The Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) runs the jail in Broward County, FL, through its Department of Detention. The Main Jail is at 555 SE 1st Avenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale, and BSO operates several other detention facilities, including the North Broward Bureau and the Joseph V. Conte Facility in Pompano Beach. Most visits now happen by video, so we always start with BSO’s online arrest search and the visitation page on sheriff.org.
Quick steps: find and visit someone
- Search the person’s name on BSO’s arrest search at sheriff.org.
- Note the booking number and facility listed.
- Check the charges, bond and next court date.
- Open BSO’s visitation page and register with the listed provider.
- Book a video visit slot in advance.
- Arrive early with photo ID, or log in on time for a remote visit.
What you need
- Government-issued photo ID
- The person’s full name and date of birth
- Their booking or jail number
- A payment card for remote visits, phone accounts or deposits
Where the Broward County jails are
| Facility | Address | What we know it for |
|---|---|---|
| Main Jail | 555 SE 1st Ave, Fort Lauderdale | Central intake and booking, downtown near the courthouse |
| North Broward Bureau | 1550 NW 30th Ave, Pompano Beach | Housing, including special needs and medical populations |
| Joseph V. Conte Facility | 1351 NW 27th Ave, Pompano Beach | General housing |
BSO has closed or consolidated facilities over the years as its jail population has changed. Check the Department of Detention section on sheriff.org before you drive anywhere.
Finding someone in the jail
Use BSO’s online arrest search. It lists booking details, charges, bond amounts and the housing facility. Our guide to the Broward County inmate search walks through each field.
If they aren’t listed, they may have been released or transferred. They could also be held in another county. The Miami-Dade inmate finder covers arrests south of the county line. The Florida inmate search covers anyone already sentenced to state prison.
Visiting rules
Broward’s jails rely on video visitation. You either use terminals at the facility or visit remotely from home through the provider BSO names on its site. Remote visits usually cost money. On-site video visits are generally free.
The rules we see enforced most:
- Every adult visitor needs valid photo ID.
- Minors must come with a parent or legal guardian.
- Dress modestly. Staff turn people away for revealing or gang-related clothing.
- Remote visits can be ended for misconduct, screen recording or extra people on camera.
Good to know
Calls and video visits are recorded. Never discuss the case. Scammers also pose as BSO staff and demand bail money over the phone. Pay only through methods listed on sheriff.org.
Phone calls, mail and money
People in custody can’t take incoming calls. They call out to numbers set up through BSO’s phone vendor, usually with a prepaid account.
Mail must follow BSO’s published format rules. Commissary deposits go through approved kiosks or online vendors. Rules and fees change, so we confirm on sheriff.org before we send anything.
Bond and court
Florida requires a first appearance before a judge within 24 hours of arrest. Later hearings take place at the Broward County Courthouse, 201 SE 6th Street. You can look up case files through the Broward County Clerk of Courts.
Local tip
The Main Jail sits a short walk from Broward County Transit’s Central Terminal. Taking the bus saves you from circling downtown for metered parking.
Common problems
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Name not found | Recently booked, misspelled or released | Try again in a few hours and search by last name only |
| Visit cancelled | Lockdown, court or transfer | Rebook, and check the facility before traveling |
| Call won’t connect | No prepaid account | Set up an account with BSO’s phone vendor |
When to get help
For bond reductions, charges or court dates, call a criminal defense attorney or ask for the public defender at first appearance. For jail-specific questions, use the facility contacts on sheriff.org. Broward numbers use the 954 area code.
FAQ
What is the main jail in Broward County FL?
It’s the BSO Main Jail at 555 SE 1st Avenue, Fort Lauderdale. Most arrests are booked there.
Can I visit in person without a screen?
Usually not. Broward relies on video visitation. Contact visits are generally limited to attorneys and approved professionals.
How long does booking take?
It often takes several hours. The online search may lag behind until processing is finished.
