If you are frantically searching for someone arrested in Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Englewood, or Rotonda West, you are dealing with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).
⚠️ CRITICAL LOCATION WARNING:
First, check the state.
“Charlotte” is confusing because of Charlotte, North Carolina. If you see a skyline of tall skyscrapers on the website, you are in the wrong place.
You need Charlotte County, FLORIDA (Southwest Florida / Area Code 941).
Sheriff Bill Prummell runs a tight ship. Unlike bigger counties with multiple jails, Charlotte has one main facility on Airport Road.
However, they have some of the strictest Mail Rules in the state (the “Postcard Only” rule trips up almost every family).
This guide will walk you through finding the “Local Arrest Database,” putting money on their books, and avoiding the common mistakes that get your letters thrown in the trash.
Official Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Inmate Search
Do not waste money on third-party sites that charge fees. The Sheriff’s Office provides a free, live database known as the “Local Arrests” tool.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Locate an Inmate:
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Access the Official Portal: Go directly to the CCSO Website (ccso.org) and click on the “Local Arrests” or “Inmate Search” button.
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Enter Inmate Details: Type the Last Name.
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Expert Tip: The system is extremely literal. If you search for “Matthews” and the booking officer typed “Mathew,” you won’t find them. If you get zero results, try typing just the first few letters (e.g., “Math”) to see a list of partial matches.
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Verify the Status:
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“In Custody”: They are currently sitting in the jail on Airport Road.
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“Released”: They have already bonded out.
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“Help! I Can’t Find Their Name on the Roster!”
If the arrest happened in Englewood (West County) or Port Charlotte within the last 2 hours, do not panic. They are likely still in Transport.
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The Logistics: It is a 30-minute drive from the west side of the county to the jail in Punta Gorda.
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The Booking Lag: Once they arrive, fingerprinting and medical intake take another 2–4 hours.
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Who to Call: You can verify a recent arrest by calling the Jail Booking Desk 24/7 at (941) 833-6300.
How to View Charlotte County Mugshots, Charges & Bond Amounts
Once you find their name on the roster, click on the profile to open the full Arrest Affidavit. This page is your roadmap to getting them out.
1. Viewing the Mugshot:
The booking photo is displayed at the top of the profile.
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Note: If the inmate is a law enforcement officer or falls under specific Florida privacy exemptions, the photo will be replaced with a silhouette.
2. Reading the Charges:
This section lists the specific statutes (e.g., DUI, Battery, Grand Theft).
3. Checking the Bond Status:
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$ Amount (e.g., $1,500): This is the “Cash Bond.” You can pay this immediately to release them.
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“No Bond”: Do not freak out. This is standard for:
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Domestic Violence: They must see a judge first (Cooling-off period).
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Violation of Probation (VOP): Usually requires a court hearing.
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Felonies: Pending First Appearance.
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First Appearance Court:
If they have “No Bond,” they will see a judge the next morning at the Charlotte County Justice Center. You can usually watch these hearings if you go to the courthouse.
Posting Bail in Charlotte County: Cash, Kiosks & Bondsmen
To get them released, you must go to the Jail Facility in Punta Gorda.
Option A: Cash Bond (The “Direct” Method)
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Cost: You pay the full face value of the bond.
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Where: Go to the Jail Lobby (26601 Airport Road).
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Payment:
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Cash: Accepted.
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Cashier’s Check / Money Order: Payable to “Charlotte County Clerk of Courts.”
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Kiosk: There is a TouchPay kiosk in the lobby that accepts cash or credit cards (Fees apply).
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Option B: Hiring a Bail Bondsman (The “Finance” Method)
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Cost: You pay a non-refundable fee (usually 10% of the bond amount).
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Process: There are many bail bondsmen located near the jail in Punta Gorda. They are open 24/7.
Charlotte County Jail Video Visitation Rules
⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: You cannot just walk into the jail and ask to see someone face-to-face. Charlotte County uses Video Visitation.
The Rules:
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Remote Visit (Paid): You can visit from your smartphone or laptop at home using the specific app linked on the CCSO website (usually GTL or Securus depending on current contract).
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On-Site Visit (Free): You can use the video terminals at the Visitation Center (26601 Airport Road).
Strict Dress Code (Even for Video):
Deputies monitor these calls live. You will be banned if you:
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Wear low-cut tops, tank tops, or spaghetti straps.
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Wear short shorts (must be mid-thigh).
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Use profanity or show gang signs.
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Rule of Thumb: Dress like you are going to church.
The “Mail Trap”: STRICT Postcard-Only Policy
This is the #1 mistake families make. CCSO bans envelopes. If you send a letter in an envelope, it will be Returned to Sender or destroyed.
You Must Send a Postcard:
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Size: Minimum 3.5″ x 4.25″ / Maximum 4.25″ x 6″.
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Ink: Blue or Black ink only.
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Content: No stickers, no glitter, no perfume, no lipstick marks.
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Photos: Generally NOT allowed glued to postcards. Check with the mail clerk first.
Correct Address Format:
[Inmate Name] – [Inmate ID #]
Charlotte County Jail
26601 Airport Road
Punta Gorda, FL 33982
Contact Directory: Address, Phone Numbers & GPS
Save these numbers. The jail is located near the Punta Gorda Airport.
Department |
Phone Number |
Purpose |
Jail Booking / Info |
(941) 833-6300 |
Check Status / Post Bail |
Sheriff’s Admin |
(941) 639-2101 |
Records / Reports |
Inmate Medical |
(941) 833-6300 |
Family Medical Concerns |
TouchPay (Money) |
(866) 232-1899 |
Deposit Funds |
Clerk of Courts |
(941) 637-2199 |
Court Dates / Case Lookup |
Physical Address for GPS (Bail/Release):
Charlotte County Jail
26601 Airport Road
Punta Gorda, FL 33982
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I pick them up when they are released?
A: Yes. Releases happen at the Jail Lobby on Airport Road.
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Warning: The release process is slow. It can take 4–6 hours after the bond is posted for the inmate to actually walk out the door.
Q: How do I put money on their books (Commissary)?
A: You can deposit funds for food and phone calls via TouchPay.
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Online: TouchPayDirect.com
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Phone: 1-866-232-1899
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Kiosk: Located in the Jail Lobby (Cash/Card).
You will need the Facility Site ID #233901 and the Inmate Booking Number.
Q: Is there a warrant search for Charlotte County?
A: Yes. You can check for active warrants on the CCSO Website under the “Warrants” tab or the Clerk of Courts website.