Bay County FL Jail

County Jail

Last Updated: March 24, 2025
Address
5700 Star Ln, Panama City, FL 32404
Beds
1100
County
Bay
Phone
850-785-5245
Fax
850-215-5140
Email
fmckeithen@bayso.org

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Bay Co Jail is for County Jail offenders sentenced up to twenty four months.

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for County - medium facility.

The phone carrier is Global Tel Link (GTL) - ConnectNetwork, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are seeking to send your inmate money for commissary, one recommended for this facility is TouchPay There is a fee for sending money, see their rates and limitations.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Satellite View of Bay County FL Jail

You can support your loved ones at Bay Co Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 850-785-5245.

When someone you care about gets locked up, it's tough to figure out all the ins and outs of jail life. From sending mail to visiting, there are a lot of things to sort out. And getting info about the arrest? Not always easy. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get a handle on how things work here so that you can stay connected and support your loved one behind bars.

The Bay Co Jail is a detention center located at 5700 Star Ln Panama City, FL which is operated locally by the Bay County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. Bay County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Panama City Police Department, and the US Marshal's Service.

New detainees arrive at the jail regularly, with some being released on bail, placed under pretrial services caseloads, supervised by probation agencies, or released on recognizance with a court appearance agreement. Those who are not released await their court appearances at the jail, receiving accommodations including bedding and meals.

You can see all the arrest records for Florida here.

The Bay County Sheriff's Office Jail, the largest division of the Bay County Sheriff's Office, is under the command of Major Rick Anglin. A graduate of Florida State University with an extensive career in Florida Corrections, Major Anglin prioritizes collaboration with Judicial Operations and the implementation of programs aimed at reducing recidivism.

The facility maintains a daily average population of approximately 1,100 inmates. The booking process, managed by the intake department, handles the initial processing of all individuals arrested and transported to the jail. During booking, inmates are fingerprinted, photographed, showered, medically screened, and issued a jail uniform. Their personal property is inventoried and stored, while any money is placed in the inmate's account. Inmates are provided with phone access during the booking process. Once processed, inmates are placed in temporary housing until classification is completed and appropriate housing is determined. At any point during this process, inmates can post a bond or be released by the court system.

In cases where bond has not been determined, inmates must appear before a judge for First Appearance within 24 hours, conducted via video monitor linking the jail to the Bay County Court House. The presiding judge may set a bond amount, order the inmate held without bond, or release the inmate on their recognizance.

The jail's commissary offers a wide range of items for purchase, including 23 health items, 11 general merchandise items, 43 clothing items, 2 postal items, 18 beverages, 10 cookies and pastries, 15 chips and snacks, and 14 candy bars, totaling 156 items. For further information, individuals can visit the iCare website or contact them directly.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates at the Bay County Jail must be sent directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the materials are new, untampered, and in compliance with the facility's regulations. The restriction of orders to publishers is a security measure to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials into the jail. By enforcing this rule, the facility maintains better control over the content entering the institution, thereby enhancing security. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and will not be delivered to the inmate.

Upon release, inmates go through the Releasing Section of the facility. Before release, court papers are verified and a criminal background check is conducted to ensure there are no outstanding charges. Released inmates must be handed over to a responsible party for transportation. If transportation cannot be arranged, inmates will be transported by the Bay County Jail Facility (B.C.J.F.) transport staff to the Bay County Sheriff's Office on Highway 77. Those picking up an inmate must report to the front lobby of the jail and inform personnel of their intent to do so.

Inmate Locator

To utilize the Inmate Search page on InmateAid, begin by selecting the relevant prison facility in Florida. This allows you to view the current list of inmates housed at Bay County FL Jail.

The second section features the InmateAid Inmate Search tool, providing a user-generated database of inmates. You can access this resource to utilize any of InmateAid's services. If you require assistance in creating an inmate profile to maintain communication, please contact us at aid@inmateaid.com, and we'll gladly help you locate your loved one.

As a last resort, you might have to pay for that information if we do not have it. The Arrest Record Search will cost you a small amount, but their data is the freshest available and for that reason, they charge to access it.

Visitation Information

The Bay County Jail now offers off-site visitation for family, friends, and community members. Visitors may not schedule a visit until 90 days after their release from the facility. A valid driver's license, photo identification card, or passport is required for visitation. Visitors must adhere to appropriate dress, behavior, and conduct standards, which include prohibitions on cell phones, electronic devices, purses, bags, backpacks, strollers, food, and drinks in the on-site visitation area. Profanity and screaming are not permitted, and any violations will result in the cancellation of the visit. All minors must be accompanied by an adult, who is responsible for maintaining control over them at all times.

Inmates are allowed a minimum of four visits per week, each lasting 30 minutes. On-site visitation is currently suspended until further notice. To schedule off-site visits, visitors must set up an account with Via Path Technologies by calling 1-888-516-0115 or visiting [gettingout.com](https://www.gettingout.com/visit-now/).

Off-site visitation enables visitors to connect from home or work using a computer or mobile device. Visitors must not introduce additional recording devices during remote visits. Exposing oneself, wearing revealing clothing, making sexual gestures, displaying weapons, or consuming alcohol or drugs during the visit is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate termination or suspension of the account. Operating a vehicle during the visit will also result in suspension. Visitors must not create multiple accounts for additional visits, and no visitation is allowed with persons under a court-ordered non-contact order.

To create a video visitation account, visitors should go to [gettingout.com](https://www.gettingout.com). The mobile app can also be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play. Under "Don’t have an Account?" click "Create one here" and enter the required information, including a picture of the driver's license and an optional profile picture. Add the inmate(s) to the contact list, and a verification email will be sent within 24 hours. Phone or text verification will also be required to confirm the provided phone number. Video visits cost $0.25 per minute, payable through a funded account using a credit or debit card. Alternatively, if the inmate has funds, they can pay for the visits. Once the account is set up and verified, visitors can schedule remote visits by signing in, selecting the inmate from the contacts list, and setting up a visit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Bay County FL Jail - 25 FAQs

  1. How can I find out if someone is in jail at Bay County FL Jail?
    To determine if someone is currently incarcerated at Bay County FL Jail, start by checking the facility’s online inmate search database, which is typically updated with recent booking information. If your search does not yield results, try using VINELink, a nationwide inmate locator that provides custody status for individuals in participating correctional facilities. If online searches are unsuccessful, calling Bay County FL Jail directly and providing the individual’s full name and date of birth is another reliable way to confirm their custody status. If all else fails, you can use the Arrest Record Finder for a small fee, which can provide broader search results across multiple jurisdictions. 

  2. What are the visitation hours at Bay County FL Jail?
    Visitation schedules vary by facility and housing unit. Some jails offer in-person visits on specific days, while others have transitioned to video visitation. Always check with the jail in advance, as visits may require scheduling and approval.

  3. How do I send money to an inmate at Bay County FL Jail?
    Inmates can receive funds through various methods, including online deposits via jail-approved services, kiosks at the facility, or by mailing a money order. Some jails require funds to be added by specific family members or approved contacts.

  4. Can I call an inmate at Bay Co Jail?
    Inmates cannot receive incoming phone calls, but they may initiate collect calls or use a prepaid account provided by the jail’s phone service provider. Calls are generally recorded and monitored, and inmates must adhere to time limits. Communication gets costly, you might qualify for discounts on inmate calls if your inmate is calling you a lot.

  5. What items can I send to an inmate at Bay Co Jail?
    Approved items typically include letters, legal documents, and photographs. Some jails also permit care packages from authorized third-party vendors. Items such as greeting cards with glitter, stickers, or Polaroid photos may be prohibited.

  6. Are books and magazines allowed at Bay Co Jail?
    Yes, inmates can receive books and magazines directly from approved vendors such as Amazon or InmateAid. Hardcover books and explicit content are typically prohibited to maintain facility security. Some jails also have restrictions on the number of reading materials an inmate can possess at one time.

  7. What is the mailing address for inmates here?
    Each facility has a designated mailing address for inmate correspondence. It is important to include the inmate's full name, booking number (if applicable), and facility-approved format to ensure proper delivery. Mail containing contraband, including staples or stickers, may be rejected.

  8. What is the process for bonding someone out of Bay County FL Jail?
    Bail or bond amounts can be paid at the facility’s designated payment location, online, or through a licensed bail bondsman. Some jails accept cash, cashier’s checks, or credit card payments, while others require payments to be made at a county clerk’s office.

  9. How do I deposit funds into an inmate’s commissary account at Bay Co Jail?
    Commissary funds allow inmates to purchase personal hygiene products, snacks, and other approved items. Deposits can be made online, at facility kiosks, or through phone services. Some facilities limit the amount that can be added per week.

  10. What clothing and personal items can an inmate have at Bay Co Jail?
    Inmates are generally issued standard jail clothing. Personal items are often restricted, and necessary hygiene products must be purchased through commissary unless the inmate is deemed indigent. Some jails allow inmates to have religious items, such as prayer beads or a Bible.

  11. How long do inmates stay at Bay County FL Jail before being transferred?
    The length of stay varies based on the nature of their charges, sentencing, and case status. Some inmates serve their full sentences in county jail, while others may be transferred to a state or federal facility after sentencing.

  12. Can an inmate at Bay Co Jail receive visits from children?
    Most jails allow minors to visit inmates but require them to be accompanied by a legal guardian. Some facilities impose restrictions based on the nature of the inmate's charges or have specific visitation hours for families with children.

  13. How can I schedule a visit with an inmate at Bay Co Jail?
    Many jails require visitation to be scheduled in advance through an online portal or by phone. Some facilities operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while others enforce strict scheduling rules and background checks for visitors.

  14. What happens if an inmate gets sick or needs medical care at Bay Co Jail?
    Jails provide basic medical care, and inmates can request medical attention as needed. Emergency cases are treated immediately, while routine care is provided through medical staff. Some jails charge small medical co-pays deducted from an inmate’s commissary funds.

  15. Can inmates work while incarcerated here?
    Some inmates qualify for work programs within the facility, such as kitchen duty, janitorial work, or laundry services. In some counties, low-risk inmates may participate in work-release programs that allow them to work in the community and return to jail afterward.

  16. How can I find court dates and case information for an inmate at Bay Co Jail?
    Court dates and case details can usually be found through the county court website, public records, or by contacting the court clerk. Inmates are typically transported to court on scheduled hearing dates.

  17. What are the rules for inmate phone calls at Bay Co Jail?
    Inmate phone calls are monitored and recorded for security purposes. Calls must be made through facility-approved phone services, and any attempt to arrange three-way calls or circumvent restrictions may result in loss of phone privileges.

  18. Can an inmate be released early from Bay Co Jail?
    Early release may be granted through good behavior, completion of rehabilitative programs, or at the discretion of the court. In some cases, inmates may qualify for electronic monitoring or house arrest programs.

  19. What types of rehabilitation programs are available at here?
    Many county jails offer educational programs, GED classes, substance abuse treatment, and vocational training to help inmates reintegrate into society after release.

  20. What are the consequences of bringing contraband into the jail?
    Introducing contraband, such as drugs, weapons, or cell phones, is a criminal offense and can lead to legal charges, visitation bans, or enhanced security measures within the jail.

  21. Are there special accommodations for disabled inmates at Bay County FL Jail?
    Yes, jails are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide reasonable accommodations, including wheelchair accessibility, sign language interpreters, and medical care.

  22. How do I report an issue or concern about an inmate at Bay County FL Jail?
    Family members and advocates can report concerns to jail administration, a prisoner rights organization, or a legal representative. Some jails have grievance procedures inmates can follow if they experience mistreatment.

  23. Can an inmate at Bay Co Jail receive religious services or counseling?
    Yes, most jails provide chaplain services, religious counseling, and access to faith-based programs. Some facilities have multi-denominational services or allow clergy members to visit inmates upon request.

  24. What are the disciplinary procedures at Bay Co Jail?
    Inmates who violate jail rules may face disciplinary actions such as loss of privileges, placement in solitary confinement, or additional charges. Disciplinary hearings are typically conducted before penalties are imposed.

  25. How do I obtain an inmate’s release records from Bay County FL Jail?
    Release records may be available through the facility’s records department, the sheriff’s office, or the county clerk. Requests may require an application and a processing fee.

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