system is primarily administered by the Bay County Sheriff's Office in accordance with Florida Statutes Chapter 951, which governs county and municipal detention facilities.
The Bay County prison system consists of:
- The Bay County Jail, which serves as the primary detention facility for the county
- Temporary holding facilities at municipal police departments
- Coordination with state prison facilities for transfers of sentenced inmates
The Bay County Jail has a rated capacity of approximately 1,000 inmates and employs correctional officers certified under Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission requirements. The facility operates under the direct supervision of:
Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford 3421 N. Highway 77 Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 747-4700 Bay County Sheriff's Office
The Bay County prison system coordinates with the Florida Department of Corrections for inmates sentenced to state prison terms exceeding one year. This coordination includes transfer protocols, record sharing, and continuity of care for inmates moving between systems.
The system also maintains partnerships with the Panama City Police Department and other municipal law enforcement agencies for the initial processing and temporary detention of arrestees prior to transport to the county jail.
Types of Correctional Facilities In Bay County
Bay County's correctional infrastructure encompasses several types of facilities designed to accommodate various custody levels and inmate populations. These facilities operate in accordance with standards established by the Florida Model Jail Standards and Florida Administrative Code Chapter 33-8.
The primary types of correctional facilities in Bay County include:
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County Detention Facility: The Bay County Jail serves as the main detention facility, housing pre-trial detainees and inmates serving sentences of less than one year. This facility is located at 5700 Star Lane, Panama City, Florida 32404.
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Temporary Holding Facilities: Municipal police departments maintain temporary holding cells for individuals awaiting transport to the county jail. The Panama City Police Department operates such facilities at 1209 E 15th Street, Panama City, FL 32405.
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Work Release Centers: Bay County operates programs allowing qualified minimum-security inmates to work in the community while returning to secure facilities during non-working hours.
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Juvenile Detention: Juvenile offenders are housed separately from adult populations in facilities operated by the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.
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State Prison Facilities: While not physically located within Bay County, the Florida Department of Corrections maintains state prisons that house Bay County offenders sentenced to terms exceeding one year.
Each facility type operates under specific security protocols and staffing requirements as mandated by Florida Statutes § 951.23 and applicable administrative codes. The facilities are subject to regular inspections by the Florida Department of Corrections to ensure compliance with state standards.
Who's in Prison In Bay County
The Bay County correctional population consists of diverse individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. As of 2025, the inmate population reflects the following demographic and legal status composition:
- Pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings (approximately 60% of the jail population)
- Individuals serving sentences of less than one year for misdemeanor offenses
- Felony offenders awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Probation and parole violators
- Federal detainees housed under intergovernmental agreements
The demographic profile of Bay County inmates generally includes:
- Adult males (comprising approximately 85% of the population)
- Adult females (approximately 15%)
- Age ranges primarily between 18-55 years
- Diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds reflective of the county's population
Common offense categories resulting in incarceration include:
- Drug-related offenses
- Property crimes
- Domestic violence
- DUI and other traffic offenses
- Probation violations
Statistical information regarding the Bay County inmate population is maintained by:
Bay County Sheriff's Office - Records Division 3421 N. Highway 77 Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 747-4700 Bay County Sheriff's Office
Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 951.23(2), the Sheriff is required to maintain accurate records of all persons committed to the county detention facility and make regular reports to the Florida Department of Corrections.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Bay County in 2025
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Bay County may utilize several authorized methods to access this information. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.01, which establishes the right of access to public records, the following search options are available:
Online Inmate Search Portal: The Bay County Sheriff's Office maintains a web-based inmate lookup system accessible 24 hours per day. Users may search by:
- First and last name
- Booking number
- Date of birth
- Booking date range
The online portal is updated regularly and displays current custody status, charges, bond amounts, and next court dates.
In-Person Records Request: Citizens may request inmate records in person at:
Bay County Sheriff's Office - Records Division 3421 N. Highway 77 Panama City, FL 32405 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (850) 747-4700
Written Records Request: Written requests may be submitted via mail or email to the Records Division. Requests should include:
- Inmate's full name
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate dates of incarceration
- Specific records being requested
- Requestor's contact information
Telephone Inquiries: Basic custody information may be obtained by calling the Bay County Jail at (850) 785-5245. Available information via telephone is limited to current custody status and public visiting hours.
All record requests are processed in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law. Standard fees apply for copies of records: $0.15 per one-sided page, $0.20 per two-sided page, and $1.00 per certified copy.
How To Find an Inmate in Bay County for Free?
Bay County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals currently in custody within the county detention system. These services are provided in accordance with Florida's commitment to government transparency as established in Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution.
The following free resources are available to locate inmates:
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Bay County Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Search This official database is accessible through the Sheriff's Office website and provides real-time custody information without charge. The system is updated continuously as bookings and releases occur.
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Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody, the Florida Department of Corrections maintains a free statewide inmate locator system.
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Telephone Information Line The Bay County Jail provides basic custody information via telephone at no cost: Bay County Jail 5700 Star Lane Panama City, Florida 32404 (850) 785-5245 Hours: 24 hours daily
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Public Access Terminals Computer terminals are available for public use at: Bay County Courthouse 300 E 4th Street Panama City, FL 32401 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
When utilizing these free resources, members of the public should be prepared to provide the inmate's full legal name and, if possible, date of birth to ensure accurate identification. These services are provided pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.01, which establishes that public records shall be open for personal inspection by any person.
How To Visit an Inmate In Bay County
Visitation with inmates housed in Bay County correctional facilities is governed by established protocols designed to maintain facility security while facilitating important family connections. All visitation procedures operate in accordance with Florida Model Jail Standards and Bay County Sheriff's Office policies.
The Bay County Jail utilizes a video visitation system with the following parameters:
- Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance
- Each inmate is permitted two 30-minute visits per week
- Visitors must register in the system prior to scheduling
- Valid government-issued photo identification is required
- Minors must be accompanied by an authorized adult
To schedule a visit, registered users may:
- Use the online scheduling system available through the Sheriff's Office website
- Call the visitation scheduling line at (850) 747-4730
- Schedule in person at the visitation center
The visitation center is located at:
Bay County Jail Visitation Center 5700 Star Lane Panama City, Florida 32404 Visitation Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM (850) 785-5245
Special considerations apply for:
- Attorney visits (available during expanded hours)
- Clergy visits (require advance verification)
- Medical or disability accommodations (require prior approval)
All visitors are subject to search procedures and must adhere to the facility dress code. The Panama City Police Department and other law enforcement agencies may conduct periodic checks for outstanding warrants during the visitor registration process.
How To Send Money to a Bay County Inmate
Bay County provides multiple secure methods for depositing funds into inmate accounts. These financial transactions are processed in accordance with Florida Administrative Code Rule 33-203.201, which governs inmate trust fund accounts.
Authorized deposit methods include:
Lobby Kiosk Deposits: Self-service kiosks are available at: Bay County Jail Lobby 5700 Star Lane Panama City, Florida 32404 Hours: 24 hours daily Accepted payment forms: Cash, credit/debit cards Transaction fees: $2.50 per deposit
Online Deposits: The Bay County Sheriff's Office contracts with a third-party service provider for online deposits. Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 24 hours of processing. Transaction fees: 3.5% of deposit amount ($1.95 minimum)
Money Orders by Mail: Money orders may be sent to: Bay County Jail - Inmate Accounts 5700 Star Lane Panama City, Florida 32404 Requirements:
- Made payable to the inmate's full legal name
- Sender's full name and address on money order
- Inmate's booking number in memo line
- No personal checks accepted
Telephone Deposits: Deposits may be made via telephone at (866) 345-1884 Available 24 hours daily Accepted payment forms: Credit/debit cards Transaction fees: $4.95 per transaction
All funds deposited into inmate accounts are subject to deductions for outstanding debts, including court costs, restitution, and medical co-payments as authorized by Florida Statutes § 951.033. Inmates may use these funds to purchase commissary items, make telephone calls, and pay for other approved services.
How To Send Jail Mail In Bay County
Correspondence with inmates housed in Bay County detention facilities is subject to specific guidelines established to maintain security while facilitating communication with family and friends. All mail procedures comply with Florida Model Jail Standards and Bay County Sheriff's Office policies.
All non-legal mail must be sent through the U.S. Postal Service to:
Inmate's Full Name and Booking Number Bay County Jail 5700 Star Lane Panama City, Florida 32404
The following regulations apply to all incoming mail:
- Envelopes must include the sender's complete name and return address
- Letters must be written on standard white paper (no colored paper, cardstock, or construction paper)
- No perfumed or scented items
- No stickers, glitter, lipstick marks, or crayon
- No polaroid photographs
- Standard photographs limited to 4" x 6" (maximum of 5 per envelope)
- No packages or items sent through private delivery services
All non-legal mail is opened, inspected, and screened prior to delivery to inmates. Legal mail from attorneys, courts, or government agencies must be clearly marked as "Legal Mail" and will be opened in the presence of the inmate.
Prohibited items include:
- Cash, checks, or money orders (must be sent through approved financial channels)
- Stamps or envelopes
- Books or magazines (must be sent directly from publishers)
- Food items or clothing
- Any items that pose a security risk
The Bay County Sheriff's Office reserves the right to reject mail that violates these guidelines or presents security concerns. Senders of rejected mail will receive notification when possible.
Lookup Inmate Records in Bay County
Florida Department of Corrections