DeSoto County Released Inmate Search
DeSoto County maintains records of released inmates through the Sheriff's Office in Arcadia. If you need to find out when someone was let go from the county jail or check their release status, the Sheriff's Office can help. Released inmate information becomes part of the public record once a person completes their sentence or posts bond. The jail in DeSoto County processes bookings and releases each day. You can get details about recent releases by reaching out to the Sheriff's Office directly. Some information may be available through county records, while other details require a formal request.
DeSoto County Jail Information
Sheriff's Inmate Records
The DeSoto County Sheriff's Office is located at 208 East Cypress Street in Arcadia, Florida 34266. This office runs the county jail and keeps all inmate records. The main phone number is (863) 993-4710. Staff members can provide information about current inmates and people who have been released from custody.
When you call or visit, you can ask about specific individuals and their release dates. The Sheriff's Office maintains booking logs and release records that show when people came in and when they left. These records are public under Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes. Staff can tell you if someone is still in custody or if they have been released. For detailed records, you may need to fill out a public records request form.
The jail in DeSoto County holds people who are waiting for trial and those serving sentences of less than one year. After inmates complete their time or post bond, the jail processes their release. Release times vary based on when paperwork is completed and when court orders come through. Most releases happen during daytime hours, but some may occur at night.
Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Search
For people sentenced to state prison, use the Florida Department of Corrections database. The FDC Offender Search is at pubapps.fdc.myflorida.com. This tool searches all state prison facilities and includes release information for inmates who left state custody.
The state database includes several search options. You can look up inmate population information, inmate release records, supervised population details, and absconder or fugitive data. The inmate release search updates nightly and shows both people who have been released and those scheduled for release. This is helpful if someone was sent to state prison after being sentenced in DeSoto County court.
To use the search, enter the person's first and last name or their DC number. The system will return matches whose names begin with the letters you type. If you search for a common name, you may need to add more details like a middle name or date of birth to narrow the results. Each record shows the inmate's current status, release date if applicable, and location information.
Public Records Access in Florida
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes is the Public Records Act. This law says most records held by government agencies must be open to the public. Inmate records and jail booking logs fall under this law. You have the right to ask for and view these records.
Some information is exempt from release. Section 945.10 lists confidential records that cannot be shared. Medical records, mental health files, and substance abuse treatment information stay private. Victim statements and witness protection details are also exempt. Information that could put someone's safety at risk is kept confidential.
When you request records, the agency can charge fees for copies and staff time. Section 119.07 allows agencies to bill you for extensive searches or special technology use. The cost depends on how many records you need and how long it takes staff to find them. Most basic requests, like asking if someone has been released, do not cost anything.
Find Released Inmate Data
Call the Sheriff's Office at (863) 993-4710 to ask about current inmates or recent releases. Staff can tell you over the phone if someone is still in custody. For written records or detailed information, you may need to visit in person at 208 East Cypress Street in Arcadia.
If you want copies of booking records, mugshots, or release documents, submit a written request. Include the inmate's full name and date of birth if you know it. This helps staff find the right records faster. The Sheriff's Office will review your request and let you know if there are any fees for copying documents.
For historical records or information about people released a long time ago, you may need to allow extra time for the search. Older records may be in archive storage. Staff will need time to pull files and review them before releasing copies. Be specific about what you need to help speed up the process.
Other Resources for Released Inmate Information
If the person you are looking for was transferred to another facility, they may show up in a different county's system. DeSoto County sometimes transfers inmates to nearby counties if the local jail is full or if the inmate needs special housing. Check with the Sheriff's Office to find out if a transfer happened.
State inmates who were sentenced in DeSoto County courts may be in any Florida Department of Corrections facility statewide. The FDC database shows which facility currently holds each inmate and whether they have been released. Released state inmates may be on supervised release, which means they report to a probation officer but are no longer in custody.
For federal crimes, inmates go to federal prison and do not appear in county or state databases. Use the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator to search for federal inmates. The BOP website has a search tool that covers all federal facilities nationwide. Released federal inmates may be on supervised release or parole through federal probation offices.
Contacting DeSoto County Jail
The DeSoto County Jail is part of the Sheriff's Office complex on East Cypress Street. If you need to visit or send mail to an inmate, contact the jail for current rules. Visitation policies change, so always call ahead before planning a visit. The jail uses a set schedule for visitation, and you may need to be on an approved visitor list.
To send money to an inmate, ask the jail staff about their deposit system. Most Florida county jails use third-party services for inmate accounts. You can usually deposit money online, by phone, or in person at the jail. Inmates use these funds to buy items from the commissary or make phone calls.
Nearby Counties
Other counties near DeSoto County maintain their own jail systems and inmate records.