Pinellas County, FL – Starting Monday, September 30, all inmate visitations at the Pinellas County Jail will move fully online, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
The change eliminates in-person visitation, allowing families to connect remotely through video calls, email, and photo sharing. Officials said the move is designed to improve access by removing transportation barriers and expanding visitation hours.
According to the sheriff’s office, families will now be able to schedule visits in advance or inmates can request “on-demand” sessions. Remote visits will be available daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. using a computer or smartphone.
The updated system also expands communication options. Email messages of up to 30,000 characters—roughly 8 to 10 pages—are permitted, and families can share appropriate photos. Each inmate will also receive four free 30-minute visits per week.
Previously, families had to travel to the jail’s visitation center during limited daytime hours, where access was capped at about 23 visits at a time due to staffing requirements. Officials say the remote-only model is expected to significantly increase capacity while making it easier for loved ones to stay connected.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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