If you are looking for someone arrested in Miami, Hialeah, Miami Beach, or Homestead, you are dealing with Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation (MDCR).
⚠️ This is the largest jail system in Florida.
It is easy to get lost here. Unlike smaller counties with one jail, Miami-Dade has three major facilities. If you drive to the wrong one—which happens every single day—you will be turned away.
Almost everyone starts at TGK (Turner Guilford Knight), but they are often moved to Metro West or Pre-Trial within 24 hours. This guide will help you find them, track their “Jail Number,” and figure out exactly where they are sleeping tonight.
Official Miami-Dade Inmate Search
Do not use third-party sites. The county provides a free, real-time database known as the “Inmate In-Custody Search.”
How to Find the Record:
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Go to the Official Portal: Access the Miami-Dade Inmate In-Custody Search.
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Search by Name: Enter the Last Name and First Initial.
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Expert Tip: This system is extremely sensitive to spelling. If “Rodriguez” returns too many results, or “Rodrigues” returns none, try typing just the first few letters (e.g., “Rod”) to see a full list.
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Find the “Jail Number”:
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Once you find them, write down their Jail Number (Booking Number). In Miami-Dade, this number is gold. You will need it for visitation, bail, and putting money on their books.
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“I Can’t Find Them!”
If the arrest happened in Miami Beach or Coral Gables within the last 4–6 hours, they are likely still in transport or initial intake at TGK.
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The Wait: Booking in Miami is slow. It can take 6–8 hours for a profile to appear online.
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Who to Call: You can call the TGK Booking Desk at (786) 263-5341.
Miami-Dade County Jail Where Are They? (TGK vs. Metro West)
This is the most critical part. You must check the “Location” code on their profile. Do not assume they are at the jail closest to your house.
Facility Name |
Code |
Who is Here? |
Turner Guilford Knight (TGK) |
TGK |
Booking / Intake. Everyone goes here first. Go here to post bail for new arrests. |
Metro West Detention Center |
MWDC |
General Housing. Most adult males are moved here if they don’t bond out quickly. |
Pre-Trial Detention Center |
PTDC |
Court Cases. Usually houses inmates with high-level charges or those going to court frequently. |
Warning: Do not drive to Metro West (Doral) to post bond for someone who just got arrested. You almost always have to go to the TGK Lobby for releases.
Miami-Dade County Jail Understanding Charges & Bond
On the inmate profile, look for the Bond Information tab.
1. “Standard Bond” (e.g., $1,000):
This is a pre-set amount. You can pay this immediately to get them out.
2. “Nebbia Requirement”:
If you see this phrase, stop. It means you cannot just pay cash. You must prove to a judge that the money used for bail comes from a legal source (not drug money). You will need a lawyer for this.
3. “No Bond”:
Standard for domestic violence or felonies punishable by life. They must see a judge at Bond Hearing (usually held at the Justice Building or via video).
Step 4: How to Post Bail Miami-Dade County Jail
To get them released, you usually go to TGK (Turner Guilford Knight).
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Cash Bond:
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Where: TGK Main Lobby (Window).
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Payment: Cashier’s Checks or Money Orders (payable to “Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts”). They also accept cash, but bringing large amounts of cash to a jail lobby is risky.
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Bail Bondsman:
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Miami has hundreds of bondsmen. They generally charge 10% of the bond amount.
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Tip: Ask if they offer “payment plans” if you cannot afford the full 10% upfront.
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Miami-Dade County Jail Visitation (GTL / ViaPath)
Miami-Dade uses GTL (Global Tel Link) for visitation.
There are NO face-to-face visits. Everything is video
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The App: Create an account at GTL Visit Me (also known as ViaPath).
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Scheduling: Visits must be scheduled 24 hours in advance.
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Two Ways to Visit:
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Remote: Video chat from home (Fees apply).
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On-Site: Use the free video terminals at the jail lobby.
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Strict Rules:
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Dress Code: No tank tops, swimsuits, or cleavage. They monitor these calls live and will ban you for “indecent exposure.”
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Miami-Dade County Jail Addresses & Contacts
Save these numbers.
Facility |
Address |
Phone |
Purpose |
TGK (Intake/Booking) |
7000 NW 41st St, Miami, FL 33166 |
(786) 263-5341 |
Go here for Bail / Release. |
Metro West (Housing) |
13850 NW 41st St, Miami, FL 33178 |
(786) 263-5110 |
Housing for Males. |
Pre-Trial (PTDC) |
1321 NW 13th St, Miami, FL 33125 |
(786) 263-4110 |
Downtown / Court. |
MDCR Main Info |
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(786) 263-7000 |
General Questions. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My friend was arrested by Miami Beach Police. Are they at the Miami Beach jail?
A: No. Miami Beach has a holding cell, but they are almost always transported to TGK (the county jail) for booking. Look for them in the county system.
Q: How do I put money on their books?
A: You can use the JPay or Access Corrections kiosks in the jail lobby, or do it online. You will need their Jail Number.
Q: What is the “Bond Hearing” schedule?
A: Bond hearings are typically held daily. You can often watch them online via the 11th Judicial Circuit Zoom pages if you know the judge assigned.