If you are reading this, I know your heart is probably racing. Finding out a friend or family member might be behind bars is a nightmare scenario.
You have a thousand questions: Where are they? Are they okay? How much to get them out?
Take a deep breath. We are going to figure this out together.
I have spent 20 years navigating Florida’s legal system, and I’m here to tell you: You do not need to pay for answers.
Under Florida’s Sunshine Law, this information is public, free, and available online. Whether the arrest happened in DeFuniak Springs, Santa Rosa Beach, or Miramar Beach, if they are in Walton County custody, this guide will help you find them immediately.
Walton County Jail Inmate Search (Step-by-Step)
Skip the shady “mugshot” sites that demand credit cards. They are often days behind and exist only to scare you into buying a background check. The only list that matters right now is the Official Sheriff’s Booking Log, and it is completely free.
Here is the fastest way to find them:
-
Go to the Source: Visit the Walton County Sheriff’s Office website (waltonso.org).
-
Open the Tool: Look for the “Jail” tab in the main menu and select “Inmate Search” or “Current Population.”
-
Search by Name: Enter the person’s Last Name.
-
Expert Tip: If you aren’t 100% sure of the spelling, type just the first few letters (e.g., “Hend” for “Henderson”). The system is strict—if you misspell it, it won’t show up.
-
“Help! I Can’t Find Their Name!”
If the arrest happened in the last 1–4 hours, do not panic. They are likely still in Intake Processing (fingerprinting, medical checks).
-
The Fix: Wait 60 minutes and refresh the page.
-
Direct Line: If it has been over 4 hours, call the Booking Desk at (850) 892-8196. The deputies there are helpful and can give you a verbal confirmation.
Walton County Arrest Records & Mugshots
Once you find their profile on the roster, you will see a lot of legal jargon. Ignore the noise and focus on these three critical details to understand the Arrest Record:
-
Custody Status:
-
“In Custody”: They are currently sitting in the jail.
-
“Released”: They have already bonded out or been released on their own recognizance (ROR).
-
-
The Charges:
-
This section tells you exactly why they were booked (e.g., DUI, Petty Theft, Trespassing). It will also list the statute number.
-
-
Mugshots:
-
The booking photo is usually displayed right next to the charges. Note: Under Florida law, some mugshots may be exempt from public display if the person is a law enforcement officer or falls under specific privacy exemptions.
-
Walton County Jail Roster (Recent Bookings)
Sometimes you don’t know the spelling of the name, or you just heard a rumor that someone was picked up last night. In this case, you don’t want to search; you want to browse.
The Walton County Jail Roster serves as a “Who’s in Jail” list. It is typically organized by the date of booking.
-
How to Check: On the search tool, simply leave the name fields blank and hit “Search” (or look for a “View All” button).
-
What You’ll See: A running list of everyone booked into the facility within the last 24 to 48 hours. This is the most reliable way to spot recent arrests if you are unsure of the details.
Posting Bail & Bond Amounts in Walton County
This is usually the first question families ask: How do I get them out?
Look at the Bond Amount listed next to each charge.
-
If you see a Dollar Amount (e.g., $500): You can pay this immediately to release them.
-
If you see “$0.00” or “No Bond”: Don’t freak out. This is standard for domestic violence cases or certain felonies. It just means they must see a judge for a First Appearance (usually the next morning at 8:30 AM) before a bond can be set.
Two Ways to Pay:
-
Cash Bond (The “DIY” Method): Best for low bonds ($150–$1,000). You pay the full amount to the jail or Clerk of Court. You get this money back (minus fees) after the case ends.
-
Bail Bondsman (The “Finance” Method): Best for high bonds ($5,000+). You pay a non-refundable fee (usually 10%) to a private bondsman, and they cover the rest. Only use agents from the Approved Bond List on the WCSO website.
Walton County Jail Visitation (Video Only)
Walton County does not allow face-to-face visits. You cannot walk in and hug them. All contact is digital, which is safer and often more convenient for families living out of state.
-
The Provider: Visits are handled by GettingOut (Telmate).
-
The Setup: You must create an account at gettingout.com and upload a photo of your ID for approval.
-
Your Options:
-
Remote Visits: Video chat from your couch using your phone or laptop (Fees apply per minute).
-
Free Lobby Visits: You can use the video kiosks in the jail lobby for free.
-
Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
-
-
⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: Everything you say is recorded. The prosecutor will listen to these calls. Do not ask “Did you do it?” or discuss the case details. Talk about the weather, the kids, or bail arrangements—nothing else.
Walton County Jail Address & Contact Info
Save these numbers in your phone. You will likely need them more than once today.
Department |
Phone Number |
Best For… |
Jail Booking Desk |
(850) 892-8196 |
Checking if they are booked in. |
Sheriff’s Main Office |
(850) 892-8111 |
Non-emergency questions. |
Video Visit Support |
(866) 516-0115 |
Help with the GettingOut app. |
Official Physical Address:
Even if the arrest happened in Santa Rosa Beach, all inmates are transported to the main county facility:
Walton County Jail
796 Triple G Road
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433