Leon County booking and release records are public files that show every person arrested, booked, and released by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. These records include names, charges, bonds, booking dates, and release times.
They are kept by the Leon County Detention Facility and shared with the public under Florida law. Anyone can look up current inmates, recent releases, or past bookings through official online tools. This page explains how to find these records, what they include, and how to ask for full copies.
Leon County Sheriff’s Office Contact Details
The Leon County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) runs the booking and release system for the entire county. The main office sits on Municipal Way in Tallahassee, and the jail sits on Appleyard Drive. You can call, email, or visit in person during open hours.
Main Office Location and Hours
The main LCSO office is at 2825 Municipal Way, Tallahassee, FL 32304. The main phone line is (850) 606-3300. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visitors can ask about booking records, release records, and other public files at the front desk. You should bring a photo ID when you visit in person. The building has free parking and a public lobby.
Detention Center Direct Line
The Leon County Detention Center is at 535 Appleyard Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32304. The jail phone line is (850) 606-3500. You can call this number 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Staff can confirm if a person is in custody, give booking dates, and share release times. The mailing address for the jail is PO Box 2278, Tallahassee, FL 32316. The jail holds up to 1,000 inmates and operates at medium security.
Email and Online Records Portal
You can email records questions to lcsocpu@leoncountyfl.gov. The Records Director is Elethia Chase. You can also send a records request through the online portal on the LCSO website at leoncountyso.com. The portal lets you upload your request and track its progress. Most non-emergency record requests go through this online system. Staff reply within two business days.
How to Search Leon County Booking Records Online
The fastest way to search Leon County booking records is the official LCSO inmate search tool. It runs on the sheriff’s website and is free to use. You can search by last name or booking number. The roster updates throughout the day as new arrests and releases happen.
Using the Official LCSO Inmate Search Tool
Go to the Leon County Sheriff’s Office website at leoncountyso.com and click on the Citizen Center tab. From there, choose Inmate Search under the Detention Facility menu. Type the inmate’s last name in the search box. You can also enter a booking number if you have one. The tool shows current inmates and people recently released.
The search tool shows a list of matches. Each match has a name, booking date, charges, and bond amount. Click on a name to see the full record. The full record has more details like physical description and court dates. You do not need to create an account or pay any fee.
Data You Need to Start a Search
You need at least one piece of data to start a search. The most common piece is the inmate’s last name. A first name helps narrow the results. If you know the booking number, you can locate the exact person with one search. A date of birth also helps when many people share the same name.
The tool does not search by address or social security number. You must use name and booking data only. If your search returns too many results, add more letters to the last name or try a smaller date range. Results load in seconds.
What the Search Results Show
Each search result shows the inmate’s full legal name. You will see any known aliases listed as well. The record shows the date and time of booking. It lists the charges filed and the Florida statute numbers. Bond amounts appear next to each charge.
You will also see the arresting agency. This is often the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, but it can also be the Tallahassee Police Department or another agency. The release date and time show if the person has been released. Court dates appear at the bottom of the record.
Data Found in Leon County Booking Records
Booking records contain many data points about each person who enters the jail. Florida law makes most of this data public. Some pieces stay sealed for legal reasons or to protect victims.
Personal Identifiers and Physical Description
The record shows the inmate’s full legal name. It lists any aliases or nicknames used by the person. You will see the date of birth and the age at the time of booking. The record also shows race and sex.
Physical details include height, weight, hair color, and eye color. A booking photo (mugshot) appears on most records. The booking number appears at the top of the record. This number is unique to each booking event and never repeats.
Charges, Bonds, and Court Details
Each charge lists a Florida statute number and a short description. Bond amounts appear next to each charge. Some charges have no bond allowed. A judge sets the bond during the first court appearance, which happens within 24 hours of arrest.
Court dates appear in the record as well. You will see the next hearing date and the court location. Some records show prior bookings at the Leon County jail. These prior bookings come with old charges and old bond data that stay in the file.
Arrest Agency and Officer Details
The record names the agency that made the arrest. Common agencies include LCSO, Tallahassee Police Department, and Florida Highway Patrol. The officer’s name and badge number may appear. The date and time of arrest also show on the record.
The arrest location is sometimes listed. This is the street address where the arrest happened. Some arrests do not show a location to protect witnesses or victims. Vehicle data, including tag number, may also appear in the record.
The Booking Process in Leon County
Booking starts the moment a person enters the Leon County Detention Center. The jail follows a fixed set of steps for every new arrest. These steps create the data that appears in the booking record.
Arrest and Transport to Jail
Law enforcement makes an arrest in the field. The officer reads the person’s rights and puts them in a patrol car. The officer drives the person to the Leon County jail or a satellite booking site. Some arrests happen at the jail itself when a warrant is being served.
The officer signs paperwork that lists the reason for the arrest. This paperwork goes to the booking desk. The arrest time is the time the officer took the person into custody, not the time of the alleged crime. The arrest date and time become part of the public record.
Fingerprints, Photos, and Data Entry
At the booking desk, jail staff take the person’s fingerprints. They take a photo for the booking record. They also take a palm print and check for any existing warrants in other counties through a state database.
Staff enter personal data into the jail computer system. This data includes name, date of birth, address, and next of kin. Staff also list any medical needs, mental health notes, or medications. The person gives a urine sample for drug screening in many cases.
First Appearance and Bond Hearing
A judge sees the person within 24 hours of arrest. This hearing is called first appearance. The judge reads the charges and sets a bond amount. The judge can deny bond for serious charges like murder or major drug offenses.
If the person can pay the bond, they are released. If not, they stay in jail until the next court date. The release time is logged in the booking record the moment the person leaves the facility. Court staff use this time stamp to track how long each person stayed in custody.
How Release Records Work in Leon County
Release records show when and why a person left the jail. The Detention Center logs every release with a time stamp. You can see release data on the inmate search tool or by requesting a records copy through the LCSO portal.
Types of Bond and Release Methods
Cash bond means paying the full bond amount in cash. The person gets a receipt and leaves the jail. Surety bond means hiring a bail bondsman. The bondsman charges a fee, usually 10% of the bond amount, and pays the full bond to the court.
Property bond uses real estate as collateral. The court places a lien on the property until the case ends. Release on recognizance (ROR) means the person promises to return to court without paying any bond. A judge decides who qualifies for ROR at the first appearance hearing.
| Bond Type | How It Works | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Bond | Full amount paid in cash at the jail | The inmate or family |
| Surety Bond | Bail bondsman pays full amount for a fee | Bondsman (about 10% fee) |
| Property Bond | Real estate used as collateral | Property owner |
| ROR Release | Written promise to return to court | No payment needed |
Time-Stamped Release Records
Every release gets a time stamp. The time stamp shows the exact date and hour the person left the jail. Staff record the release method (cash bond, surety bond, ROR, etc.). They also list the staff member who processed the release for accountability.
You can see release records on the inmate search tool. Current inmates show no release date. Past inmates show a release date and time. The record may also show where the person went after release, such as another county or a state prison facility.
Court-Ordered Releases and Transfers
Some releases happen because a judge drops the charges. The person leaves with a time-stamped release record marked “court order.” Other releases happen when the person posts bond after days or weeks in custody.
Some inmates get transferred to state prison or a federal facility. These transfers show in the record as “released to DOC” or “released to federal hold.” The receiving agency picks up the inmate and signs paperwork at the jail front desk.
How to Request Official Booking and Release Documents
You can ask for full copies of booking and release records. Florida’s Public Records Law (Chapter 119) gives you this right. The LCSO handles these requests through the Records Division on Appleyard Drive.
Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119)
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says government records are open to the public. This includes booking records, arrest reports, and release records. The law applies to all Florida law enforcement agencies, including LCSO.
The law says agencies must respond to records requests in a reasonable time. They can charge a fee for copies and for staff time. The agency can deny a request only if a specific law seals the record. Juvenile records and active investigation records are two common examples of sealed data.
Submitting a Records Request Form
You can submit a records request three ways: online, by email, or by mail. The online portal on the LCSO website is the fastest method. You fill out a form with your name, contact data, and the records you want.
Be specific in your request. Include the inmate’s full name and date of birth if you know them. List the date or date range of the booking. Broad requests take longer and may cost more. The Records Division will reply with a cost estimate before doing the work.
Fees, Turnaround Time, and Certified Copies
LCSO charges for staff time and copies. The fee covers the time it takes to pull, copy, and redact records. Redaction means removing sealed data like juvenile info or victim details. The agency gives you a cost estimate before starting work.
Most simple requests are done within a few business days. Larger requests can take two to four weeks. You can ask for certified copies for court use. Certified copies cost more because they include a stamp and signature from the Records Director.
Court Records and Case Files Linked to Bookings
Booking records connect to court records and case files. The Leon County Clerk of Court keeps these files. You can search them online through the Clerk’s portal at leonclerk.com.
Leon County Clerk of Court Records
The Clerk of Court office is in the Leon County Courthouse. You can search case files online at leonclerk.com. The portal covers criminal cases, civil cases, traffic cases, and family cases. Each case has a docket number that links to the original arrest.
You can see court dates, motions, and rulings on the Clerk’s portal. You can also order certified copies of court orders. The portal is free to search. You pay only for copies and certified documents at the end.
Second Judicial Circuit Court Online Portal
The Second Judicial Circuit covers Leon, Wakulla, Franklin, Gadsden, Liberty, and Jefferson counties. Court records from this circuit are online at the Florida Courts website. You can search by name or case number from any device.
The portal shows case status, hearing dates, and judge assignments. You can also see filed motions and orders. Public terminals at the courthouse let you search for free if you do not have internet at home. Staff at the clerk’s window can help you print copies.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Checks
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs criminal history checks statewide. You can request a check at fdle.state.fl.us. The check shows arrests, convictions, and dispositions from all Florida counties in one report.
The check costs a small fee per person. You can get a check on yourself or another person with their written consent. The check includes Leon County bookings if the person was arrested there. Results arrive by mail or email within days.
Leon County Jail Programs and Inmate Services
The Leon County Detention Center runs programs for inmates. These programs help with education, health, and reentry. Family members can also send money and talk to inmates during set hours.
Visitation Hours and Rules
Visitation happens on scheduled days. Each housing block has its own schedule. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved list. You can sign up for the list by mail or through the inmate’s account.
Visitors must show a photo ID at the door. No cell phones, weapons, or bags are allowed inside. Children under 18 must come with a parent or legal guardian. The jail can cancel visits for rule violations or safety concerns.
Inmate Phone Calls and Commissary
Inmates can make outgoing calls through the jail phone system. The system runs through IC Solutions. Family members set up accounts to receive calls. Inmates cannot receive incoming calls from outside lines.
The commissary lets inmates buy snacks, hygiene items, and writing supplies. Family can put money in the commissary account online or by phone. The money goes to the inmate’s account within 24 hours of deposit.
Sending Mail and Money to Inmates
Letters must have the inmate’s full name and booking number. Mail goes to the jail address at 535 Appleyard Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32304. Staff open and check all incoming mail for security. No cash, checks, or stickers can go inside letters.
You can also send money through Western Union or MoneyGram. The inmate gets the money in their commissary account. You must include the inmate’s full name and date of birth so the money goes to the right person.
Official Contact Details and Location
The Leon County Sheriff’s Office main office sits at 2825 Municipal Way, Tallahassee, FL 32304. The phone number is (850) 606-3300. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Leon County Detention Center sits at 535 Appleyard Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32304. The mailing address is PO Box 2278, Tallahassee, FL 32316. The jail phone number is (850) 606-3500 and operates 24 hours a day. The records email is lcsocpu@leoncountyfl.gov. The Records Director is Elethia Chase. The Warrants and Civil Division sits at 3333 West Pensacola Street, Tallahassee, FL 32304. The official website is https://www.leoncountyso.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about Leon County booking and release records. These answers cover search tools, public records law, fees, and inmate services. Each answer is based on Florida law and LCSO policy as of 2026. You can use these answers to plan your search or records request.
How Do I Check if Someone Is in Leon County Jail?
Use the official LCSO inmate search tool on leoncountyso.com. Type the person’s last name in the search box. The tool shows current inmates and recent releases. You can also call the jail at (850) 606-3500 any time of day. Staff can confirm custody status over the phone. The online tool updates every few hours, while the phone line gives real-time data. You do not need to give your name or reason for the search.
Are Leon County Booking Records Free to View?
Yes. The inmate search tool is free. You do not need an account or a credit card to use it. Public records requests under Chapter 119 are also free to file. You pay only for copies and staff time once the agency starts work. Most simple searches on the website cost nothing at all. The agency can waive fees for some community-based requests, but most regular searches stay free.
What if I Cannot Locate the Person I Am Searching For?
The person may have been booked under a different name or alias. Try alternate spellings of the last name. The person may also have been released already, so check the release records section of the search tool. If the booking happened in another county, that county holds the record, not Leon County. You can also call the jail front desk for help with older bookings.
Can I Get a Mugshot From a Leon County Booking Record?
Most booking records show a mugshot. The mugshot is part of the public record under Florida law. You can see it on the inmate search tool. You can also request a printed copy through the records request portal. Some mugshots get removed or sealed by court order, but most stay public for years. The mugshot shows the photo taken at the time of booking, not a later date.
How Long Does Leon County Keep Booking Records?
LCSO keeps booking records on file for many years. Adult criminal records stay on file permanently unless a court orders them sealed or expunged. Juvenile records follow different rules and often get sealed after the person turns 21. You can ask for any record that has not been sealed. Paper records may also be scanned into the digital system for long-term storage.
Can I Remove My Booking Record From the Leon County Website?
You can ask for sealing or expungement through the Leon County Clerk of Court. A judge must approve the request. You qualify only if you were not convicted, or if you completed a diversion program. The process takes several months and requires a court filing fee. Once sealed, the booking record comes off public search tools and stays off unless a new court order reopens it.
How Do I Send Money to an Inmate at Leon County Jail?
Use the commissary system online or by phone. The provider is IC Solutions. You need the inmate’s full name and booking number. You can also send money through Western Union or MoneyGram. Funds appear in the inmate’s account within 24 hours. Cash dropped at the jail is no longer accepted for security reasons. You must show a photo ID when paying in person at a payment kiosk.