If you are looking for someone who was arrested in Bushnell, The Villages, or Wildwood, you need the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO).
I’m going to be honest with you—Sumter County can be tricky because there is also a “Sumter County” in South Carolina and Georgia.
If you click the wrong Google link, you might be searching for an inmate in a completely different state.
I have verified the links below personally to ensure they go to the Florida facility. Under Florida’s Sunshine Law, you have the right to access these records for free. Let’s get you the information you need.
The Official Sumter County Inmate Search
Do not pay for a background check. The Sheriff’s Office provides a live database that updates instantly.
How to Find the Record:
-
Go to the Official Portal: Access the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) Jail View.
-
Enter the Name: Type the Last Name in the search box.
-
Expert Tip: Less is more. If you search for “Michael” and he was booked as “Mike,” you might miss him. Just search by Last Name first.
-
-
Check the “Status”:
-
Make sure you select “Current Inmates Only” if you want to know who is in jail right now.
-
If you want to see if they were already let go, select “Released Inmates.”
-
“I Can’t Find Them!”
If the arrest happened in The Villages or Wildwood within the last 2 hours, they might still be in transport or intake.
-
Wait: Give the system 60 minutes to update.
-
Call: If it has been over 4 hours, call the Booking Desk at (352) 569-1700.
Step 2: Reading the Jail Roster (Bond & Charges)
Once you find their name, click on it to open the full booking report. Here is what you need to look for:
-
Charge Status: This tells you the specific crime (e.g., DUI, Battery).
-
Booking Date: Confirm this is a recent arrest and not an old record from 2023.
-
Bond Amount:
-
$ Amount: If you see a number (e.g., $1,000), you can pay this to get them out.
-
“No Bond”: This is common for domestic cases or felonies. It means they must see a judge at First Appearance (usually the next morning via video court) before a bond is set.
-
Step 3: Posting Bail in Sumter County
You have two options to get them released from the Bushnell 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 concludes.
-
Where: Go to the jail lobby (address below). They typically accept Cashier’s Checks or Money Orders. Call (352) 569-1700 first to confirm exactly who to make the check out to.
Option B: Bail Bondsman (The “Payment Plan”)
-
Cost: You pay a non-refundable fee (usually 10%).
-
Process: You hire a licensed bondsman (there are many in Bushnell near the jail). They post the bond for you.
-
Warning: You do not get that 10% fee back. That is the cost of doing business.
Sumter County Jail Inmate Visitation (Homewav)
Important: Sumter County (Florida) uses a specific app called Homewav. Do not get confused with other systems like Securus or ICSolutions (used by other counties).
-
Video Only: There are no contact visits. You cannot hug the inmate.
-
The App: Go to Homewav.com or download the app.
-
Rules:
-
You must create an account and upload your ID.
-
Dress Code: Even though it is video, strict dress codes apply. No low-cut tops or revealing clothing. If you violate this, they will ban your account.
-
Scheduling: You must schedule visits in advance.
-
Privacy Warning: All video calls are recorded and monitored. Do not discuss the case. If you say “I’m sorry I hit him,” the prosecutor can use that recording as a confession in court.
Sumter County Jail Inmate Essential Contacts & Address
Sumter County is unique because many arrests happen in The Villages, but everyone is transported to the main jail in Bushnell.
Department |
Phone Number |
Notes |
Jail Booking / Info |
(352) 569-1700 |
Best for status checks. |
Sheriff’s Main Office |
(352) 569-1600 |
Admin questions. |
Homewav Support |
(844) 394-6639 |
Help with video app. |
Official Jail Address:
Sumter County Detention Center
219 E Anderson Ave
Bushnell, FL 33513
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I drop off clothes for an inmate?
A: Generally, no. Inmates are issued uniforms. You can deposit money into their account (commissary) so they can buy socks, snacks, and hygiene items.
Q: What time is First Appearance court?
A: First Appearance is typically held every morning (including weekends). You can watch the proceedings online or at the courthouse, but the inmate will appear via video from the jail.
Q: Is the jail in The Villages?
A: No. There is a Sheriff’s Annex in The Villages, but the jail is in Bushnell.