How to post a bond:  

If the inmate’s charges have a bond amount, the inmate can post bond or have someone post bond to facilitate his/her release.

Surety Bonds are accepted from registered bonding agents. A list of registered bonding agents is located in the enclosed case just outside of the Public Lobby area. You may also refer to the telephone book or internet. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office cannot and will not recommend a bonding agent.

Cash Bonds are accepted in the full amount of the bond. In order to post a cash bond, you will need to present a valid photo I.D. The following only is accepted:

  • Bank Checks
  • Traveler’s Checks issued by an American bank
  • Cash (Bills may be checked for possible counterfeit bills.)
  • Money Orders

Bank Checks, Traveler’s Checks or Money Orders must be made payable to the Clerk of the Circuit Court. These checks must identify that the funds are to be used for an inmate’s bond; include the inmate’s name and docket number on the face of the check; and include the depositor’s name and full address. No personal checks will be accepted.

Important Notice
F.S. 903.286 requires the Clerk of the Court to withhold from the return of a cash bond posted on behalf of a criminal defendant by a person other than a bail bond agent, sufficient funds to pay any unpaid court fees, court costs, and criminal penalties. This means that if the defendant for whom you are posting bond owes costs and penalties, those fees will be taken out of the bond money you posted. You may receive only a portion or none of the posted bond money even though the defendant makes all timely court appearances.

F.S. 903.26(2)(b) states that if a defendant fails to appear at the time, date and place of required appearance, the bond money will be forfeited.

Child Support Purges are accepted in the full amount of the purge. You must present a valid photo I.D. All bank checks, Travelers’ Checks and Money Orders must be made payable to the Clerk of the Circuit Court. No personal checks will be accepted. This payment must be on a separate check or money order if a bond is being posted at the same time.