Polk-county-jail-commissary services provide a way for families to give money to people staying in jail. This money lets them buy things they need like food, soap, and stamps. The system works through the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in Florida. People use the Central County Jail Annex or the South County Jail to make these deposits. You can put money into an account at a machine in the lobby. These machines are open at different times during the week. You can also use a website or a phone number to send money from your home. Every person in jail has a specific number you must use to send the funds. This ensures the money goes to the right person.
How to Use the Polk-County-Jail-Commissary Kiosk
The main way to add money is through a self-service machine called a kiosk. You can locate one kiosk at the Central County Jail Annex. The address is 2390 Bob Phillips Road in Bartow, Florida. This machine works 24 hours a day. It never closes. You can go there in the middle of the night if you need to. The machine takes cash and debit cards. It also takes prepaid vouchers. When you finish putting the money in, the machine gives you a paper slip. This slip shows the date and how much you paid. It also shows the ID number of the person in jail. The money gets to the account very fast. It usually takes just a few minutes.
There is another kiosk at the South County Jail in Frostproof. The address for this site is 1103 U.S. Highway 98 West. This machine has different hours. It is open from 7:00 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. every day. You must go during these times to use it. Like the other machine, this one prints a receipt. You should keep this paper. If there is a problem, the finance office will need to see it. You can call the finance office at 863-534-6210 if you have questions about your receipt. They work during normal business hours from Monday to Friday.
Using CorrectPay for Online Deposits
CorrectPay is the name of the service used for sending money online. You go to their website to start the process. You need the booking number of the person in jail. You also need the facility code for Polk County. These numbers make sure the money reaches the correct account. The website is safe to use. You can use a credit card or a debit card on the site. This is a good choice for people who live far away from Bartow or Frostproof. You do not have to drive to the jail to help your loved one.
You can also use the phone to send money through CorrectPay. The toll-free phone number is 855-836-3364. When you call, a machine will ask for the inmate’s details. You type in the numbers on your phone keypad. The phone system stays open all day and night. If you need help, you can ask for the commissary manager. They can help you with the steps. This service also lets you pay for video visits or send messages. Each of these things costs a different amount of money. You must set up a separate account for these extra services.
Mailing Money Orders to the Jail
Sending a money order through the mail is another choice. You must get the money order from a bank or a post office. Do not send cash in the mail. Cash can get lost or stolen. The money order must have the full name of the person in jail on it. You also need to write their ID number on the money order. Send the envelope to 2390 Bob Phillips Road, Bartow, FL 33830. This is the same address as the Central County Jail Annex. The jail staff will open the mail and put the money in the account. This takes longer than the kiosk or the website.
It usually takes about one business day for mailed money to show up. This happens after the jail gets the letter. There is a limit on how much you can send. You cannot send more than $1,000 in one transaction. If you send more, they might send it back. The jail finance clerk handles these letters. You can call them at 863-534-6153 if you want to check on a money order. They are in the office from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. They do not work on weekends or holidays.
What Inmates Buy with Commissary Money
People in jail use their money to buy many different items. The jail has a list of things they can choose from. This list changes every few months. Prices are shown on a screen inside the jail. Most people spend between $80 and $120 every month. They buy things to make their stay better. This includes snacks, hygiene items, and writing tools. If someone spends too much money, a case manager will talk to them. They help the person learn how to save money better. The jail limits the total amount of money someone can have. This limit is usually between $300 and $400 each month.
| Item Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Bag of Chips | $1.25 |
| Bar of Soap | $0.75 |
| Bottled Water | $0.60 |
| Stamp | $0.66 |
| Envelopes (Pack) | $1.50 |
| Toothpaste | $2.00 |
| Deodorant | $3.50 |
Rules and Limits for Spending
The jail has strict rules for how much money an inmate can use. The $300 to $400 monthly limit is for items like food and clothes. This limit does not count money used for phone calls or lawyers. If an inmate gets too much money, it stays in their account until the next month. They cannot spend it all at once. This keeps things fair for everyone in the jail. The commissary system is run with transparency. This means the prices are clear and the receipts show exactly what was bought. Inmates can see their balance at any time on the screens in their housing area.
If an inmate leaves the jail, they get their remaining money back. The jail usually gives them a debit card with the balance on it. They can use this card at stores or banks outside. If they owe money to the jail for medical fees, that money is taken out first. The finance office keeps track of all these costs. You can ask for a printout of the account if there is a question about the spending. This helps families see how the money was used. It is a good way to stay involved in the person’s care while they are away.
Locating Inmates in Polk County
Before you send money, you must be sure where the person is staying. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has a tool on their website for this. You can search by name or by the date they were arrested. This tool shows you the person’s booking number. You need this number for all deposits. The website stays updated, but sometimes there is a short delay. If you cannot see the person online, you can call the jail directly. The main number for jail questions is 863-298-6200. They can tell you which building the person is in.
The county has two main jails. The Central County Jail is for people who have already been to court. The Sheriff’s Processing Center is for people who just arrived. The address for the processing center is 7101 De Castro Road in Winter Haven. Knowing the right building helps you choose the right kiosk. If you go to the wrong building, you might not be able to put money in the machine. Always check the location before you drive to Bartow or Frostproof. This saves time and gas money.
Victim Alerts and VINE Services
VINE stands for Victim Information and Notification Everyday. This is a free service for people who want to know when an inmate moves. You can sign up with your phone number or email. If the person in jail gets released, the system sends you a message. It also sends a message if they go to a different jail or prison. This helps victims feel safer. You do not have to call the jail every day to check. The system does the work for you. It covers all the jails in Florida.
Your personal details are kept private when you sign up for VINE. The person in jail will not know you are watching their status. This is very helpful for people who need to stay away from the inmate. You can register at the VINE website or by calling their phone line. This service works in many states, not just Florida. It is a standard tool for law enforcement across the country. It links directly to the jail’s database for fast updates.
Polk County Jail in Georgia vs Florida
It is very important to know that there are two Polk Counties. One is in Florida and one is in Georgia. Many people get these confused. The Georgia jail is in a town called Cedartown. Their address is 1676 Rockmart Hwy. If you send money to the Georgia jail by mistake, the person in Florida will not get it. Always look at the state and the zip code before you pay. The Florida jail uses Bartow, Frostproof, and Winter Haven addresses. The Georgia jail uses Cedartown addresses. This is a common error that can cost you money.
The Georgia jail also uses kiosks and online portals. They have their own rules for money orders. They announced their deposit methods on January 4, 2023. They let people use a lobby kiosk or mail money to their specific address. If you are trying to help someone in the Florida jail, ignore the Georgia instructions. Double check the website URL to see if it says “FL” or “GA”. This will keep your money going to the right place. The Florida sheriff is Grady Judd, which is another way to tell you have the right site.
Contact and Location Details
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office headquarters is in Winter Haven. The address is 1891 Jim Keene Blvd. They are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week. You can call them at 1-800-226-0344 if you live outside the local area. For questions about jail stays, the Central County Jail is the best place to call. Their number is 863-534-6123. They can help with visiting times and general rules. Remember that each jail building might have different hours for visitors. You should check the schedule before you go.
Address: 2390 Bob Phillips Road, Bartow, FL 33830
Main Phone: 863-298-6200
Finance Office: 863-534-6210
Toll-Free: 1-800-226-0344
Visiting Hours: These vary by building. The South County Jail usually allows visits on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. You must be on the approved list to visit.
Related Search Terms and Resources
You may need other resources when dealing with the court system. These links can help you look for records in other places. These are often used by people looking for jail details in different counties.
- Inmate Search Belleville Il
- Calcasieu Parish Court Records
- Jake Austin California Jail
- Arlington County Criminal Records
- San Bernardino County Public Court Records
Frequently Asked Questions about Polk-County-Jail-Commissary
Many people have questions about how to send money and what happens to the funds. These questions cover the most common issues families face. Read these carefully to avoid mistakes with your payments. The jail staff is busy, so knowing these answers now will save you a phone call later. This section helps clarify the rules for kiosks, mail, and online spending.
How long does it take for the money to reach the inmate?
If you use the kiosk in the jail lobby, the money usually shows up in the account in just a few minutes. The machine talks to the jail’s computer system right away. Online payments through the CorrectPay website or phone line are also very fast. They usually take less than an hour. If you choose to mail a money order, the wait is much longer. The mail takes a few days to arrive. Then, the jail staff must open the mail and enter the details into the system. This usually happens within one business day after they get the letter. If you send money on a Friday afternoon, it might not show up until Monday or Tuesday. Always plan ahead so the person in jail does not run out of funds for food or phone calls.
What is the maximum amount of money I can send?
There are two different limits to keep in mind. First, there is a limit on the money order itself. You cannot send a single money order for more than $1,000. If you try to send more, the jail will likely reject it. Second, there is a limit on how much the inmate can actually spend each month. The jail caps this at $300 to $400 for store items. This does not include money for medical co-pays or calling home. If you put $500 in the account, the inmate can only spend up to the monthly cap. The rest of the money stays in the account for the next month. It is better to send smaller amounts every week or two. This helps the inmate manage their budget better. Most inmates find that $100 per month is enough to be comfortable.
Can I get a refund if I send money to the wrong person?
Getting a refund is very difficult once the money is in the system. The jail staff cannot easily move money from one account to another. If you make a mistake at the kiosk or online, you must call the finance office at 863-534-6210. You will need to show them your receipt. This is why keeping the paper slip from the machine is so important. If the money has already been spent by the inmate, you cannot get it back. Always double check the booking number and the spelling of the name before you hit the pay button. The system asks you to confirm the name of the person before it takes your money. If you send a money order to the wrong person, the finance clerk might be able to help if they catch it before they process the mail.
What happens to the money if the inmate is released?
When someone leaves the Polk County Jail, they do not lose their money. The jail calculates the remaining balance in the account. They take out any money owed for fees or damage. The rest of the money is given back to the person. Usually, this is done with a special debit card. This card can be used at gas stations, grocery stores, or ATMs. It works just like a regular bank card. If the inmate is being moved to a state prison, the money usually follows them. The jail sends a check or a wire transfer to the new facility. This can take a week or two to show up in the new prison account. You should wait until the person arrives at the new prison before sending more money to them.
Why is my deposit being rejected?
There are several reasons why a deposit might fail. One common reason is using the wrong inmate ID number. If the number does not match a person in the jail, the machine will not take the money. Another reason is the inmate’s status. If an inmate is in a special disciplinary area, their commissary rights might be stopped for a short time. Also, if you are using a credit card, your bank might block the charge because it looks unusual. Some prepaid cards do not work with the CorrectPay system. If you are mailing a money order, make sure it is from a real bank or the post office. Personal checks are never accepted. If a money order is messy or hard to read, the jail will send it back to you. Always write clearly with a black or blue pen.
Can I buy a care package instead of sending money?
Yes, Polk County sometimes allows families to buy pre-made care packages. These are bundles of snacks or hygiene items. You buy them through a specific website linked to the jail’s commissary provider. This is different from putting money on the account. When you buy a package, the jail staff delivers the specific items to the inmate. This ensures the money is spent on useful things rather than being used for other purposes. However, these packages still count toward the monthly spending limit. You should check the current rules on the sheriff’s website to see if care packages are available. They are often offered around holidays or during special times of the year. If you prefer to let the inmate choose their own snacks, sending money to the account is the best way.
Is there a fee for sending money?
Yes, there is a fee for almost every way you send money. The kiosk in the jail lobby charges a small fee for each transaction. Online and phone deposits through CorrectPay also have fees. These fees pay for the technology and the staff who manage the money. The fee amount often depends on how much money you are sending. Mailing a money order is the cheapest way because the jail does not charge a fee for processing mail. However, you have to pay for the money order itself and the postage stamp. You should check the screen at the kiosk or the website to see the exact fee before you pay. Knowing the fee helps you decide which method is best for your budget. Many people find the online fee is worth the time they save by not driving to the jail.