Are you frantically searching for a friend or family member arrested in Suwannee County, Florida? Do not panic.
You are in the right place. If your loved one was taken into custody by the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) or the Live Oak Police Department, they are currently being held at the Suwannee County Jail on Pine Avenue.
Finding someone in the legal system can be scary and confusing. You might be asking: “Where are they?”, “What is the bond amount?”, “How can I see their mugshot?” or “How do I bail them out?”
This is your complete, step-by-step guide.
See I write here manually and verified guide about Suwannee County Jail Inmate Search, find the official booking log, check the live roster, and explain exactly how to use HomeWAV for visitation.
Do not guess—follow these verified steps to bring your loved one home.
1. Suwannee County Jail Inmate Search (Official Methods)
You do not need to pay expensive fees to background check websites. The Suwannee County Sheriff provides a free, public database to find people.
Method A: The “Inmate Finder” (Best for Arrest Log & Mugshots)
The fastest way to find an inmate is the online roster.
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Visit Official Website: Go to the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office website.
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Locate the Tool: Look for the tab that says “Inmate Search”, “Jail View”, or “Corrections”.
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Enter Details: Type the Last Name (e.g., “Smith”).
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If you are unsure of the spelling, type just the first few letters (e.g., “Sm”) to see a list of all matching names.
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View Results: The system will show you:
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Full Name & Mugshot (Booking Photo).
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Booking Date & Time.
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Charges (Why they were arrested).
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Bond Amount (How much to pay).
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Method B: The Booking Desk (24-Hour Phone Number)
If the internet is not working, or you cannot find them on the Suwannee County Jail Roster, you must call the jail directly.
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Direct Phone: (386) 364-3595
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What to Ask: “I am looking for [Name]. Have they been fully booked into the Suwannee County Detention Center?”
⚠️ Warning: If the person was arrested in Live Oak within the last 1 hour, they might still be in the police car or doing paperwork. The online list takes 2–4 hours to update. Calling is faster.
2. Suwannee County Jail Address & Contact Directory
You must have the correct address. Many people make the mistake of driving to the Suwannee Correctional Institution (the State Prison on Hwy 90). DO NOT GO THERE. That is for people already convicted.
You need the County Jail (Detention Center) in downtown Live Oak.
Department |
Phone Number |
Purpose |
Jail Booking / Release |
(386) 364-3595 |
Status checks, Bond info, Mugshot info. |
Sheriff’s Administration |
(386) 362-2222 |
Police reports, Records. |
Clerk of Court |
(386) 362-0500 |
Court dates, Felony/Misdemeanor case files. |
Victim Advocate |
(386) 364-3443 |
Help for victims of crime. |
GPS Navigation Address (For Bail & Release):
Suwannee County Jail
305 Pine Avenue SW
Live Oak, FL 32064
3. How to Visit an Inmate: HomeWAV Video Visitation
The Suwannee County Jail has moved to a modern Video Visitation system. You cannot just walk into the lobby and ask for a face-to-face meeting. You must use the HomeWAV app.
Step-by-Step Registration Guide
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Create Account: Go to HomeWAV.com or download the HomeWAV mobile app.
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Select Facility: Choose “Suwannee County Jail, FL”.
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Upload ID: You must take a photo of your Driver’s License or ID card to get approved.
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Wait for Approval: The jail staff will review your account (usually takes 24 hours).
Two Ways to Visit
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Remote Visit (Paid): You can visit from your house using your smartphone. This costs money per minute (rates vary).
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Lobby Visit (Free): You can go to the Jail Lobby (305 Pine Ave) and use the kiosk station. This is free, but you must schedule it in the app first.
⚠️ The “No-Go” Dress Code
The deputies monitor all video calls. If you violate the dress code, you will be banned.
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NO Tank tops, spaghetti straps, or sleeveless shirts.
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NO Low-cut tops showing cleavage.
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NO Short shorts (must be mid-thigh length).
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NO Bonnets, durags, or hats.
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NO Profanity or gang signs.
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Simple Rule: Dress like you are going to a formal meeting.
4. Sending Money: Commissary & Inmate Accounts
Inmates need funds to buy “Commissary” items like snacks, hygiene products (soap, shampoo), and to pay for Phone Calls.
How to Deposit Funds (3 Easy Ways):
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Lobby Kiosk (Cash/Card): There is a machine in the jail lobby open to the public. You can insert cash bills ($5, $10, $20) or use a debit card.
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Online Deposit: Use the website linked SCSO (usually HomeWAV or a partner like JailATM). This is the fastest way.
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Phone Deposit: Call the toll-free number provided on the Sheriff’s website to add money via credit card.
Important: Do not try to mail cash. It will be confiscated.
5. Posting Bail: How to Get Them Out
Once you know the Bond Amount from the inmate search, you have two options to release them.
Option A: Cash Bond (Full Amount)
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Cost: You pay the full price (e.g., if bond is $1,000, you pay $1,000).
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Where: Pay at the Suwannee County Jail Lobby or the Clerk of Court office.
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Refund: If the inmate goes to all court dates, you get this money back (minus small fees) after the case ends.
Option B: Bail Bondsman (10% Fee)
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Cost: You pay a “Premium” of 10% (e.g., if bond is $1,000, you pay $100).
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Refund: No. You do not get this $100 back. It is the fee for the Bondsman’s service.
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Where to Find: Google “Bail Bonds Live Oak FL”. There are many offices located near Pine Avenue.
6. Sending Mail: Address Format & Rules
You can write letters to keep their spirits up. But Suwannee County is strict about Contraband.
Official Mailing Address:
[Inmate’s Full Name]
Suwannee County Jail
305 Pine Avenue SW
Live Oak, FL 32064
The Rules (Do Not Break These):
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Plain Paper Only: White paper with Blue or Black ink.
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No Photos: Do not send Polaroids. Regular prints (4×6) are okay (limit 5).
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No Extras: No stickers, no lipstick marks, no perfume, no glitter.
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Return Address: You MUST write your full name and address on the envelope, or they will destroy the letter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the Suwannee County Jail roster updated daily?
A: Yes. The roster is live. It updates every time a booking officer enters a new arrest.
Q: Can I pick up an inmate when they are released?
A: Yes. Go to the lobby at 305 Pine Avenue. Be patient—release paperwork can take 2 to 5 hours after the bond is posted.
Q: What is “First Appearance” Court?
A: If the website 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: How do I find Suwannee County Warrants?
A: Do not go to the Sheriff’s office to ask about yourself (you will be arrested). Check the FDLE Wanted Persons Search online or call a lawyer to check for you.