5 Ways to Send Money to Someone at Manatee Jail (Mail, Online, Phone, Kiosk, Cobra)
Want to put money on someone's account at Manatee Jail? You'll need to use one of the approved deposit methods—inmates can't hold cash or cards inside.
Inmates at Manatee Jail can't keep cash, credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, or checks. When someone's booked in, the Property Unit inventories and secures any money and valuables until release. That's why you have to deposit funds into their inmate account - it's the only way they can make approved purchases and payments while inside.
- Buy a money order - Purchase a money order in any denomination.
- Make it payable correctly - Write the payee exactly as: “MCSO Inmate Account.”
- Add the inmate details - On the memo line, write the inmate’s name and booking number.
- Keep your proof - Keep the purchaser copy for your records.
- Mail the original only - Send the original money order (no other correspondence) to:
- For Deposit Only
- Manatee County Central Jail
- 14470 Harlee Road
- Palmetto FL 34221
Tip: Hold onto the money order purchaser copy - if there’s ever a question about the deposit, that’s your best proof of payment.
You can deposit money online through SmartDeposit using a Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card. When prompted for the facility identifier, enter PLC# 5500. One thing to know: transactions for this facility can't be canceled, and refunds aren't allowed. Double-check the inmate details before you submit.
Warning: SmartDeposit transactions for PLC# 5500 can’t be canceled and no refunds are allowed - double-check the inmate information before you hit submit.
Prefer to deposit by phone? Call 1-866-394-0490. Phone deposits are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
For in-person deposits, head to the cash kiosk at the Visitation Center: 2705 County Line Road, Palmetto FL 34221. The kiosk is open 7:45 AM to 7:30 PM and accepts cash or credit card. Bring the inmate's booking number - you'll need it to complete the deposit.
- ✓ Bring the inmate’s booking number (required)
- ✓ Cash must be in $5 increments (no $1 bills)
- ✓ Cash is accepted up to $100 per transaction (in multiples of $5)
- ✓ Credit/debit cards are accepted
Tip: Skip the $1 bills - bring $5s, $10s, or $20s so the kiosk doesn’t reject your cash deposit.
Need speed? SmartDeposit is usually the fastest option - but remember, transactions for PLC# 5500 can't be canceled and refunds aren't allowed. Phone deposits (1-866-394-0490, Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM) offer a good middle ground if you want guidance through the process. The Visitation Center kiosk works well for same-day, in-person deposits during its 7:45 AM–7:30 PM window, especially if you're paying cash. Mailing a money order gives you the clearest paper trail but takes longer. Whatever method you choose, keep your proof: the money order purchaser copy, online confirmation, phone receipt details, or kiosk receipt.
Watch for the two big pitfalls: SmartDeposit (PLC# 5500) is non-refundable, and mailed money orders should always be backed up by your purchaser copy.
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