Marion County Jail Inmate Search: Ocala Arrests, Mugshots & Roster Guide (FL)
- By: Senior Public Records Writer
- Jurisdiction: Ocala, Dunnellon, Belleview, Silver Springs, The Villages (Marion section)
- Sheriff: Billy Woods (MCSO)
- Facility Name: Marion County Jail (Gold Star Manor)
- Last Updated: February 2026
Namaste and Welcome. If you are frantically searching for a family member or friend arrested in Ocala, Belleview, or Dunnellon, you are dealing with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO).
“Marion County” is one of the most common county names in the USA. Please stop and verify the state.
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Marion County, INDIANA (Indianapolis) – This is WRONG.
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Marion County, OREGON (Salem) – This is WRONG.
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Marion County, FLORIDA (Ocala) – This is the correct guide.
In Ocala, Sheriff Billy Woods runs a very strict jail. They have specific rules for Mail (Postcards Only) and Visitation (Video Only).
If you try to send a regular letter in an envelope, they will throw it in the dustbin.
1. How to Perform a Marion County Inmate Search (Ocala)
Finding an inmate in Ocala is easy because the Sheriff provides a free online tool called the “Jail Viewer.” You do not need to pay any background check website.
Method A: The Official “Jail Viewer” Database (Best Way)
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Visit Official Website: Go to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) website.
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Find the Tool: Click on “Inmate Search” or “Jail Viewer”.
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Enter Details: Type the Last Name and First Name.
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Tip: If you are unsure of the spelling, type just the first few letters.
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Check Status:
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“In Custody”: They are currently sleeping in the jail.
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“Housing Location”: This tells you which “Pod” they are in.
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“Bond Amount”: This is the cash you must pay to get them out.
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View Mugshot: You can see the booking photo and the list of charges.
Method B: The Booking Desk (Phone Call)
If the website is not working, you can call the jail directly.
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Jail Information Phone: (352) 351-8077
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What to Ask: “Namaste. I am checking if [Name] has been booked into the Marion County Jail today.”
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Note: The booking process takes 2 to 4 hours. If they were just arrested, please wait before calling.
2. Marion County Jail Address & Contact Directory
Please save these official numbers in your mobile. The jail is located in Ocala.
Department Name |
Phone Number |
Purpose |
Main Jail Booking |
(352) 351-8077 |
Status checks, Bond info. |
Visitation Scheduling |
(352) 438-5961 |
Help with video visits. |
Sheriff’s Office (Non-Emergency) |
(352) 732-9111 |
Police reports. |
Clerk of Court |
(352) 671-5604 |
Court dates, Case lookup. |
Physical GPS Address (For Navigation):
Marion County Jail
700 NW 30th Avenue
Ocala, FL 34475
3. Marion County Visitation Rules: Securus Video Only
Important: You generally cannot have face-to-face contact visits (no hugging). Marion County uses Securus Video Visitation.
Step 1: Create a Securus Account
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Website: Go to SecurusTech.net.
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Register: You must create an account and upload a photo of your Driver’s License.
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Approval: The jail staff must approve you. This can take 24 to 48 hours.
Step 2: Choose Your Visit Type
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Remote Visit (From Home): You can visit from your house using your smartphone or laptop.
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Cost: You must pay a fee per minute.
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On-Site Visit (Free): You can go to the Visitation Center (next to the jail) and use the video kiosks there.
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Scheduling: You must schedule this at least 24 hours in advance. You cannot just walk in. Call (352) 438-5961 to schedule if the internet is hard for you.
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⚠️ Strict Dress Code (Do Not Ignore)
The deputies monitor the video calls live. If you violate the rules, they will ban you.
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NO Tank tops, sleeveless shirts, or spaghetti straps.
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NO Low-cut tops (Cleavage showing).
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NO Short shorts (Must be mid-thigh).
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NO Hats or sunglasses.
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Advice: Please dress modestly. Treat it like a temple or church visit.
4. Sending Money to Inmates: Kiosks & Online
Inmates need money for Commissary to buy chips, soap, toothpaste, and coffee.
How to Deposit Money:
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Lobby Kiosk: There is a machine in the Jail Visitation Lobby (700 NW 30th Ave). You can put Cash (bills only) or use a Credit/Debit Card.
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Online: You can use the link provided on the MarionSO.com website (usually Access Corrections or TouchPay).
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Phone: Call the toll-free number listed at the Booking Desk.
5. Marion County Mail Rules: The “Postcard Only” Rule
STOP and READ: Marion County FL is very old-school. Do NOT send letters in envelopes. They will be rejected.
You must send Postcards.
Correct Address Format:
[Inmate Name] – [Inmate ID Number]
Marion County Jail
700 NW 30th Avenue
Ocala, FL 34475
Strict Rules:
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Postcards Only: Use a standard white postcard (minimum 3.5″ x 5″, maximum 4.25″ x 6″).
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Blue or Black Ink Only.
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No Photos: You generally cannot mail photos on the postcard. You might need to use the Securus app to send digital photos.
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Legal Mail: Letters from lawyers can be in envelopes, but must be marked “LEGAL MAIL”.
6. Posting Bail in Ocala: How to Get Them Out
If you want to release your loved one, you must pay the Bond.
Option A: Cash Bond (Full Amount)
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Where: Go to the Jail Visitation Lobby (700 NW 30th Ave).
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How: Pay the full amount in Cash or Cashier’s Check (Payable to “Clerk of Courts”).
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Refund: If they attend every single court date, you get this money back at the end of the case.
Option B: Bail Bondsman (10% Fee)
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Where: Search for “Bail Bonds Ocala FL”. There are many offices on NW 30th Avenue right across from the jail.
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Cost: You pay a 10% fee (e.g., if bond is $2,000, you pay $200).
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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 700 NW 30th Avenue.
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Warning: The release process is slow. It can take 4 to 6 hours after you pay the bond. Bring a phone charger and wait patiently.
Q: What is “First Appearance”?
A: If the website says “No Bond,” the inmate must see a Judge. This happens the next morning (usually 9:00 AM) via video. The Judge will decide if they can get a bond.
Q: Is there a warrant search for Marion County?
A: Yes. You can check the MCSO Warrants Search page. Do not go to the Sheriff’s office to ask about your own warrant, or they will arrest you immediately.