How Much Does a Video Visit Really Cost at Sarasota County Jail?

Two different prices are published for video visits at Sarasota County Jail. The Sarasota County GTL VisitMe site lists the rate as "$0.18 per minute." A separate GTL-branded facility brochure shows "$12.00 for up to a 25 minute visit." These don't match. Treat them as two competing published prices until you see what actually appears at checkout.

For a 25-minute visit, the math breaks down like this: at $0.18 per minute, you'd pay $4.50 (25 × $0.18 = $4.50). The brochure's flat price is $12.00 for up to 25 minutes. That's a $7.50 difference. But since both prices are published, the amount at checkout is what counts.

• ✓ 5 minutes: $0.90 at $0.18/min vs $12.00 (brochure price is for up to 25 minutes)
• ✓ 10 minutes: $1.80 at $0.18/min vs $12.00 (up to 25 minutes)
• ✓ 30 minutes: $5.40 at $0.18/min vs $12.00 (the brochure only advertises $12.00 up to 25 minutes - verify what options you’re offered)
• ✓ 60 minutes: $10.80 at $0.18/min vs $12.00 (again, verify what visit lengths/pricing are actually available)
• ✓ Break-even point (math-only comparison): $12.00 ÷ $0.18 ≈ 66.7 minutes - above that, $0.18/min would exceed $12.00

This price mismatch matters because it affects both your budget and your risk. If you're expecting a $12.00 flat fee but the system charges per minute - or the other way around - you could authorize a cost you didn't plan for. And since refunds for internet visits won't be issued, catch any pricing surprises before you finalize payment.

Timing matters too. Online video visitation is available seven days a week, and you can schedule or cancel through the website or app. Published hours are 0830–1100, 1200–1800, and 2000–2200 - visits aren't available between 2200 and 0830. Availability may also be limited periodically for security protocols, so don't be surprised if your preferred time slot isn't always open.

Before you even reach checkout, make sure you can log in and schedule. All visitors must register for a video visitation account with a valid email address.

1. Screenshot the advertised rate you’re relying on - capture the page that shows “$0.18 per minute” and/or the “$12.00 for up to a 25 minute visit” language.
2. Screenshot the checkout total before you pay - include the visit length you selected and any price breakdown the system shows.
3. Save your confirmation details - keep any confirmation emails/receipts and note the date/time you scheduled.
4. Write down the visit info in one place - the account email you used, the inmate you selected, the scheduled time, and the length you attempted to book.
5. Act like refunds won’t happen - because the facility states refunds for internet visits will not be issued, treat documentation as your best protection if you need to dispute a mismatch.

1. Reach out through the VisitMe website/app support options - use the built-in help/support path tied to your account so your booking and charges are visible to support.
2. Contact the facility through its official visitation information page - describe the mismatch and keep your screenshots/receipts handy.
3. Move quickly - with “no refunds” stated for internet visits, it’s better to ask questions immediately rather than waiting until after the scheduled time passes.