How to Send Mail to the Palm Beach County Jail

The Mailing Address

Write the address on the postcard like this:

[Booked Name] [Jacket Number]
[Cell Assignment]
Main Detention Center
P.O. Box 24716
West Palm Beach, FL 33416

PBSO requires all three: the name the person was booked under, their jacket number and their cell assignment. You can find the person and their booking on the PBSO Booking Blotter.

If the person is held at the West Detention Center in Belle Glade instead, use P.O. Box 1450, Belle Glade, FL 33430.

Postcards Only

PBSO has accepted postcards only since September 19, 2011. The one exception is privileged mail, such as mail from an attorney. Any letter sent in an envelope is returned to the sender.

Your postcard must follow these rules:

• At least 3.5 x 5 inches and no larger than 4.25 x 6 inches. These are the U.S. Postal Service postcard sizes.
• Handwritten or typed in black or blue ink.
• Addressed with the booked name, jacket number and cell assignment.

Can I Send Photos?

Plan on sending words only. PBSO’s mail notice in Spanish and in Haitian Creole says postcards must be one color, with no photos, art or graphic designs. The English notice does not list a photo rule, but it does limit mail to plain postcards, and letters with photos tucked inside an envelope are returned.

Books, Newspapers and Magazines

Reading material is allowed if it follows PBSO’s rules:

• It must come straight from the publisher or a licensed commercial warehouse, with the booked name, jacket number and cell assignment on the mailing label.
• Books must be new softcover paperbacks. A person can have up to four books, including religious books.
• A person can subscribe to one daily or weekly newspaper and up to four periodicals.

Sending Money

Money can still be mailed in an envelope if it is addressed correctly to the facility. PBSO accepts government checks but not payroll checks. Most families deposit through Access Corrections instead, online at accesscorrections.com, by phone at 866-394-0490, or at a jail lobby kiosk.

Why Mail Gets Returned

PBSO returns mail when:

• The address on the outside is wrong or missing the booked name, jacket number or cell assignment.
• It holds an item that isn’t allowed, or it isn’t a postcard.
• The person was released or moved out of PBSO custody.
• It breaks another facility rule.

Check the Booking Blotter before you mail anything, so you know the person is still in PBSO custody.

Staying in Touch with Pigeonly

Pigeonly helps families stay connected with loved ones in jail and prison. Before you mail anything to this jail, follow the postcard rules above, since PBSO does not accept letters in envelopes.