Pinellas County Jail Launches New Remote Inmate Visitation System (25-111)
PINELLAS COUNTY — The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Jail Facility is implementing a modernization initiative with the launch of a remote communications platform powered by Smart Communications. This upgrade represents a significant advancement in how inmates interact with family members, friends, and legal professionals, providing enhanced flexibility, security, and accessibility.
Under the updated system, in-person visits will be restricted to professional or specially authorized visits approved by Jail Command. All other visits will transition to a fully remote format, conducted via video through kiosks and portable tablets located in every housing unit.
The Pinellas County Jail – Visitation Center will be officially closed on October 1, 2025.
Remote Video Visitation Now Available
Family members, friends, and legal professionals can now schedule and conduct video visits from the convenience of their homes using a smartphone or personal computer. To begin, visitors must create an account at www.smartinmate.com, where they will have access to tools for scheduling visits, sending electronic messages, and sharing photos.
Visitation is available daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with appointments offered in 30-minute increments.
Additionally, an on-demand visitation option is now available. If a visitor is already connected with an inmate through www.smartinmate.com, the inmate may initiate a visit request at any time during designated visitation hours.
Professional and Attorney Visitation
Legal professionals now have the option to conduct remote visits and send privileged communications through the Smart Communications platform. To register for this service, attorneys must provide both a government-issued ID and a valid Florida Bar card.
In-person professional visits remain available Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Florida attorneys may access this service during regular business hours without prior approval. However, out-of-state attorneys desiring access must submit requests in advance to pcj_visitationrequests@pcsonet.com.
Court-appointed professionals are also required to submit documentation of their assignment, along with a list of necessary items for approval, prior to each visit.
A Step Toward Safer, More Accessible Communication
This modernization strengthens security, streamlines operational processes, and ensures that inmates can maintain essential connections with their families, friends, and legal representatives. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office remains dedicated to delivering safe, efficient, and humane services to the community.
All updates will take effect on October 1, 2025. Beginning September 17, 2025, visitors will have the opportunity to pre-schedule appointments up to two weeks in advance.
For additional information or assistance, please visit www.smartinmate.com.
