Find an Inmate at Bay Correctional Facility

How to Search the FDOC Offender Search

Go to pubapps.fdc.myflorida.com/OffenderSearch/Search.aspx. Enter the person’s last name in the Last Name field and click Search. To see a broader list, enter a partial last name or use the percent sign (%) to display all inmates in the system. You can also filter by first name, DC number, or race to narrow down common last names.

What the Results Show

Each result links to the inmate’s full profile. The profile shows:

• Full legal name and any aliases
• DC number (their unique Florida DOC ID)
• Current facility (this is where they are held right now)
• Custody status (active, released, on supervision)
• Offenses and current sentence information
• Photo
• Projected release date

Write down the DC number. You will need it for Correct Pay deposits, ConnectNetwork/AdvancePay phone setup, and mail addressing.

Why Someone Might Not Appear in Search Results

Recently transferred: After an inmate moves facilities, the database can take one to several days to update. Keep checking back if you know the person was recently moved.

Recently booked: Someone who was arrested recently and has not yet been sentenced is held in a county jail, not FDOC. Bay County has its own inmate search through the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. Contact the county sheriff’s office directly or use VINE at vinelink.com.

Released or discharged: If the person completed their sentence, they will still appear in the database with a released or discharged status.

Common last names: If a search returns too many results, add a first name or partial first name to narrow the list.

What the DC Number Is and Why It Matters

The DC number is the inmate’s permanent Florida DOC ID, assigned when they enter FDOC custody. This number stays with them for their entire sentence, even across transfers. You need it for every Correct Pay deposit, to set up a ConnectNetwork/AdvancePay phone account, and to format mail correctly. Write it down exactly as it appears on the search results page.

Confirming Before You Visit or Send Money

Before making a trip to Bay Correctional Facility, confirm the inmate is still there through the FDOC search. Transfers can happen with little advance notice, and you may not always find out ahead of time.

The FDOC Offender Search also lets you schedule a visit directly from the inmate’s profile page once you are an approved visitor. This is the same portal used to submit the weekly Visitation Scheduling Form.

For release notifications, sign up for VINE alerts at vinelink.com or call 1-877-894-8463. VINE sends a text, email, or phone call when the inmate’s custody status changes, including transfers and releases.

What to Do If the Person Is Not Found

If you searched and cannot find the person, try these steps before calling the facility:

1. Double-check the spelling. Try a partial last name instead of the full spelling.
2. Search by DC number if you already have it. This is the most reliable method.
3. Use % in the last name field to confirm the search tool itself is working correctly.
4. If the person was recently sentenced, allow a few days for FDOC to receive their record from county jail.
5. If you still cannot find them, call Bay Correctional Facility at (850) 769-1455.

Confirming Facility Details Before Contact

Once you find the inmate’s profile, cross-check the facility name against Bay Correctional Facility’s official details: located at 5400 Bayline Drive, Panama City, FL 32404-5492, in Bay County, operated by The GEO Group, Inc. under contract with FDOC. This confirms you have the correct facility before setting up money, phone, or mail arrangements.