Union County Florida released inmates are people who were held in the Union County jail or nearby Florida state prisons and have since left custody. This county sits in North Central Florida with Lake Butler as its seat.
The local jail processes bookings and releases every day. State prison facilities near Union County also release inmates each week. You can search for these released inmates through county offices, state databases, and public records requests. This page explains every method you can use to look up released inmates in Union County, Florida, with clear steps and real contact details.
Union County Jail System and Release Process
The Union County Sheriff’s Office runs the only jail in the county. This small facility holds people arrested for local crimes. Most people stay for short periods before posting bond, finishing a sentence, or getting transferred to state prison.
Location and Contact Details
The Union County Sheriff’s Office sits at 50 Northwest 1st Street in Lake Butler, Florida 32054. You can call the office at (386) 496-2501. The office stays open 24 hours a day for jail questions. Staff can tell you if someone is still in custody or has been released. Have the full name and date of birth of the person ready when you call.
How Union County Handles Releases
Union County releases inmates after they post bond, finish a short sentence, or get transferred to state prison. The jail keeps a record of each release date. These records stay open to the public under Florida law. The Sheriff’s Office stores these records in paper files and digital systems.
Union County Jail Quick Facts
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Sheriff’s Office Address | 50 NW 1st Street, Lake Butler, FL 32054 |
| Main Phone | (386) 496-2501 |
| County Seat | Lake Butler |
| County Population | About 15,000 |
| Jail Type | County detention facility |
| Operator | Union County Sheriff’s Office |
How to Search Union County Released Inmate Records
You have several options to search for inmates released from Union County. Some methods work online. Others require a phone call or a visit. The best method depends on whether the person was in county jail or state prison.
Phone Search Through the Sheriff’s Office
Call (386) 496-2501 and ask for the records or jail staff. Give the person’s full legal name. A date of birth helps staff find the right person faster. Staff can confirm the release date and current status. They can also tell you about any pending charges.
In-Person Search at the Sheriff’s Office
Visit the Sheriff’s Office during business hours. The office sits in downtown Lake Butler. Bring a valid photo ID. You can fill out a public records request form on site. Staff will help you search the booking and release database.
Written Public Records Request
You can send a written request by mail to the Sheriff’s Office. Include the full name, date of birth, and any other details you know. Florida law requires the agency to respond. A small fee may apply for copies of records.
Online Search Limitations
Union County does not run a public online inmate search tool. You must contact the Sheriff’s Office directly for county jail records. For state prison releases, the Florida Department of Corrections offers an online tool.
Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Search
The Florida Department of Corrections, or FDC, runs the state prison system. State prisoners from Union County go to facilities across Florida. The FDC offers a free online database for inmate searches.
FDC Online Offender Search Portal
The FDC offender search portal sits at pubapps.fdc.myflorida.com/OffenderSearch/InmateInfoMenu.aspx. This portal lets you search for current inmates, released inmates, escapees, supervised offenders, and absconders. The database updates every night with new release dates and location changes.
You can search by first name, last name, or DC number. The DC number is a six-character code assigned by the FDC. It can be all numbers or one letter followed by five numbers. A DC number search gives the most accurate results.
Types of FDC Search Databases
- Inmate Population Information Search: Shows people currently in state prison custody.
- Inmate Release Information Search: Shows people released from state prison and their release dates.
- Inmate Escape Information Search: Lists inmates who escaped and remain at large for more than 15 days.
- Supervised Population Information Search: Lists offenders on probation, parole, or community control.
- Absconder or Fugitive Information Search: Lists offenders who stopped reporting to their supervision officer.
FDC Contact for Release Questions
Call the FDC Bureau of Admission and Release at (850) 488-9167 for questions about inmate releases. You can also email dc.release@fdc.myflorida.com. Mail requests go to Florida Department of Corrections, 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. The FDC Public Records Custodian can be reached at (850) 717-9774.
State Prison Facilities Near Union County
Union County hosts several major Florida state prisons. These prisons house inmates from across Florida, not just Union County. Released inmates from these facilities appear in the FDC database.
Florida State Prison at Raiford
Florida State Prison, often called Raiford, sits in Union County. This is one of the oldest and largest state prisons in Florida. It holds thousands of inmates. The facility handles executions and houses inmates with serious convictions. Released inmates from Raiford appear in the FDC database.
Union Correctional Institution
Union Correctional Institution, or UCI, also sits in Union County near Raiford. UCI holds medium and close custody inmates. The facility has a large inmate population. Many UCI releases each month get logged into the FDC offender search.
Other Nearby State Prisons
Bradford County, just north of Union County, also hosts state prisons. Lawtey Correctional Institution and New River Correctional Institution sit in Bradford County. Alachua County to the south hosts Florida Women’s Reception Center and other facilities. All these prisons feed into the same FDC database.
Florida Public Records Law and Inmate Records
Florida has strong public records laws. Most inmate and release records stay open to the public. You have the right to view and copy these records.
Chapter 119 Florida Public Records Act
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes is the state’s main public records law. It covers state, county, and city records. Jail booking records, release dates, and arrest logs fall under this law. You can request these records at any time.
Section 945.10 Statutory Exemptions
Section 945.10 lists exemptions to public records for the Department of Corrections. Medical records, mental health files, and substance abuse treatment files stay confidential. Victim statements and witness protection details also stay sealed. Juvenile records fall under Section 985.04 and stay confidential.
Fees for Public Records Requests
Section 119.07 allows agencies to charge fees for copies. Agencies can also charge a special service fee for large or complex searches. The fee covers staff time and copying costs. Small requests often cost only a few dollars.
How to Submit a Public Records Request
You can submit a request by phone, email, mail, or in person. State exactly what records you need. Include the inmate’s full name and date of birth. The agency has a set time to respond under Florida law.
Community Supervision After Release in Florida
Many released inmates in Florida stay under supervision after prison. This includes probation, parole, and community control. The FDC supervises these offenders.
Probation and Parole Supervision
Probation is a court-ordered period of supervision instead of prison. Parole is early release from prison with supervision. Community control is house arrest with electronic monitoring. All these forms of supervision appear in the FDC database.
Supervised Population Search Tool
The FDC Supervised Population Information Search shows offenders under active supervision. You can search by name or DC number. The database updates weekly for supervision changes. Location changes and termination dates update nightly.
Probation and Parole Contact Details
Call Probation and Parole Field Services at (850) 717-3444 for questions about supervised offenders. Email co-supervision@fdc.myflorida.com for general questions. If you have tips about an absconder, call the Absconder Unit at (850) 717-3475 on weekdays from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
What Happens When an Offender Violates Supervision
Offenders who stop reporting may get an absconder status. Police and the FDC then work to locate them. Repeat violations can lead to a return to prison. The Absconder Search tool shows current absconders.
Florida Sex Offender Registry and Released Inmates
Some released inmates must register as sex offenders. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the sex offender registry. You can search this database for free.
FDLE Sex Offender Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a public sex offender registry. You can search by name, address, or zip code at offender.fdle.state.fl.us. The registry shows current addresses and photos of registered offenders.
Registration Requirements After Release
Florida law requires certain offenders to register for life. Others register for 25 years or 10 years. Released inmates must register within a set time after their release. Failure to register is a felony charge.
FDLE Public Records Requests
The FDLE accepts public records requests by mail and email. You can request criminal history records for a small fee. These records show past convictions and release dates. The FDLE Public Records Unit can help with these requests.
Reentry Programs for Released Inmates in Florida
Florida offers reentry programs to help inmates adjust to life after release. These programs provide housing help, job training, and support services. Many programs operate near Union County.
Florida Reentry Program Overview
The Florida Department of Corrections runs reentry programs in most state prisons. Inmates start learning job skills before release. After release, they can join community-based reentry programs. These programs cut down on repeat offenses.
North Central Florida Reentry Services
Several non-profit groups serve Union County and nearby areas. They help with food, clothing, housing, and job placement. Faith-based groups also offer mentoring and support. Local libraries and workforce centers list reentry resources.
Florida State University and Reentry Research
Florida State University runs a Center for Criminology and Public Policy Research. This center studies reentry success in Florida. Their research helps shape new programs for released inmates. Their reports stay open to the public.
Federal Bonding Program for Released Inmates
The Federal Bonding Program gives fidelity bonds to released inmates. These bonds help employers hire people with criminal records. The U.S. Department of Labor runs this program. Florida workforce centers can issue these bonds.
Vera’s List and Other Third-Party Inmate Search Tools
Several private companies offer inmate search tools. These tools pull data from public records. Vera’s List is one such service.
How Vera’s List Works
Vera’s List collects inmate release data from Florida Department of Corrections. You can search for released inmates by name. The site shows release dates and current status. Some features cost money.
Comparing Free and Paid Search Tools
The official FDC database is free and has the most current data. Private sites may charge fees for extra features. Always check the official source first. Private sites may have delays in updating records.
Reliability of Third-Party Sites
Private sites often rely on official databases for their data. Errors can happen during data transfers. Always confirm results with the official FDC or county records.
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover the most common topics about Union County Florida released inmates. Each answer gives you clear steps and real contact details. Use these FAQs to check facts and plan your search.
How do I search for a released inmate from Union County?
Call the Union County Sheriff’s Office at (386) 496-2501 for county jail releases. Give the full name and date of birth. For state prison releases, use the FDC online portal at pubapps.fdc.myflorida.com. The portal shows release dates, current status, and supervision details. You can also email dc.release@fdc.myflorida.com for help.
Are Union County inmate records open to the public?
Yes. Florida’s Chapter 119 Public Records Act covers inmate booking and release records. You can request these records from the Sheriff’s Office. Some records stay sealed under Section 945.10. These include medical files, mental health records, and victim statements. Most other release details stay open to the public.
Can I find out when someone was released from Florida state prison?
Yes. Use the FDC Inmate Release Information Search. Enter the person’s name or DC number. The database shows the release date and current supervision status. The database updates every night. For older release records, contact the FDC Public Records Unit at (850) 717-9774.
Is there an online inmate search for Union County jail?
No, Union County does not run a public online inmate search. You must call the Sheriff’s Office at (386) 496-2501 or visit in person. Staff can look up the inmate in their local database. They can tell you the release date and current status.
What is a DC number and where do I find it?
A DC number is a six-character code the Florida Department of Corrections assigns. It can be all numbers or one letter followed by five numbers. You can find it on past FDC records, prison mail, or the FDC offender search portal. A DC number search gives the most accurate results.
How long does the FDC keep released inmate records?
The FDC keeps inmate records for the life of the offender in most cases. The online portal shows releases going back many years. For very old records, you may need to submit a public records request. The FDC can pull archived records for a small fee.
Can I check if a released inmate is on probation or parole?
Yes. Use the FDC Supervised Population Information Search. Enter the person’s name or DC number. The search shows probation, parole, and community control status. You can also call Probation and Parole Field Services at (850) 717-3444 for help.