Lee County Jail is a secure detention center in Fort Myers, Florida, run by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It holds people waiting for trial or serving short sentences. The jail gives inmates medical care, education, and ways to stay in touch with family. It also helps prepare inmates for life after release. This page explains how to search for inmates, visit, send money, and get official records. All information comes from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and follows Florida public records laws.
How to Search for an Inmate in Lee County Jail
You can find current inmates using the free online tool on the Lee County Sheriff’s website. The system updates daily and shows names, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and court dates. Search by full name, date of birth, or booking number. Results appear instantly and include mugshots if available. If you don’t have internet access, call (239) 477-1700 during business hours. Staff can help verify an inmate’s status over the phone.
Using the Online Inmate Lookup Tool
Go to the official Lee County Sheriff’s Office website and click “Inmate Roster.” Type the person’s first and last name exactly as it appears on legal documents. You may also enter their date of birth or booking number for faster results. The system shows only active inmates. Released individuals are removed within 24 hours. For old records, submit a public records request.
What Information Is Available
The inmate search shows:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Booking date and time
- Current charges and case number
- Bail amount and payment status
- Next court date and location
- Expected release date (if sentenced)
- Mugshot (taken at booking)
All data comes directly from the jail’s database and matches court records.
Lee County Jail Visitation Rules and Hours
Visits help inmates stay connected with loved ones. Lee County Jail offers both in-person and video visits. All visits must be scheduled online at least 24 hours ahead. Walk-ins are not allowed. Visitors must bring a government-issued photo ID. Minors under 18 need a parent or guardian present.
In-Person Visitation Guidelines
In-person visits happen Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Each visit lasts 30 minutes. Only two visitors are allowed per session. Dress modestly—no shorts, tank tops, hats, or clothing with offensive words or images. Security checks are required. Bags, phones, and food are not permitted inside.
Video Visitation Options
Video visits cost $9.99 per 20-minute session and can be done from home or at the jail lobby kiosk. Schedule online through the sheriff’s portal. Both parties must be ready at the scheduled time. Late arrivals lose their session. Video calls are recorded for safety.
Special Visits for Legal Professionals
Attorneys can schedule private meetings with clients outside regular hours. Call (239) 477-1700 to arrange. Proof of bar membership is required.
Sending Mail to Inmates at Lee County Jail
Inmates can receive letters, photos, and approved reading materials. All mail is screened for contraband. Send letters in plain white envelopes with black ink. Include the inmate’s full name and booking number on the front. Do not send cash, stamps, stickers, or Polaroids. These will be returned or destroyed.
Approved Mail Items
Allowed items include:
- Handwritten or typed letters on plain paper
- Photographs (no larger than 4×6 inches)
- New books and magazines sent directly from publishers or Amazon
- Religious materials without metal parts
Mail should be addressed to:
Lee County Jail
Inmate Name & Booking Number
2670 Ortiz Avenue
Fort Myers, FL 33905
Restricted Items
Do not send:
- Cash, checks, or money orders in mail
- Perfume, glitter, or stickers
- Hardcover books or magazines with staples
- Anything that can hide drugs or weapons
Violations may result in mail rejection or disciplinary action.
Phone Calls and Communication Services
Inmates can make outgoing calls to approved numbers. Calls are limited to 15 minutes and cost $0.23 per minute. Families pay through Securus Technologies, the jail’s phone partner. Set up an account online or by calling 1-800-844-6591. Inmates cannot receive incoming calls.
How to Add Money for Phone Calls
Deposit funds using:
- Online at securustech.net
- Phone at 1-800-844-6591
- Kiosk in the jail lobby (cash or card)
Funds appear in the inmate’s account within minutes. Call logs are monitored and saved for 90 days.
Email Messaging
Families can send emails through the Securus app or website. Messages are printed and delivered during mail rounds. Inmates reply using jail tablets. All messages are reviewed before delivery. Attachments are not allowed.
Commissary and Money Transfers
Inmates buy snacks, hygiene items, and stationery from the commissary. Orders are placed weekly using funds in their account. Prices are posted online. Popular items include instant coffee, chips, soap, and envelopes.
Ways to Send Money
Send money safely using:
- Online: JPay.com or the JPay app (fee applies)
- Kiosk: Located in the jail lobby—accepts cash, debit, or credit
- Money Order: Mail to JPay, PO Box 660347, Dallas, TX 75266
Cash and personal checks are not accepted. Deposits post within one hour during business days.
Commissary Order Process
Inmates receive a catalog each week. They mark desired items and submit forms to staff. Orders arrive within 48 hours. Unused funds stay in the account until release.
Healthcare and Mental Health Support
Lee County Jail provides medical, dental, and mental health services. All inmates get a health screening within 24 hours of arrival. Doctors, nurses, and counselors are on-site daily. Emergency care is available 24/7.
Medical Services
Routine care includes:
- Prescription medication management
- Chronic disease monitoring (diabetes, hypertension)
- Vaccinations and TB testing
- Dental exams and emergency extractions
- Vision checks and basic eyewear
Inmates request care through written slips or nurse visits.
Mental Health Programs
Counselors offer individual and group therapy. Programs cover addiction, anger management, and coping skills. Crisis intervention is available anytime. Referrals to outside services begin before release.
Education and Job Training Programs
Lee County Jail helps inmates build skills for life after prison. Free programs include GED classes, vocational training, and life skills workshops. Classes run Monday through Friday. Certificates are awarded upon completion.
Available Programs
Inmates can join:
- GED preparation and testing
- Carpentry and construction basics
- Plumbing and electrical safety
- Computer literacy and typing
- Substance abuse recovery groups
Graduates receive job placement help from community partners.
Bail and Release Information
Bail is set by a judge during first court appearance. Amounts depend on charges, criminal history, and flight risk. Bail can be paid in cash, by credit card, or through a bondsman. Pay at the jail lobby or online via the sheriff’s payment portal.
Release Process
Once bail is posted, inmates are released within 2–4 hours after paperwork clears. Sentenced inmates serve their full term before release. Early release is rare and requires court approval.
Getting Release Dates
Check the inmate search tool for estimated release dates. Exact times are not shared for security reasons. Families are notified by phone upon release if requested.
Security and Facility Operations
Lee County Jail uses cameras, electronic monitors, and staff patrols to keep everyone safe. Inmates are classified by risk level. High-risk individuals are housed separately. Staff train monthly in emergency response, de-escalation, and medical aid.
Daily Routine
Inmates wake at 6:00 AM, eat breakfast, and attend programs or work assignments. Lights out is at 10:00 PM. Recreation time is offered daily. Meals meet USDA nutrition standards.
Contact Lee County Jail
For questions or help, use these official contacts:
- Address: 2670 Ortiz Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33905
- Phone: (239) 477-1700
- Website: https://www.leegov.com/sheriff/jail
- Visitation Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Inmate Search: https://www.leegov.com/sheriff/jail/inmate-roster
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask about inmate rights, record access, and facility policies. Below are clear answers based on current Lee County rules and Florida law.
How do I find out if someone is in Lee County Jail?
Use the free inmate search tool on the Lee County Sheriff’s website. Enter the person’s full name or booking number. Results show current inmates only. If no match appears, they may be in another facility or already released. Call (239) 477-1700 to confirm.
Can I visit an inmate without scheduling ahead?
No. All visits—in-person and video—must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. Walk-ins are not allowed. Schedule online through the sheriff’s portal. Late arrivals lose their session. Bring a valid photo ID.
How much does it cost to call an inmate?
Phone calls cost $0.23 per minute. Families pay through Securus Technologies. Set up an account online or by phone. Inmates can only make outgoing calls. No incoming calls are allowed. Call logs are monitored.
Can I send money directly to an inmate’s commissary account?
Yes. Use JPay online, the JPay app, a lobby kiosk, or mail a money order. Cash and personal checks are not accepted. Funds post quickly and can be used for commissary, phone calls, or medical co-pays.
Are mugshots public record in Lee County?
Yes. Mugshots taken during booking are public records. They appear in the inmate search tool. To request a copy, submit a public records request to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Fees may apply. Some sites republish mugshots—contact them directly to request removal.
What happens if an inmate gets sick or injured?
Inmates receive immediate medical care. Nurses are on duty daily. Doctors visit regularly. Emergency services are called if needed. Families are notified for serious issues. All care follows state health standards.
How long does it take to get released after bail is posted?
Most inmates are released within 2–4 hours after bail clears. Time depends on paperwork and staffing. Sentenced inmates must serve their full term. Release times are not disclosed for safety.