Okaloosa County Jail Inmate Search & Arrest Records (FL)

If you are looking for someone arrested in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, or Niceville, you are likely confused.

Here is the catch: unlike most Florida counties where the Sheriff runs everything, Okaloosa has a separate Department of Corrections.

If you are clicking around the Sheriff’s website looking for a mugshot, you are in the wrong place.

All arrestees—whether picked up by the Destin deputies or Fort Walton Beach Police—are transported to the main jail in Crestview. Let’s find them.

The Official Okaloosa County Inmate Search

Do not pay for a background check. The Okaloosa County Department of Corrections provides a free, live database.

How to Find the Record:

Go to the Correct Site: Access the official Okaloosa County Jail Inmate Search (This uses the Archonix XJail system).
Search by Name: Enter the inmate’s Last Name.
- Expert Tip: This system is extremely literal. If you search for “Jennifer” but she was booked as “Jen,” she won’t show up. If you are having trouble, try searching by just the first few letters of the last name (e.g., “Smi” for “Smith”).
Check the Details: The results will show their Booking Number, Housing Unit, and Mugshot.

“I Can’t Find Them!”

If the arrest happened in Destin or Fort Walton Beach (the south end of the county) within the last 3 hours, they are likely still in a transport van driving north to Crestview.

The Drive: It is a 45-minute drive from the south end to the jail.
The Wait: Booking takes another 2–4 hours.
Who to Call: You can call the Jail Booking Desk directly at (850) 689-5690.

Understanding the Charges & Bond

Once you find their profile, you need to verify why they are there and how to get them out.

Charge Details: This lists the specific offense (e.g., DUI, Disorderly Intoxication, Trespass).
Bond Status:
- $ Amount: You can pay this cash bond to get them out immediately.
- “No Bond”: This is standard for domestic violence or serious felonies. It means they must stay in jail until they see a judge at First Appearance Court (usually held via video the next morning).

Posting Bail in Okaloosa County

You have two main options to get them released from the Crestview facility.

Option A: Cash Bond (The “Direct” Way)

Cost: You pay the full face value of the bond.
Refund: You get most of this money back after the court case ends.
Where: Pay at the Main Jail Lobby in Crestview.
Payment: They accept Cash, Cashier’s Checks, or Money Orders. Always call (850) 689-5690 before driving to confirm the exact payee name.

Option B: Bail Bondsman (The “Finance” Way)

Cost: You pay a non-refundable fee (usually 10% of the bond).
Process: There are many bail bondsmen located near the jail in Crestview. They are open 24/7.
The Catch: You do not get that 10% back. That is their fee.

Okaloosa County Jail Inmate Visitation (HomeWAV)

Important Update (2025): Okaloosa County has switched to HomeWAV for visitation. They do not use Securus or GettingOut anymore.

The App: You must create an account at HomeWAV.com or download their mobile app.
Scheduling: All visits must be scheduled in advance.
Two Ways to Visit:
1. Remote Visit: Video chat from your home (Fees apply per minute).
2. On-Site Visit: You can go to the jail lobby in Crestview and use the video kiosks.

Strict Rules:
- Dress Code: Do not wear revealing clothing. No tank tops, no cleavage.
- Behavior: No driving while on the video call. Sit in a quiet room. If you break these rules, they will ban your account.

Okaloosa County Jail Addresses & Contacts

Everything in Okaloosa County revolves around the Crestview facility.

Department	Phone Number	Purpose
Jail Main Number	(850) 689-5690	Booking / Status Checks
Sheriff’s Office (Admin)	(850) 651-7410	Non-emergency police questions
Clerk of Court	(850) 689-5000	Questions about court dates
HomeWAV Support	(844) 394-6639	Help with video visitation

Okaloosa County Jail Official Jail Address:

Okaloosa County Dept of Corrections

1200 E. James Lee Blvd
Crestview, FL 32539

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there a jail in Fort Walton Beach?

A: No. There is a Sheriff’s substation in Shalimar/FWB, but all inmates are housed at the main jail in Crestview.

Q: Can I drop off items for an inmate?

A: No. Inmates are issued uniforms and basic hygiene. You can deposit money into their commissary account so they can purchase extra food, socks, or phone time.

Q: How do I find out their court date?

A: If the jail site doesn’t list it, check the Okaloosa Clerk of Court website. Search by their name in the “Court Records” section.