Columbia County Jail Inmate Search Mugshots & Roster (FL) 2026

Columbia County Jail Inmate Search: Lake City Arrests, Mugshots & Roster (FL)

By: Senior Public Records Writer
Jurisdiction: Lake City, Fort White, Watertown, Five Points
Sheriff: Mark Hunter
Facility Name: Columbia County Detention Facility
Last Updated: February 2026

Namaste and Welcome. If you are searching for a family member or friend arrested in Lake City or Fort White, you are dealing with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).

Before you start searching, please stop and verify the state. “Columbia County” is a very common name in the USA.

Columbia County, GEORGIA (Augusta area) – This is WRONG.
Columbia County, NEW YORK (Hudson) – This is WRONG.
Columbia County, OREGON (St. Helens) – This is WRONG.
Columbia County, FLORIDA (Lake City) – This is the correct guide.

In Lake City, Sheriff Mark Hunter runs the Detention Facility. It is a medium-sized jail.

They have recently changed their rules for Mail (Digital Scanning) and Visitation (Video Only). If you use old information, your letter will be rejected.

1. Columbia County Jail Inmate Search (How to Find Someone)

Finding an inmate in Lake City can be a little tricky because the online list sometimes changes or goes offline. Here are the two best ways to find them.

Method A: The Official Online Search (If Working)

Visit Official Website: Go to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office website.
Find the Tool: Look for the button saying “Inmate Search” or “Jail Roster”.
Enter Details: Type the Last Name of the person.
Check Status:
- “In Custody”: They are still in the jail.
- “Bond Amount”: This is the money you must pay to release them.

Method B: The Direct Phone Call (Most Reliable)

Because the internet system is not always perfect, it is better to call the Booking Desk.

Jail Booking Phone: (386) 755-7000
What to Ask: “Namaste. I am checking if [Name] has been booked into the Detention Facility today. Do you have them in your system?”
Best Time to Call: Please wait at least 2 hours after the arrest. It takes time for the officers to finish the paperwork.

Tip: If the arrest happened in Fort White or by the Lake City Police Department, the person is brought to this same County Jail. There is no separate city jail.

2. Columbia County Jail Address & Contact Directory

Please save these official numbers in your mobile. The jail is located in Lake City, near the Sheriff’s Operations Center.

Department Name	Phone Number	Purpose
Main Jail Booking	(386) 755-7000	Status checks, Bond info.
Sheriff’s Admin	(386) 758-1095	Police reports, Records.
ICSolutions (Visits)	(888) 506-8407	Help with video account.
Clerk of Court	(386) 758-1342	Court dates, Case lookup.

Physical GPS Address (For Navigation):

Columbia County Detention Facility

389 NW Quinten Street

Lake City, FL 32055

3. Columbia County Jail Visitation Rules (Video Only)

Important Update: You cannot just walk into the jail and hug the inmate. Columbia County uses Video Visitation provided by ICSolutions.

Step 1: Create a Visitor Account

Website: Go to ICSolutions.com.
Register: You must create an account and upload a photo of your Driver’s License.
Approval: The jail staff must approve you. This can take 24 to 48 hours.

Step 2: Choose Your Visit Type

Remote Visit (From Home): You can visit from your house using your computer or smartphone.
- Cost: You have to pay a fee per minute.
Lobby Visit (Free): You can go to the Jail Lobby (389 NW Quinten St) and use the video screen there.
- Requirement: You usually must schedule this 24 hours in advance. You cannot just show up.

⚠️ Strict Dress Code (Do Not Ignore)

The officers are watching the video call. If you wear bad clothes, they will block you.

NO Tank tops or sleeveless shirts.
NO Low-cut tops (Cleavage showing).
NO Short shorts (Must be knee-length).
NO Sleeping clothes (Pajamas).
Advice: Please dress modestly. Treat it like a temple or church visit.

4. Sending Money to Inmates (Commissary)

Inmates get hungry. They need money for Commissary to buy chips, soap, toothpaste, and coffee. Columbia County uses Access Corrections (or similar vendors like SmartDeposit).

How to Deposit Money:

Lobby Kiosk: There is a machine in the Jail Lobby. You can put Cash (bills only) or use a Credit Card.
Online: Go to AccessCorrections.com (or verify the link on the Sheriff’s site).
Phone: Call 1-866-345-1884.
Note: Do not give cash to any staff member. Use the machine only.

5. Sending Mail: The “Digital Scanning” Rule (Pinellas Park)

STOP and READ: This is the most confusing part. Do NOT mail personal letters to Lake City. They will be destroyed.

Columbia County uses a “Smart Communications” scanning center in Pinellas Park, Florida.

Correct Address Format for Letters:

CCSO-SCH

[Inmate Name] – [Inmate ID Number]

P.O. Box 1907

Pinellas Park, FL 33780

Why Pinellas Park?

The mail goes there, gets scanned into a computer, and the inmate reads it on a tablet screen or kiosk.

Mail Rules:

White Paper Only.
Blue or Black Ink Only.
No Photos: You must upload photos digitally via the SmartJailMail website. Do not mail physical photos to the PO Box.
Legal Mail: Only letters from lawyers can go to the Lake City jail address.

6. Posting Bail in Lake City: How to Get Them Out

If you want to release your loved one, you must pay the Bond.

Option A: Cash Bond

Where: Go to the Sheriff’s Office Lobby (Quinten St).
How: Pay the full amount in Cash or Cashier’s Check (Payable to Clerk of Courts).
Refund: If they go to every court date, you get this money back at the end.

Option B: Bail Bondsman

Where: Search for “Bail Bonds Lake City FL”. There are many offices near the jail.
Cost: You pay a 10% fee (e.g., if bond is $2,000, you pay $200).
Refund: No. You do not get this 10% back. It is the fee for the service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I pick up an inmate when they are released?

A: Yes. Go to the main lobby at 389 NW Quinten Street.

Warning: The release process is slow. It can take 3 to 6 hours after you pay the bond. Bring a phone charger and wait patiently.

Q: What is “First Appearance”?

A: If the booking officer says “No Bond,” the inmate must see a Judge. This happens the next morning (usually 8:30 AM or 9:00 AM) at the Courthouse. The Judge will decide if they can get a bond.

Q: Is there a warrant search for Columbia County?

A: Yes. You can check the FDLE Wanted Persons database online. Do not go to the Sheriff’s office to ask about yourself, or they will arrest you immediately.