Hernando County Public Records /Hernando County Inmate Search

Hernando County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Hernando County?

Inmate records in Hernando County are official documentation maintained by the Hernando County Sheriff's Office Detention Division that chronicle an individual's incarceration history within the county correctional system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of information pertaining to persons who have been arrested, booked, and detained in Hernando County detention facilities. Pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.071, these records are systematically maintained as part of the state's public records framework.

Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important aspects. While court records, maintained by the Hernando County Clerk of Circuit Court, document judicial proceedings, case filings, and legal determinations, inmate records specifically track the custodial status and administrative details of individuals in physical detention. The creation of an inmate record commences during the booking process, when an individual is formally processed into a detention facility following arrest. The Hernando County Sheriff's Office is the primary agency responsible for maintaining these records.

The record creation process begins at intake, where detention personnel collect biographical information, photograph the individual (mugshot), record fingerprints, document personal property, and note the charges for which the person is being detained. Throughout the period of incarceration, these records are continuously updated to reflect changes in custody status, disciplinary actions, housing assignments, medical information, and other relevant administrative details. Upon the individual's release from custody, whether through posting bond, case dismissal, completion of sentence, or transfer to another facility, the inmate record is updated to reflect the change in status but remains as a permanent historical document.

Are Inmate Records Public In Hernando County?

Inmate records in Hernando County are generally considered public records in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law, specifically Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This legislation, commonly known as Florida's "Government in the Sunshine Law," establishes a presumption of openness for government records, including those pertaining to incarcerated individuals. However, certain exemptions exist to protect sensitive information.

Under current Florida law, the following inmate record components are typically accessible to the public:

Current inmate roster and population statistics
Booking information and arrest records
Mugshot photographs
Charges filed against the individual
Bond/bail amounts
Scheduled court appearances
Expected release dates
Current housing facility

The Hernando County Sheriff's Office Public Records Unit processes requests for inmate records and other law enforcement documentation. While many records are publicly accessible, certain information may be redacted or exempted from disclosure pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.071(2), which provides specific exemptions for active criminal investigations, confidential informant information, and certain personal identifying information.

Members of the public should note that while basic inmate information is readily available through online portals, more detailed records may require formal public records requests and potentially involve processing fees as permitted under Florida law.

What's Included Inmate Records in Hernando County

Inmate records maintained by the Hernando County Sheriff's Office Detention Division contain comprehensive information organized into several categories:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints and other biometric data
Assigned inmate identification number

Custody Information:

Date and time of booking/intake
Arresting agency and officer
Current custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, etc.)
Housing assignment within the facility
Classification level (minimum, medium, maximum security)
Disciplinary records from current incarceration
Visitation logs and approved visitor list

Charge Information:

Current charges (misdemeanor or felony)
Statute numbers of alleged violations
Case numbers associated with charges
Arresting agency case numbers
Prior booking history in Hernando County

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (cash, surety, ROR)
Bond amount for each charge
Bond status (posted, pending, denied)
Conditions of release if applicable

Court Information:

Next scheduled court appearance
Court case numbers
Assigned judge
Public defender or private attorney information

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Length of sentence
Sentence start date
Projected release date
Good time/gain time calculations
Probation or parole eligibility dates

Release Information:

Scheduled release date and time
Type of release (bond, time served, transfer)
Post-release supervision requirements
Agency assuming custody if transferred

These records are maintained in compliance with Florida Statute § 951.23, which establishes standards for county and municipal detention facilities, including record-keeping requirements.

Hernando County Prison System

The Hernando County correctional system operates under the authority of the Hernando County Sheriff's Office, which maintains primary responsibility for the detention and incarceration of individuals within county jurisdiction. The system is structured to accommodate both pre-trial detainees and sentenced offenders serving terms of incarceration up to one year, as prescribed by Florida law.

It is important to distinguish between the county detention system and the state prison system. The Hernando County Detention Center houses individuals who are awaiting trial, serving misdemeanor sentences, or serving short-term felony sentences (typically under one year). By contrast, the Florida Department of Corrections operates state prisons that house individuals convicted of felonies and sentenced to terms exceeding one year.

The Hernando County detention system falls under the direct supervision of the Sheriff's Office Detention Division, which is responsible for the safe, secure, and humane custody of all inmates. The division adheres to standards established by the Florida Model Jail Standards and seeks accreditation through the Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission.

Hernando County Sheriff's Office
18900 Cortez Boulevard
Brooksville, FL 34601
(352) 754-6830
Hernando County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office maintains operational protocols in accordance with Florida Statute § 30.15, which delineates the powers, duties, and obligations of county sheriffs, including the operation of county jails.

Types of Correctional Facilities In Hernando County

Hernando County maintains a consolidated correctional infrastructure centered around a primary detention facility:

Hernando County Detention Center
16425 Spring Hill Drive
Brooksville, FL 34604
(352) 754-6835
Hernando County Detention

This facility serves as the central detention center for Hernando County and operates under the direct supervision of the Hernando County Sheriff's Office. The detention center accommodates various custody classifications including:

Pre-trial detainees (both misdemeanor and felony charges)
Sentenced misdemeanants serving terms up to one year
Sentenced felons serving terms less than one year
Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
Federal detainees held under intergovernmental agreements

The facility employs a direct supervision model in many housing units, where detention deputies maintain continuous presence within inmate living areas to enhance security and facilitate immediate response to incidents. The detention center includes specialized housing for:

Maximum security inmates
Medium security inmates
Minimum security inmates
Female inmates
Juvenile offenders charged as adults
Inmates with medical needs
Inmates with mental health concerns
Protective custody cases

The Hernando County Detention Center also maintains work release programs for qualifying minimum-security inmates, allowing them to maintain employment in the community while serving their sentences. These programs operate in accordance with Florida Statute § 951.24, which establishes guidelines for work release programs in county detention facilities.

Who's in Prison In Hernando County

The Hernando County detention population consists of several distinct categories of individuals who are held in custody for various legal reasons. Understanding this population composition provides context for those seeking inmate records or information about the county's correctional system.

Pre-trial detainees constitute a significant portion of the Hernando County jail population. These individuals have been arrested and charged with criminal offenses but have not yet been convicted. They remain in custody either because they have been denied bail, cannot afford to post the set bail amount, or have chosen not to post bail pending the resolution of their cases. Pre-trial detention may last from a few days to several months, depending on case complexity and court scheduling.

Sentenced offenders serving misdemeanor sentences represent another segment of the jail population. Under Florida law, misdemeanor convictions typically carry maximum sentences of up to one year, which are served in county facilities rather than state prisons. Common misdemeanor offenses include:

Driving under the influence (first or second offense)
Petty theft
Simple assault
Disorderly conduct
Possession of small amounts of marijuana (in jurisdictions where not decriminalized)

Individuals serving short-term felony sentences may also be housed in the Hernando County detention system. Florida law permits certain felony sentences of less than one year to be served in county facilities rather than state prisons. These typically involve third-degree felonies with minimal prior criminal history.

The detention center also houses individuals awaiting transfer to other jurisdictions, including:

Sentenced felons awaiting transport to state prison facilities
Individuals with active warrants from other counties or states
Federal detainees held under intergovernmental agreements

Additionally, the facility may temporarily hold individuals for civil commitments, such as those detained under Florida's Baker Act (involuntary mental health examination) or Marchman Act (substance abuse assessment and stabilization) until appropriate placement can be arranged.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Hernando County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Hernando County may utilize several methods to access this information. The Hernando County Sheriff's Office provides multiple channels through which inmate records can be searched and obtained.

The most efficient method for locating current inmate information is through the Hernando County Sheriff's Office online inmate search portal. This database is updated regularly and provides access to basic information about individuals currently in custody. To conduct a search:

Navigate to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office inmate search webpage
Enter the individual's last name (first name optional but recommended)
Review the search results, which typically include:
- Inmate's full name
- Booking photograph
- Date of birth
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Housing facility
- Next court date (if scheduled)

For more comprehensive inmate records or historical information, individuals may submit a formal public records request to the Sheriff's Office Records Division. Requests can be submitted:

In person at the Sheriff's Office headquarters
By mail using the public records request form
Online through the HCSO Public Records Inquiry system

When submitting a request, provide as much identifying information as possible about the inmate, including:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Approximate dates of incarceration
Case numbers (if known)

The Sheriff's Office processes requests in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law, and certain processing fees may apply based on the scope and complexity of the request. Standard fees currently include:

$0.15 per one-sided copy (8.5" x 11")
$0.20 per two-sided copy (8.5" x 11")
$1.00 per certified copy
Special service charges may apply for extensive requests requiring significant staff time

Requests for arrest records can also be processed through the HCSO Arrests Public Records system, which provides information specifically related to arrests made by the Hernando County Sheriff's Office.

How To Find an Inmate in Hernando County for Free?

Locating an inmate in Hernando County without incurring costs is possible through several publicly available resources. The Hernando County Sheriff's Office provides free access to basic inmate information through their online systems.

The primary resource for free inmate searches is the Hernando County Inmate Search portal. This official database allows members of the public to search for currently incarcerated individuals using the following steps:

Access the Hernando County Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to the Detention section
Select the "Search Inmates" option
Enter the inmate's last name (adding first name improves accuracy)
Review the results, which include booking photos and basic custody information

For individuals seeking information about recent arrests, the HCSO Public Records Inquiry system provides a searchable database of arrest records. This system allows searches by:

Last name
Date range
Specific date (including options for yesterday's arrests)

The Hernando County Clerk of Circuit Court also maintains a free online Court Records Search that can provide information about an individual's criminal case, including custody status. While this system does not directly provide detention information, it can confirm whether a person has active criminal cases in the county.

For those without internet access, basic inmate information can be obtained by calling the Hernando County Detention Center directly at (352) 754-6835. When calling, be prepared to provide:

The full name of the person you're inquiring about
Their approximate age or date of birth
The approximate date they may have been taken into custody

It should be noted that while basic searches are free, requests for detailed records, certified copies, or extensive historical information may incur processing fees as permitted under Florida's Public Records Law.

How To Visit an Inmate In Hernando County

The Hernando County Sheriff's Office Detention Division maintains specific protocols for inmate visitation to ensure security while facilitating important family and community connections. All visits must comply with established guidelines.

Visit Rules and Procedures:

Visitation at the Hernando County Detention Center operates primarily through video visitation technology. The facility currently offers both on-site video visitation terminals and remote video visitation options. To schedule a visit:

Register for an account through the detention center's visitation system
Schedule visits at least 24 hours in advance
Arrive 15 minutes before scheduled on-site visits with proper identification
Follow all instructions from detention staff

Visit Schedule:

On-site video visitation hours are currently:

Monday through Friday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, and 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Remote video visitation may be available during expanded hours as determined by the Sheriff's Office. Each inmate is permitted a specific number of visits per week, with duration typically limited to 30 minutes per session.

What to Bring:

Visitors must present:

Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
Minors must be accompanied by an authorized adult
Visitation registration confirmation

What NOT to Bring:

The following items are prohibited in the visitation area:

Weapons of any kind
Drugs or alcohol
Electronic devices (including cell phones, tablets, smartwatches)
Food or beverages
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Recording devices

Dress Code:

Visitors must adhere to appropriate attire guidelines:

No revealing or provocative clothing
No gang-related attire or symbols
No clothing with offensive language or images
Shirts and shoes required
No hats or head coverings (except religious head coverings)

Visit Types:

The Hernando County Detention Center offers:

Standard video visitation (on-site)
Remote video visitation (fee-based)
Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.)
Special visits (approved on case-by-case basis)

Visit Restrictions:

Visitation privileges may be restricted or suspended for:

Violation of visitation rules
Security concerns
Disciplinary action against the inmate
Facility lockdowns or emergencies

All visitation policies are subject to change based on security needs and facility operations. Current information can be obtained directly from the Hernando County Detention website or by contacting the facility.

How To Send Money to a Hernando County Inmate

The Hernando County Sheriff's Office provides several methods for depositing funds into an inmate's account. These funds can be used for commissary purchases and other approved expenses during incarceration.

Approved Deposit Methods:

Online Deposits
- Visit the approved third-party payment processor website
- Create an account or log in
- Enter the inmate's information (full name and inmate ID number)
- Complete the payment using credit/debit card or electronic check
- Service fees apply to online transactions
Kiosk Deposits
- Utilize the payment kiosk located in the lobby of the Hernando County Detention Center
- Follow on-screen instructions
- Cash, credit, and debit cards accepted
- Receipts are automatically generated
Money Orders
- Purchase a money order payable to the inmate (full name and inmate ID required)
- Mail to: Hernando County Detention Center Inmate Accounts 16425 Spring Hill Drive Brooksville, FL 34604
- Include sender's full name and return address
- No personal checks accepted

Amount Limits:

Single transaction minimum: $1.00
Single transaction maximum: $300.00
Weekly deposit limit: $500.00 per inmate
Special approval required for larger deposits

Transaction Fees:

Online deposits: Fees vary based on amount (typically $2.95-$9.95)
Kiosk deposits: Fees vary based on amount and payment method
Money orders: No processing fee from the detention center

Prohibited Funds:

Personal checks
Cash sent through mail
Third-party checks
Cashier's checks from unknown sources

Approved Uses for Inmate Funds:

Inmates may use account funds for:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
Phone calls
Medical co-pays
Haircuts
Approved educational materials

Restricted Uses:

Inmate funds cannot be used for:

Bail or bond payments
Restitution payments (handled separately)
Court costs (handled separately)
Purchases for other inmates
Items prohibited by facility rules

All monetary transactions are subject to review and approval by detention staff. Suspicious transactions may be investigated and potentially rejected. Upon release, any remaining balance in an inmate's account will be returned via debit card or check.

How To Send Jail Mail In Hernando County

Correspondence with inmates at the Hernando County Detention Center must follow specific guidelines to ensure security and proper delivery. All incoming mail is inspected for contraband and compliance with facility rules.

Mailing Address Format:

All mail must be addressed as follows:

Inmate's Full Name, Inmate ID Number
Hernando County Detention Center
16425 Spring Hill Drive
Brooksville, FL 34604

Acceptable Mail Items:

Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
Greeting cards (non-musical, no glitter, no padding)
Photographs (maximum 5 per envelope, 4"x6" or smaller)
Money orders (made payable to the inmate)
Legal documents (clearly marked as legal mail)
Religious materials (subject to review)

Prohibited Mail Items:

Packages or padded envelopes
Plastic or metal items of any kind
Stickers, labels, or tape
Perfumed or scented items
Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
Polaroid photographs
Cash or personal checks
Stamps or envelopes
Books or magazines (must be sent directly from publisher)
Sexually explicit materials
Gang-related content
Materials depicting violence or weapons
Correspondence containing threats or criminal activity

Mail Inspection Procedures:

All non-legal mail is opened and inspected by detention staff before delivery to inmates. Legal mail from attorneys, courts, or government agencies is opened in the presence of the inmate. Mail containing prohibited items will be rejected and either:

Returned to sender
Placed in the inmate's property (to be returned upon release)
Destroyed if contraband or illegal items are found

Electronic Messaging Options:

The Hernando County Detention Center also offers a secure electronic messaging system through an approved third-party vendor. This system allows for:

Text messages (character limits apply)
Digital photographs (subject to approval)
Faster delivery than traditional mail

To utilize this service, senders must create an account through the approved vendor's website and pay applicable fees for each message sent.

All correspondence, whether physical or electronic, is subject to monitoring and review by detention staff except for privileged legal communications. Any attempt to circumvent mail rules or introduce contraband may result in criminal charges and suspension of mail privileges.