The Union County Jail Roster is the public list of every person held at the Union County Jail in Lake Butler, Florida. It shows who sits in custody right now, when each person was booked, and the charges they face.
The Union County Sheriff’s Office keeps this roster fresh every single day. Anyone can ask for the roster by calling the jail, walking into the office, or sending a mail request. This page covers what the roster shows, who runs the jail, and how to get the facts you need fast.
What the Union County Jail Roster Covers
The Union County Jail Roster is the daily list of people held inside the Union County Detention Facility. The list grows as new arrests happen in Union County. It shrinks as people post bond, finish a short sentence, or move to a state prison. Each name on the roster links to a record that explains why the person is in jail. The roster is open to the public under Florida law. Most facts on the list can be shared with anyone who calls or visits the Sheriff’s Office during business hours.
Who Runs the Union County Jail
The Union County Sheriff’s Office runs the jail at 50 Northwest 1st Street in Lake Butler. The Sheriff leads the office and oversees every part of jail operations. Sheriff’s deputies and jail staff work under the Sheriff’s command. They handle booking, classification, medical care, meals, and safety for every inmate. The Sheriff’s Office also keeps the records for each inmate from the day they arrive to the day they leave. All Union County jail inmate database entries come from this office.
Where the Jail Sits in Lake Butler
The Union County Jail sits in the same building as the Sheriff’s Office at 50 Northwest 1st Street, Lake Butler, FL 32054. Lake Butler is the county seat of Union County. The town sits in north-central Florida, west of Jacksonville. Visitors and people who need records can stop by this address during regular business hours. The front desk staff can point you to the right window for jail records and Union County jail booking roster checks.
What Each Roster Entry Shows
Each Union County jail inmate list entry shows the main facts about one person in custody. You will see the inmate’s full legal name. You will see the date and time of booking. You will see the charges on file. You will see the bond amount when a judge has set one. You may also see the next court date and the housing unit inside the jail. Some details stay sealed under Florida law. Staff can tell you which parts they can share over the phone or at the front desk.
How to Search the Union County Jail Roster
The Union County jail roster online search is not active at this time. The Sheriff’s Office does not run a public website search tool for current inmates right now. The fastest way to search the Union County jail booking search is to call the jail during business hours. You can also drive to the front desk in Lake Butler. Mail requests work for written record searches that follow Florida public records law.
Calling the Sheriff’s Office
The phone line for the Union County Sheriff’s Office is 386.496.2501. Staff answer the phone during regular business hours. They can search the Union County jail inmate database by name. They can also search by date of birth. Have the inmate’s full legal name ready when you call. Have the date of birth ready too. This helps staff pull the right file fast and skip people with the same first and last name.
Using the Sheriff’s Office Website
The Union County Sheriff’s Office website is unionsheriff.us. The site lists the office address, phone number, and services. The site does not host a live Union County Florida jail roster lookup tool right now. You can still use the site to find office hours, contact emails, and links to other public safety pages. For an actual inmate search, you must call the office or visit in person until a new online tool goes live.
Details to Have Ready Before You Call
Before you call, gather the key facts about the person you are looking up. Write down the full legal name. Write down the date of birth. Add the date of arrest if you know it. Add the city or town where the arrest happened if you can. These facts help staff pull the right record and skip wrong matches. If you do not know the date of birth, staff can still search by name but the search may take longer.
Best Times to Call for Fresh Roster Data
Call early in the morning for the freshest Union County jail daily roster. New arrests are added to the system through the night. Morning staff see those new names first. Late morning and early afternoon calls also work well. Avoid calling right at closing time. Late calls may get cut off before staff can finish the search. If the line is busy, try again in 30 minutes.
Union County FL Jail Inmate Lookup Options
You have three main ways to run a Union County FL inmate search right now. You can call the office. You can visit in person. You can send a mail request. Each path works for a Union County inmate custody search. The right path depends on how fast you need the answer and what kind of record you want. Phone and in-person requests give you the fastest answers. Mail requests work for certified copies.
Phone-Based Inmate Lookup
The phone number for the Union County FL jail inmate roster search is 386.496.2501. Call during business hours. Staff will ask for the inmate’s name and date of birth. They will read off the booking date, charges, and bond amount. They will not share medical details or sealed facts. Write down the answer as staff read it. Ask for the spelling of the name and the exact booking date.
In-Person Lookup at the Jail
You can also run a Union County FL jail inmate status search in person at the Sheriff’s Office. Walk in during business hours. Tell the front desk you need a Union County jail inmate finder check. Staff will pull the record at the window. You can also fill out a public records request form at the desk. In-person visits help if the phone line is busy or if you need a printed copy of the record.
Mail-Based Record Requests
Mail works for written record requests under Florida public records law. Send your request to the Sheriff’s Office at 50 Northwest 1st Street, Lake Butler, FL 32054. Include the inmate’s full name, date of birth, and the date of arrest if you know it. Add your name, address, and phone number so the office can reach you. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the records mailed back. Mail requests take longer than phone or in-person checks.
Why Online Lookup Is Not Live Right Now
Many Florida counties run an online inmate search tool on the Sheriff’s website. Union County does not run one right now. The Sheriff’s Office updates internal jail software, but it does not post those updates to a public web page. You can still run a Union County county jail inmate lookup by phone or in person. The office will share the same data that an online tool would show.
Union County Florida Inmate Roster Details
The Union County Florida inmate roster shows the main facts for each person in custody. The roster gets a fresh update every time a new booking happens or a release goes through. Some facts on the list come from the courts. Other facts come from jail staff. The list helps families, lawyers, bail agents, and the public. It also helps the courts track who must show up for hearings.
Booking Date and Time
The booking date is the day the person entered the jail. The booking time is the hour the booking finished. These facts help you check on a friend or family member who was just arrested. They also help bail agents know how long the person has been in custody. Florida law sets timing rules for first court appearances. The booking date drives that clock.
Charges and Court Status
Each roster entry shows the charges on file. Charges can be felonies, misdemeanors, or local ordinance violations. Some people face more than one charge. The entry may also show the court status. Court status can read as pending, arraigned, or sentenced. If the charges are sealed, staff will only confirm the person is in jail without sharing the charge list.
Bond Amount and Conditions
Many people on the Union County jail roster have a bond set. The bond amount is the cash or surety needed for release. Some bonds come with conditions. Conditions can include no contact orders, travel limits, or drug testing. If no bond is set, the entry may read “no bond” or “hold without bond.” A hold often means another agency wants the person too.
Housing Unit and Release Date
The roster may show the housing unit inside the jail. Housing units group inmates by security level, gender, and behavior. Knowing the unit helps with visitation and mail. The roster may also show a release date if the person is serving a short county sentence. If no release date shows, the person is likely waiting for a court date or trial.
Union County Jail Booking Records and Process
The booking process starts the Union County jail booking records for each new inmate. Booking includes fingerprinting, photos, a health check, and a property search. The whole process can take a few hours or longer. Once booking finishes, the new inmate goes into the housing system. The roster picks up the name once staff finish the data entry.
Arrest and Intake
The arrest happens when a deputy takes a person into custody. The deputy then brings the person to the Union County Jail for intake. Intake staff check ID, run a background check, and log the arrest time. The intake step also lists the arresting agency and the deputy’s name. Once intake ends, the booking clock starts.
Fingerprinting and Photographs
Booking staff take fingerprints and a photo at intake. The prints go to state and federal databases. The photo goes on the inmate’s file. These steps are part of every Union County Florida jail records search entry. Fingerprints and photos also help other agencies tell if a person has prior arrests in Florida or other states.
Health Screening at Booking
A health check happens during booking. Jail medical staff ask about current health problems. They ask about medicines the person takes. They look for signs of injury or illness. The health screen helps the jail plan care during the stay. It also flags inmates who need extra medical watch right away.
Classification and Housing
After booking, jail staff place each inmate in a housing unit. The placement depends on the charges, behavior, gender, and any safety flags. Classification staff check the file and pick a unit. This is how the Union County jail daily roster shows the housing info. Housing can change if an inmate’s behavior or charges change.
Visiting an Inmate at Union County Jail
Visits at the Union County Jail follow set rules. The rules keep the jail safe for staff, inmates, and guests. Call the Sheriff’s Office at 386.496.2501 for the latest visit schedule. The schedule can change based on staffing, lockdowns, or court orders. Always check the schedule before you drive to the jail.
Visitation Rules and Hours
Visit hours depend on the housing unit. Some units have visits on weekdays. Other units have weekend hours. Call the jail to confirm the day and time for the unit you plan to visit. Arrive at least 15 minutes early for check-in. Late guests may lose their visit slot. Visits often run for a set length. Plan your visit around that length.
ID and Dress Code Rules
All adult guests must show a government photo ID. A driver’s license or state ID works best. Kids must come with a parent or legal guardian. The dress code bars shorts above the knee, tank tops, hats, and open-toe shoes. The dress code also bars see-through clothing. If you fail the dress code, staff may turn you away at the door.
Sending Mail to Inmates
Inmates can get mail at the jail. Use the inmate’s full legal name on the envelope. Use the booking number if you have it. Send mail to the jail address: 50 Northwest 1st Street, Lake Butler, FL 32054. Do not send cash, checks, or stamps. Books must come from a publisher, not a friend. Photos have size and content limits. All mail is opened and checked by staff.
Phone Calls From Inmates
Inmates can make phone calls from jail phones. Calls may be recorded. Inmates may need a prepaid phone account to call out. Family members can set up an account through the jail’s phone vendor. Collect calls may not be allowed at some sites. Ask the front desk how to set up a phone account for an inmate.
Posting Bond at Union County Jail
Posting bond is the most common way out of jail before trial. Bond is a promise to show up for court. If the person shows up, the bond money comes back. If the person skips court, the money is lost. The Union County jail accepts cash bonds and surety bonds through a licensed bondsman.
Cash Bond Payments
A cash bond is paid in full at the jail. The jail accepts cash for the full bond amount. Some sites also accept cashier’s checks. The jail may not accept personal checks. The cash is held until the case ends. If the person shows up for all court dates, the cash comes back, minus any fees the court charges.
Surety Bond Through a Bondsman
A surety bond is posted by a licensed bondsman. The bondsman charges a fee, often 10 percent of the bond. The fee is not refundable. The bondsman may also ask for collateral, like a car title or property. If the person skips court, the bondsman can send a bounty hunter to bring the person back. The Sheriff’s Office can give you a list of local bondsmen.
Release Time After Bond Is Posted
Release time after bond can take one to four hours. The jail must finish paperwork before release. Some releases happen faster. Others take longer if the jail is busy. Ask the front desk for an estimated release time when you post bond. Plan to wait in the lobby until staff call the name.
Florida State Prison vs. Union County Jail
Union County Jail holds people charged with crimes in Union County. The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) runs state prisons. State prisons hold people who have been convicted and sentenced to more than a year. If the person you want is in state prison, the Union County jail roster will not have their name. You must search the FDC database instead.
Florida Department of Corrections Search
The Florida Department of Corrections runs an online inmate search on the FDC website at fdc.myflorida.com. You can search by name, DC number, or alias. The FDC search shows inmates held in state prisons. It does not show inmates in county jails. If the person you want is in Union County Jail, the FDC search will not find them.
How to Tell State Prison From County Jail
A few facts can help you tell where a person sits. The charges are a big clue. People waiting for trial or serving short county sentences sit in county jail. People convicted and sentenced to more than a year sit in state prison. The facility name on a court order is another clue. The booking date and sentencing date also help tell the two apart.
Florida Public Records Law Explained
Florida public records law is Florida Statute Chapter 119. The law gives the public a right to see most government records. Jail records fall under this law for the most part. Some parts stay private, like medical files and security plans. Agencies must remove private parts before sharing the rest with the public.
Union County Sheriff’s Office Contact Details
The Union County Sheriff’s Office is the main point of contact for the Union County jail roster and all inmate records. The office runs the jail, the patrol units, and the records division. You can call, visit, or mail the office for help. Below are the main contact facts for the office and the jail.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Union County Sheriff’s Office |
| Street Address | 50 Northwest 1st Street, Lake Butler, FL 32054 |
| Main Phone | 386.496.2501 |
| Website | unionsheriff.us |
| Business Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Emergency Line | 911 |
| Florida Public Records Law | Florida Statute Chapter 119 |
| State Prison Search | fdc.myflorida.com |
| Online Inmate Search | Not currently available at the county level |
The office sits in the center of Lake Butler, which is the county seat of Union County. Free public parking sits near the front of the building. A check-in window sits just inside the front door. Staff at the check-in window can help you start a Union County jail inmate list search or a public records request.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common things people ask about the Union County jail roster, inmate lookup, and booking records. Each answer gives clear facts so you know what to expect. If your question is not here, call the Sheriff’s Office at 386.496.2501 during business hours for help with your case.
Can I search the Union County jail roster online right now?
No public online inmate search tool is live on the Union County Sheriff’s Office website at this time. The Sheriff’s Office updates the internal jail software, but it does not post those updates to a public web page. To search the Union County Florida jail roster today, call the Sheriff’s Office at 386.496.2501, visit the office in Lake Butler, or send a written mail request to the office. Phone calls give the fastest answer for a Union County FL jail roster search.
What details do I need to look up an inmate in Union County?
You need the inmate’s full legal name to start a Union County inmate booking lookup. The date of birth helps staff skip wrong matches. The date of arrest also helps if you know it. If you do not have a date of birth, staff can still search by name. The search may take longer because staff have to sort through people who share the same first and last name. Always have the full name ready before you call.
How fresh is the Union County jail daily roster?
The Union County jail daily roster gets fresh entries every time staff book a new inmate or release an inmate. New arrests come in around the clock. Releases happen at all hours too. The roster you see in the morning may look different by the afternoon. For the freshest data on a Union County FL inmate status search, call the jail early in the morning right after the office opens at 8:00 a.m.
Can I find out why someone is in Union County Jail?
Yes, the charges show up on the Union County Florida jail custody search entry. Staff can share the charges, the booking date, the bond amount, and the next court date in most cases. Some charges stay sealed by court order. When a charge is sealed, staff will only confirm the person is in jail without sharing the charge list. This rule is part of Florida public records law.
How do I post bond at the Union County Jail?
You can post a cash bond at the jail front desk during business hours. The jail accepts cash for the full bond amount. You can also hire a licensed bondsman to post a surety bond. The bondsman charges a fee, often 10 percent of the bond. The fee is not refundable. After bond is posted, release can take one to four hours based on how busy the jail is that day.
What is the difference between Union County Jail and a Florida state prison?
Union County Jail holds people charged with crimes in Union County. These people may be waiting for trial or serving a short county sentence. A Florida state prison holds people convicted and sentenced to more than a year. The Florida Department of Corrections runs all state prisons. If the person you want sits in a state prison, the Union County jail roster will not have their name. You must search the FDC website at fdc.myflorida.com.
Can minors show up on the Union County jail roster?
Minors charged in adult court can show up on the Union County jail roster. Florida law can move some minors to the adult system based on the charge and the age. Most minors, though, go to a juvenile detention center run by the state, not the county jail. The Union County jail inmate database will only show people held at the county jail, not at a juvenile facility.