Florida released inmates are people who have left Florida state prisons, finished their sentences, or moved to community supervision after release. The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) runs a public database that lets anyone search these records for free.
You can look up released inmates by name, DC number, or known alias to see past releases and future release dates set by the state of Florida.
Florida Released Inmates Database Overview
The FDC offender search system is the main state tool for finding people who were released from Florida prisons. It pulls data from court records and prison records across the state. The system covers felony offenders who served time in state prison or who served time under state supervision.
What the Database Includes
The Florida Department of Corrections database holds several record types in one place. You can see current inmates, released inmates, escape records, supervised offenders, and absconder lists from the same search portal. Each night, the system refreshes release dates and location changes so the data stays current.
- Current state prison inmates
- Past releases from Florida prisons
- Scheduled future release dates
- Probation and parole supervision records
- Escape reports from state custody
- Absconder lists for offenders who stopped reporting
Records Not Found in State Searches
The state database does not hold every offender record in Florida. County jail inmates, federal inmates, and most juvenile records stay in separate systems. If you need records from those sources, you must search county sheriff websites, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, or the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.
- County jail inmates and releases
- Federal Bureau of Prisons inmates in Florida
- Juvenile offenders under age 18
- Pre-trial defendants in county custody
- People on county-only probation
Florida Department of Corrections Search Tools
The FDC runs several search pages that work together to help the public locate offenders. The main menu page links every search type and lets you pick the one that matches your needs. Each tool has its own URL and update schedule.
Main Offender Search Portal
The main offender search menu is the starting point for every database lookup. From this page you can pick inmate population search, release search, escape search, supervision search, or absconder search. The URL is pubapps.fdc.myflorida.com/OffenderSearch/InmateInfoMenu.aspx. All Florida offender searches begin here.
Inmate Release Information Search
The release information search is the best tool for finding Florida released inmates. It lists both past releases and future scheduled release dates. This page refreshes every night so you see the most current data the FDC has on file.
Supervised Offender and Absconder Lists
The supervised offender search shows people on probation or parole through the FDC. The absconder list shows offenders who stopped reporting to their probation officer. These lists update on a separate schedule from the inmate release search.
How to Search for Florida Released Inmates
A basic search takes only a few clicks once you reach the FDC portal. You type in a name or DC number and the system returns matching records. Knowing a few tips helps you find the right person faster.
Details You Need to Start
You need at least a first name or last name to start a search. A full name gives better results. A birth date helps when the name is common. A DC number gives an exact match if you have one. The DC number is a six-character ID the FDC assigns to each offender.
Search by Name or DC Number
When you search by name, the system finds all records that start with the letters you type. If you type “Will,” the search returns Williams, Willis, Williamson, and other names that begin the same way. If you have a DC number, type it in the right field for an exact match.
- Go to the FDC offender search menu page
- Pick the release information search option
- Type a first name, last name, or DC number
- Check the alias box if you want to include known aliases
- Press search and review the list of matching records
Using Aliases to Match Records
Many offenders have aliases on file with the FDC. The search system uses the name given at commitment by default. To search all known names, click the alias box before pressing search. This step helps when the person you are looking for used a different name at arrest.
Florida Bureau Contact Details for Release Info
The FDC has several bureaus that handle different parts of release data. Calling the right office saves time and gives you a faster answer. Each bureau has its own phone number and email address.
Bureau of Admission and Release
The Bureau of Admission and Release answers questions about release dates and release status for Florida inmates. You can reach them by phone at (850) 488-9167 or by email at dc.release@fdc.myflorida.com. The bureau handles future release planning, sentence calculation, and release records.
Bureau of Classification and Central Records
The Bureau of Classification and Central Records handles inmate population records and escape reports. Call them at (850) 488-9859 or email central.classification@fdc.myflorida.com. This bureau is the right contact when you spot wrong data in a public record.
Office of Citizen Services
The Office of Citizen Services helps the public with general questions about the FDC. Call (850) 488-7052 for help in English or Spanish. You can also send questions through the online form at share.hsforms.com/1wqLu_C7KTZGqRKauI0I8Twr5hu2. The office is open weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
Florida Public Records Laws for Inmate Data
Florida law controls which inmate records the public can see. The Florida Public Records Act covers most government records, but a few inmate record types stay confidential by law.
Chapter 119 Public Records Act
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes is the Public Records Act. It says all government records are open unless a specific exemption blocks them. The law applies to state prisons, county jails, and even private companies that run county jails under contract in Florida. Inmate records are public unless another law says they stay sealed.
Section 945.10 Confidentiality Rules
Section 945.10 of the Florida Statutes lists inmate records that stay confidential. These records include medical files, mental health files, and substance abuse records. Other exempt records cover pre-plea reports, pre-sentence investigations, witness protection data, victim statements, and executioner identities.
Juvenile Records Under Section 985.04
Juvenile records follow Section 985.04 of Florida Statutes. All information about juveniles held by courts, the Department of Corrections, the Florida Commission on Offender Review, law enforcement, or treatment providers stays confidential. Limited exceptions exist for law enforcement purposes and certain court proceedings, but the public cannot search juvenile records through the FDC tools.
How to Request Florida Released Inmate Records
You can request inmate records from the FDC through the online portal or by mail. The department charges fees for copies and time spent on large requests. Specific requests cost less than broad ones.
Online Records Request Portal
The FDC public records request portal is at floridadoc.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/SupportHome.aspx. You can submit a new request or check the status of an old one. The portal routes your request to the right bureau based on the topic. You can also contact the public records custodian, James Best, at (850) 717-9774 or fax (850) 488-4534.
Medical and Education Records
Medical records need a signed release form before the FDC can share them. Form DC4-711B is the English version. Form DC4-711B-Spanish is the Spanish version. Both forms are at the FDC media portal. Education records need form DC5-165. Sections 1002.22 and 1002.221 of Florida Statutes keep these records sealed without consent.
Cost of Public Records Requests
The FDC charges for copies and for staff time spent on large requests. Special service charges apply when a request needs a lot of technology or staff time. The department gives a cost estimate before starting work. Payment must come in before records are prepared. Narrow requests cost less than broad ones.
| Record Type | Public Access | Form Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Release date records | Free online search | None |
| Basic inmate file | Available on request | Public records portal |
| Medical records | Requires consent | DC4-711B |
| Mental health records | Requires consent | DC4-711B |
| Education records | Requires consent | DC5-165 |
| Pre-sentence reports | Confidential by law | Not available |
Florida County Jail Released Inmate Searches
Florida has 67 counties. Each county runs its own jail through the sheriff’s office. County jail release records stay in county systems, not the FDC database. You need to check each county for local release data.
Broward County Release Log
Broward County runs a release log at releaselog.sheriff.org. The log shows the date of release, booking number, last name, and first name for each person released from county jails. The log updates regularly so you can see recent releases without calling the jail.
Hillsborough County Arrest Inquiry
Hillsborough County has an arrest inquiry portal at webapps.hcso.tampa.fl.us/arrestinquiry. The portal lists current inmates, booking dates, and charges. For older releases, you must call the sheriff’s office or submit a public records request to the county.
Miami-Dade Corrections Search
Miami-Dade County runs an inmate search at miamidade.gov/Apps/mdcr/inmateSearch. The search tool covers people in Miami-Dade Corrections custody. For recent releases from Miami-Dade jails, you may need to call the corrections department or file a county public records request.
Orange County Inmate Database
Orange County refreshes its inmate database every 30 minutes. The search page is at netapps.ocfl.net/BestJail/Home/Inmates. The database lists current inmates with booking photos, charges, and bond amounts. Release records for Orange County may need a public records request for older data.
| County | Search Tool | Update Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Broward | releaselog.sheriff.org | Daily |
| Hillsborough | webapps.hcso.tampa.fl.us/arrestinquiry | Daily |
| Miami-Dade | miamidade.gov/Apps/mdcr/inmateSearch | Daily |
| Orange | netapps.ocfl.net/BestJail/Home/Inmates | Every 30 minutes |
| Pinellas | pcso Pinellas inmate search | Daily |
| Duval | jcso Duval corrections search | Daily |
Florida Victim Notification Programs
Crime victims in Florida can sign up for alerts when an offender is released. Two programs handle these alerts at the state and federal level. Both programs are free to use.
VINELink Offender Notification System
VINELink is the national victim notification network run by Appriss Insights. Florida uses VINELink so victims can get alerts by phone, email, or text when an offender’s custody status changes. You can register at vinelink.vineapps.com. The service covers state prisons, county jails, and federal facilities that share data with the system.
FDC Victim Services Office
The FDC Office of Victim Services runs its own notification program for state prison releases. Victims of crimes committed by Florida inmates can register for release alerts, escape alerts, and death notifications. Contact the office through the FDC website or by calling the main line at (850) 488-7052 and asking for Victim Services.
Federal and Juvenile Inmate Records in Florida
Florida released inmates in the FDC database only covers state-level offenders. Two other systems hold records for federal and juvenile offenders in the state. Each system uses its own search tools.
Federal inmates in Florida go through the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator at bop.gov. The federal system covers people held in federal prisons, federal detention centers, and halfway houses across the state. Federal inmates do not show up in FDC searches.
Juvenile records in Florida go through the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice at djj.state.fl.us. Juvenile records stay confidential under Section 985.04. Parents, attorneys, and law enforcement can request access, but the public cannot search these records through online tools.
Florida Released Inmate Records FAQ
This FAQ section answers common questions about Florida released inmates. Each answer gives direct facts based on FDC rules and Florida law. Use this section to solve specific problems with the search process or record requests.
Are Florida Released Inmate Records Free?
Yes. The FDC offender search is free for the public. You can run as many searches as you want without paying a fee. The release information search, inmate population search, supervised offender search, and absconder search are all free to use online at the FDC portal. Public records requests for documents do carry fees based on copy costs and staff time.
How Often Does the Database Update?
The release information search refreshes every night. Location changes and release dates update on the same nightly cycle. The inmate population search refreshes once a week. Supervised offender and absconder lists update on their own schedules. New bookings may take one full cycle before they appear in the database.
Can I Find Federal Inmates in Florida?
No. The FDC database does not include federal inmates. Federal inmates in Florida appear in the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator at bop.gov. Federal inmates include people held in federal prisons, federal detention centers, and halfway houses under U.S. government custody. You need to search the federal system separately for these records.
What If the Search Shows No Results?
No results can mean several things. The person may have a different spelling in the records. The person may have been in a county jail, not state prison. The person may have a juvenile record. Try the alias search option, double-check the spelling, or search the county jail in the area where the arrest happened. You can also call the Bureau of Admission and Release at (850) 488-9167 for help.
How Do I Correct Wrong Release Data?
Call the Bureau of Classification and Central Records at (850) 488-9859 to report wrong data. You can also email central.classification@fdc.myflorida.com. The FDC does not guarantee that all data is current or accurate. Reports of wrong data get reviewed by the records team. Bring court documents or other proof to speed up the correction.
Where Do I Find County Jail Releases?
County jail releases do not appear in the FDC database. You must check the sheriff’s office in the county where the arrest happened. Major counties like Broward, Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, and Orange have online search tools on their sheriff websites. Smaller counties may need a phone call or a public records request through the county clerk.
Florida Department of Corrections Contact
Use the contact details below to reach the Florida Department of Corrections for any inmate release question. The main office is open weekdays during regular business hours.
- Agency: Florida Department of Corrections
- Address: 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500
- Main Phone: (850) 488-7052
- Release Questions Phone: (850) 488-9167
- Records Phone: (850) 488-9859
- Email (Release): dc.release@fdc.myflorida.com
- Email (Records): central.classification@fdc.myflorida.com
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time
- Main Website: fdc.myflorida.com
- Offender Search: pubapps.fdc.myflorida.com/OffenderSearch/InmateInfoMenu.aspx