Bail Bonds in Sarasota, Florida
Arrested in Sarasota? Bookings go through the North County Jail on Main Street. We connect you with licensed Sarasota County bondsmen who post there every day.
Two Jails: North County and South County
Sarasota County operates two separate jail facilities, divided geographically:
- North County Jail — 2020 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34237. This is the main booking facility for the county. All arrests in the Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, and northern unincorporated areas are processed here. Phone: (941) 861-4601.
- South County Jail — 1350 Ridgewood Avenue, Venice, FL 34293. Serves arrests in Venice, North Port, Englewood, and southern Sarasota County. Phone: (941) 480-3351.
Which facility the person is at depends on where the arrest happened. If you are not sure, call (941) 861-4601 and ask. The person's location affects where you go for pickup after release.
Search for inmates at sarasotasheriff.org using the inmate lookup tool.
Online Bail Payments Through GovPayNet
Sarasota County offers something most Florida counties do not: the ability to pay bail online for bonds up to $7,500. The system uses GovPayNet with Pay Location Code #8673.
You can pay through three channels:
- Online: Through the GovPayNet website using the pay location code
- By phone: Call 1-877-EZBAIL (1-877-392-2455)
- In person: Use the kiosk at the North County Jail facility
For bonds exceeding $7,500, you will need to either pay the full cash bond through the Clerk of Court or use a licensed bail bond agent who posts the full amount for the standard 10% premium.
First Appearance Schedule
The 12th Judicial Circuit sets its own first appearance schedule for Sarasota County:
- Monday through Friday: First appearance at 1:00 PM
- Weekends and court holidays: First appearance at 9:00 AM
The afternoon weekday schedule is notable. An arrest at 2:00 PM on a Wednesday means the person will not see a judge until 1:00 PM Thursday. That is nearly 24 hours in custody before a judge reviews the case. If the charge qualifies under the 12th Circuit's local bond schedule, the jail can process a pre-hearing release sooner. But for domestic battery and certain felonies, a court appearance is mandatory before any bond is set.
Property Pickup Restrictions
Sarasota County has a specific restriction on property return that catches families off guard:
The property section at the North County Jail does not process property returns during this 4-hour window daily. If you are picking someone up in the late afternoon, you may need to return the next day for personal belongings. Call (941) 861-4601 in advance to confirm items are ready.
The 12th Judicial Circuit
The 12th Circuit covers Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto counties. Each county has its own jail and booking process. An arrest in Bradenton (Manatee County) goes to a different facility than an arrest in Sarasota. If you are unsure which county the arrest occurred in, the bondsman can help you figure it out.
Sarasota County Resources
Nearby Cities
Nearby Cities in Arrests go to the North County
All arrests in these cities are processed through the county jail. The booking and bail process described above applies to every one of them.
Florida Bail Bond Protections
- 10% maximum premium — F.S. 648.44. Sarasota County agents follow the same statewide cap.
- Written contract required — Indemnity agreement before payment.
- 21-day collateral return — F.S. 648.442.
- DFS complaints: 1-877-693-5236 or myfloridacfo.com.
Someone Arrested in Sarasota?
A licensed Sarasota County bondsman who works both the North and South County jails is standing by.