How to visit, scheduling, dress code, and visitor requirements
All visits at Manatee Jail require an appointment. Register on the visitation website, then schedule up to seven days in advance (or as late as one day before). First-time visitors can call to book a visit for the following day during posted hours. Visits are non-contact video sessions held at the Visitation Center, 2705 County Line Road, Palmetto, FL. Hours are 8 a.m.–1 p.m. and 2 p.m.–7 p.m. daily. Each inmate can receive up to three one-hour visits per week, with a maximum of two visits per day. Up to three visitors can attend at once, including children. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult unless married with valid documentation. Arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before your scheduled time—late arrivals may be canceled. All visits are monitored and recorded, and only limited personal items are allowed inside.
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
Scheduling your first visit at Manatee Jail is straightforward once you understand the timing rules. This guide covers registration, booking an appointment, and checking in—so your visit goes smoothly.
Scheduling your first visit at Manatee Jail's Visitation Center is straightforward once you know the timing rules. Follow these steps to book your visit and arrive prepared.
Manatee Jail allows each inmate three one-hour visits per week. Keep this cap in mind when coordinating with other family members who also want to visit.
Manatee Jail caps how many visits an inmate can receive, how long each one lasts, and how far ahead you can book. Here's what you need to know to plan around those limits.
Manatee Jail visitation goes smoothly when you show up with the right ID, appropriate clothing, and as little as possible in your hands. Use the checklists below to avoid getting turned away at the Visitation Center.
Manatee Jail visits go smoothly when you bring the right ID, follow the dress code, and leave prohibited items—especially your phone—outside the Visitation Center. Here's what to know before you walk in.
Complete the PREA professional visitor forms and email them to ProfessionalVisitors@manateesheriff.com. You’ll also need to register and verify with ViaPath; once verified, your account is updated to “Professional Visitor,” and you can schedule remote video visits through ViaPath.
Don't arrive more than 15 minutes before your scheduled start. Late check-ins after the start time aren't allowed, and if you show up 15 minutes after your scheduled time, the visit is automatically canceled. For scheduling help, call the facility help line during posted hours.
Yes. You can deposit funds at the Visitation Center using the on-site Cobra Cash Machine, which accepts cash in multiples of $5 up to $100 and also takes debit and credit cards; for visitation or video support issues, contact ViaPath technical support.
Need to put money on someone's account at Manatee Jail? You have five facility-approved options: the Visitation Center cash kiosk (Cobra Cash Machine), online deposits through SmartDeposit (PLC #5500), phone deposits, and mailing a money order. For speed, the kiosk and SmartDeposit are your best bets—both let you complete the transaction immediately as long as you have the inmate's booking number. Whichever method you choose, double-check that booking number before you hit submit. Some transactions can't be canceled and aren't refundable.
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.
Setting up phone calls from Manatee County Jail comes down to one thing: getting ready to accept collect calls. Here's how the system works, how to register with OffenderConnect/AdvancePay, and what to know about managing your account.
