Broward County Jail Visitation Rules, Hours, And Video Scheduling Guide

Broward County Jail Visitation allows each detainee two one-hour video visitation slots per week, scheduled through the official Visitation Center portal. The system operates daily from 7:45 a.m. to 9:45 p.m., with appointments available in 15-minute blocks. Families must book visits at least 24 hours in advance using a government-issued photo ID, a device with a working camera and microphone, and a stable internet connection of at least 5 Mbps. High-security inmates or those under active investigation may have reduced visitation access, which appears as a restriction during booking.

How to Schedule a Video Visit

Scheduling a visit starts at the Video Visitation Center portal, where users see a live calendar showing open time slots. Each detainee gets two weekly sessions, and visitors can choose any available 15-minute block within those hours. The platform supports remote visits from home or on-site visits at the center. All appointments require pre-registration, and walk-ins are not accepted. Visitors must confirm their identity using a valid driver’s license, state ID, or passport. The system blocks scheduling if the inmate has exceeded their weekly limit or if technical issues are reported.

Visitation Center Location and Hours

The Video Visitation Center is located at 3700 West Oakland Park Blvd, Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33311. It serves all four major detention facilities: Main Jail, North Broward Bureau, Paul Rein Detention, and Joseph V. Conte Facility. Staff are available from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to assist with check-in, ID verification, and technical support. A 24-hour self-check-in kiosk allows after-hours arrivals for pre-scheduled visits. Visitors must remove hats, sunglasses, and outerwear before entering the lobby. The center enforces a strict dress code: no sleeveless tops, denim shorts, or clothing with offensive language.

Remote Video Visitation Options

Remote visits are available through the official portal or via videovisitationanywhere.com. Users can join from any internet-connected device, including smartphones, tablets, or computers. Each session lasts up to one hour, split into four 15-minute segments. The system requires a minimum upload and download speed of 5 Mbps to prevent lag or disconnection. Audio and video quality depend on the visitor’s connection; low bandwidth may result in session termination. Remote visitors must still present a valid ID during check-in and follow the same dress code as on-site guests.

Required Documentation and Eligibility

All visitors must provide a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian with valid ID. Visitors with criminal records may be denied access if their charges relate to the inmate or facility security. The system checks eligibility in real time during booking. Inmates under disciplinary segregation, medical isolation, or high-risk classification may have visitation suspended. These restrictions appear clearly on the scheduling page before confirmation.

Visitation Rules and Prohibited Items

Visitors must arrive 15 minutes early for on-site visits. Late arrivals lose their time slot. No food, drinks, bags, or electronic devices are allowed in the visitation area. Cell phones must be turned off and stored in lockers. Physical contact with inmates is prohibited. Conversations are monitored and recorded for security purposes. Inappropriate behavior, including yelling, gestures, or sharing personal contact information, results in immediate termination of the visit and possible ban. Visitors must speak only English during sessions unless an approved interpreter is present.

Technical Requirements for Video Visits

A stable broadband connection of at least 5 Mbps is required for smooth video transmission. Devices must have a functional webcam, microphone, and updated browser. Supported platforms include Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. The Securus Video Connect® app is recommended for mobile users. Audio echo, background noise, or poor lighting can disrupt the session. Visitors should test their equipment before the scheduled time. Technical support is available by calling (954) 831-5900 during operating hours. Sessions may be rescheduled once due to connectivity issues.

Inmate Search and Status Verification

Before scheduling a visit, confirm the inmate’s custody status using the Arrest Search tool. The database updates multiple times daily but may lag by up to 15 minutes. Search by first or last name to view booking number, charges, bond amount, and facility location. An arrest does not mean conviction. For court outcomes, check the Broward County Clerk of Courts website. Inmates transferred to state prisons or released may no longer be eligible for visitation. Always verify status within 24 hours of the scheduled visit.

Bond Payment and Release Information

To post bond, locate the inmate’s booking number and current bail amount online or by calling (954) 831-5900. Bonds can be paid in cash, via credit card, or through a licensed bail bondsman. The Bond Office operates 24/7 at the Main Jail lobby, 555 SE 1st Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Payments made after business hours use the self-service kiosk. Receipts are issued immediately. Bond amounts vary based on charges and prior record. Once paid, release processing takes 2 to 6 hours depending on facility workload.

Facility-Specific Visitation Policies

Each Broward County detention center follows the same visitation rules, but housing units may have unique restrictions. The Main Jail allows visits for all general population inmates. The North Broward Bureau handles medium-security detainees with standard access. Paul Rein Detention houses pretrial inmates and follows the same schedule. The Joseph V. Conte Facility includes medical and mental health units; visits here may require additional approval. Inmates in protective custody or disciplinary segregation are not eligible for visitation until status changes.

Special Circumstances and Accommodations

Death notifications for inmate family members are handled by the Chaplain’s Office. Grief counseling and religious services are available upon request. Pregnant visitors or those with disabilities should notify staff in advance for seating or accessibility support. Language interpreters can be arranged for non-English speakers with 48-hour notice. Legal visits for attorneys follow a separate process and do not count toward the weekly limit. Emergency visits due to medical crises require approval from the facility commander.

Communication Alternatives to Visitation

If visitation is not possible, inmates can receive mail, phone calls, and emails. Letters must include the inmate’s full name and booking number. Packages are not accepted. Phone calls are collect or prepaid through approved vendors. Email and text messaging are available through Securus for a fee. All communications are monitored. Sending contraband, threats, or coded messages results in account suspension. Families can deposit funds into an inmate’s commissary account online to support phone and messaging usage.

Troubleshooting Common Visitation Issues

If a visit fails to connect, check internet speed, restart the device, and clear browser cache. Ensure the camera and microphone are not blocked by privacy settings. For on-site visits, arrive early to resolve ID or dress code issues. If the inmate is unavailable, the system will notify the visitor immediately. Rescheduling is allowed once per week. Repeated no-shows may result in temporary suspension of visitation privileges. Contact the Detention Information Line for unresolved problems.

Contact Information and Support

For visitation questions, call the Detention Information Line at (954) 831-5900. Staff are available from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. For technical support, use the same number or email the support team through the official website. Download the Video Visitation Brochure for step-by-step instructions. Visit the Sheriff’s Office website for policy updates, arrest logs, and emergency alerts. All official links are listed below for quick access.

Official Resources and Links

Frequently Asked Questions

Visitation at Broward County Jail involves specific rules, timing, and procedures that affect families, attorneys, and support networks. This section answers common questions about scheduling, eligibility, technical needs, and policy enforcement. Each response reflects current procedures from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office and is updated to match the latest operational standards. The goal is to provide clear, actionable answers that help users complete visits without delays or misunderstandings.

Can I visit an inmate in person at Broward County Jail?

No, in-person visits are not allowed. All visitation occurs through video sessions, either remotely from home or at the Video Visitation Center in Lauderdale Lakes. The center provides private booths with video screens and audio systems. On-site visits follow the same rules as remote ones, including ID checks and dress code. The shift to video-only visitation improves security, reduces staffing needs, and allows more frequent contact. Families can still send mail, make phone calls, and use messaging services. Legal visits for attorneys may include in-person meetings under special arrangements, but these are separate from public visitation.

What happens if my internet connection drops during a remote visit?

If the connection fails, the session ends immediately. The system does not auto-reconnect. You must reschedule the visit, which counts as one of your two weekly slots. To avoid this, test your internet speed before the appointment. Use a wired connection if possible, and close other apps that use bandwidth. If the issue is on the facility’s end, staff will notify you and allow a free reschedule. Keep the Detention Information Line number handy for real-time support. Repeated disconnections may require switching to on-site visitation until the technical issue is resolved.

Are children allowed to participate in video visits?

Yes, children may join visits if supervised by a parent or legal guardian with valid ID. Minors under 18 cannot schedule visits alone. The content of the conversation must remain appropriate for all ages. Staff may terminate the session if inappropriate topics arise. Children should remain seated and quiet during the visit. No toys, food, or distractions are allowed in the visitation area. If a child becomes disruptive, the visit may be paused or ended. The goal is to maintain a respectful environment for all participants.

How do I know if an inmate is eligible for visitation?

Eligibility appears during the booking process. If the inmate is in high-security housing, disciplinary segregation, or under investigation, the system will show a restriction message. You can also call (954) 831-5900 to confirm status. Inmates in medical isolation or protective custody may have limited or no visitation. The Arrest Search tool shows current housing location, which helps determine access. Always check within 24 hours of the scheduled visit, as status can change quickly due to transfers or court decisions.

Can I send gifts or money during a video visit?

No, gifts cannot be exchanged during video visits. Money must be sent through the commissary system. Deposit funds online using the inmate’s booking number. The money appears in their account within 24 hours and can be used for phone calls, messaging, or commissary items. Do not mention gift cards, cash, or external transfers during the visit, as this violates policy. All financial transactions are monitored. Sending unauthorized items may result in loss of visitation privileges.

What should I do if my ID is expired or lost?

You cannot visit without a valid government-issued photo ID. If your license is expired, obtain a renewal or use a passport. Temporary paper IDs from the DMV are not accepted. If you lose your ID, visit a local office to get a replacement before scheduling. The system verifies ID in real time, so even a one-day expiration will block access. Keep a digital copy of your ID ready for remote visits. Staff cannot override this requirement for security reasons.

How often can an inmate receive visits?

Each inmate gets two one-hour video visits per week. The sessions can be on the same day or split across days. The weekly count resets every Sunday at midnight. Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. No extra sessions are allowed, even for holidays or emergencies, unless approved by facility command. Legal visits do not count toward this limit. Families should plan ahead and avoid last-minute cancellations to maximize access.

Contact Details

Video Visitation Center: 3700 West Oakland Park Blvd, Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33311
Phone: (954) 831-5900
Visiting Hours: 7:45 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. daily
Staff Support: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Website: https://www.sheriff.org/DOD/Pages/Video-Visitation.aspx