Florida State Prison, located in Raiford, Florida, is the largest prison in the state of Florida. With a capacity of 2,262 inmates, it houses some of the most dangerous and violent criminals in the state. The prison, which opened in 1961, has a long and controversial history, with numerous reports of violence, abuse, and mistreatment of inmates.
Over the years, Florida State Prison has been the subject of numerous investigations and lawsuits, with many critics calling for major reforms to the state’s prison system. Despite these challenges, the prison remains an important part of Florida’s criminal justice system, serving as a place of punishment and rehabilitation for thousands of inmates each year.
Whether you are a concerned citizen, a criminal justice professional, or simply curious about the state of Florida’s prison system, understanding the history and current state of Florida State Prison is an important step towards gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges facing the state’s criminal justice system.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 2,262 |
| Physical Address | 23916 NW 83rd Ave Raiford, Florida 32083 |
| Mailing Address | PO Box 23608 Tampa, FL 33623 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturdays and Sundays: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (904) 368-2500 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History of Florida State Prison
Florida State Prison (FSP) is a correctional facility located in Raiford, Florida. It was established in the early 20th century and has since undergone several changes and renovations. The prison is operated by the Florida Department of Corrections and is one of the oldest and largest prisons in the state.
The facility was initially built in 1913 and was known as the Florida State Prison Farm. It was designed to be a self-sufficient farm where inmates could grow their own food and learn valuable skills. However, over time, the prison’s focus shifted from agriculture to incarceration, and it became a maximum-security prison.
Throughout its history, FSP has been home to some of Florida’s most notorious criminals. In the 1950s, the prison was the site of several riots and disturbances, which resulted in significant changes to the state’s penal system. In the 1970s, FSP was the subject of a federal lawsuit that challenged the prison’s harsh living conditions.
Today, FSP is a complex of several different facilities, including death row, a mental health unit, and a close management unit. The prison houses over 2,262 adult male inmates, many of whom have been convicted of violent crimes.
Despite its troubled history, FSP has made significant strides in recent years to improve the lives of its inmates. The prison offers a variety of educational and vocational programs, including GED courses, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment. Additionally, FSP has implemented several reforms to improve the conditions of its facilities and reduce incidents of violence and abuse.
Overall, Florida State Prison has a complex and storied history, marked by both tragedy and progress. Today, it remains an important part of Florida’s correctional system, providing a secure and rehabilitative environment for some of the state’s most dangerous offenders.
Location and Physical Address
Florida State Prison is located in Raiford, Florida, which is a small town in Union County. The prison is situated approximately 50 miles southwest of Jacksonville, and it is easily accessible by road. The physical address of the prison is 23916 NW 83rd Ave, Raiford, Florida 32083.
Visitors to the prison can use GPS systems or online maps such as MapQuest, Bing Maps, or Google Maps to navigate to the facility. The New River Bridge, which spans the New River, is located near the prison and can be used as a landmark to find the facility.
In summary, Florida State Prison is located in Raiford, Florida, on SR-16 near the intersection of SR-121. The physical address of the prison is 23916 NW 83rd Ave, Raiford, Florida 32083. Visitors can use GPS systems or online maps to navigate to the facility, and the prison is easily accessible by car.
Population and Capacity
Florida has a large prison system that includes both state-run and privately managed facilities. As of December 31, 2020, there were 81,027 prisoners under the jurisdiction of the State of Florida correctional authorities. These prisoners were located in 143 state prisons and held in the custody of private prisons or local jails.
The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) is responsible for the custody of inmates in the state’s prisons. The FDC operates 50 major institutions, including 43 state prisons, four private prisons, and three re-entry centers. The FDC also oversees 17 private correctional facilities, which house approximately 12% of the state’s inmate population.
Florida’s prison system is designed to hold both adult and youthful adult male inmates. As of 2020, the state’s prison population was 81,027, which is a 7% decline from 2019. The prison population in Florida has been declining since 2011 when it reached a peak of 102,000 inmates.
The capacity of Florida’s prison system is determined by the number of beds available in each facility. The state’s prison system has a total capacity of 87,000 beds, which is based on the number of beds available in the state’s 143 prisons. However, the actual number of inmates in the system often exceeds the official capacity. As of 2020, the occupancy rate in Florida’s prisons was 93.2%.
In summary, Florida’s prison system is designed to hold both adult and youthful adult male inmates. As of 2020, there were 81,027 prisoners under the jurisdiction of the State of Florida correctional authorities, with an occupancy rate of 93.2%. The state’s prison system has a total capacity of 87,000 beds, which is based on the number of beds available in the state’s 143 prisons.
Academic and Educational Programs
Florida State Prison offers a range of academic and educational programs to inmates to support their rehabilitation and reentry into society. These programs include Adult Basic Education (ABE), General Educational Development (GED), and Special Education Services.
Inmates who lack basic literacy skills can enroll in ABE classes to improve their reading, writing, and math abilities. These classes are designed to help inmates acquire the skills they need to succeed in GED programs and vocational training programs. The GED program is offered to inmates who have not completed high school. Inmates who successfully complete the program receive a certificate that is equivalent to a high school diploma.
The prison also has a Special Education Services program for inmates with disabilities. This program provides individualized education plans and accommodates the unique needs of each inmate. In addition to these programs, the prison offers vocational training programs in areas such as carpentry, masonry, and culinary arts.
The Inmate Teaching Assistant Program (ITA) is another educational program offered at Florida State Prison. This program allows inmates with advanced education and teaching skills to assist instructors in ABE and GED classes. The ITA program provides inmates with an opportunity to develop leadership skills and gain valuable teaching experience.
Overall, Florida State Prison’s academic and educational programs are designed to help inmates acquire the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce and reintegrate into society. These programs are an essential part of the prison’s efforts to reduce recidivism rates and promote successful reentry.
Religious Services and Programs
Florida State Prison offers a range of religious services and programs to help inmates in their spiritual growth and development. The chaplaincy services at the prison provide spiritual guidance, counseling, and support to inmates from different faiths. The chaplains are available to meet with inmates on a one-on-one basis to discuss their spiritual needs and concerns.
Bible studies are also available to inmates who wish to deepen their knowledge of the Bible. The chapel library program provides inmates with access to religious literature, including Bibles, Qurans, and other religious texts. Inmates can also participate in religious education classes to learn more about their faith and how to apply it to their daily lives.
The prison recognizes the importance of religious holy day observance and rituals and offers special programs and events to help inmates celebrate their faith. Inmates are allowed to participate in worship services and observe religious holidays according to their faith traditions.
Religious volunteer activities are also available at the prison. Volunteers from different faith communities come to the prison to provide spiritual support and guidance to inmates. Inmates can participate in special religious events, such as retreats and conferences, to deepen their spiritual knowledge and understanding.
Inmates who are experiencing a spiritual crisis or adjustment issues can also receive spiritual crisis and adjustment counseling. The prison offers spiritual advisor visits to help inmates cope with their emotional and spiritual needs.
Overall, Florida State Prison recognizes the importance of religious services and programs in the rehabilitation and growth of inmates. The prison strives to provide a safe and supportive environment for inmates to explore and develop their spirituality.
Institutional Betterment Programs
The Florida State Prison offers various institutional betterment programs to inmates to help them improve their lives and reduce recidivism rates. These programs aim to provide inmates with the necessary skills and knowledge to become productive members of society upon release.
One of the programs offered is the 100-hour transition program, which helps inmates transition back into society by providing them with job skills, education, and life skills training. The program includes courses on resume writing, interviewing skills, and financial management.
The prison also offers Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous programs for inmates struggling with addiction. These programs provide support and guidance to help inmates overcome their addiction and maintain sobriety.
Inmates in close management also have access to a wellness program that includes counseling, stress management, and anger management courses. The program aims to help inmates manage their emotions and improve their mental health.
The law library program and library program provide inmates with access to legal and educational resources. Inmates can use these resources to research legal issues and further their education.
The Motivation to Change program aims to help inmates identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. The program uses cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques to help inmates develop positive coping mechanisms and improve their decision-making skills.
The Unlock Your Thinking program is another cognitive-behavioral therapy program that helps inmates develop critical thinking skills. The program teaches inmates how to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and develop positive thinking habits.
The Victim Impact program is a restorative justice program that allows inmates to hear from victims of crime. The program aims to help inmates understand the impact of their actions on others and take responsibility for their actions.
Finally, the Listen and Learn program is a communication skills program that teaches inmates how to communicate effectively with others. The program includes courses on active listening, conflict resolution, and assertiveness.
Overall, the institutional betterment programs offered by the Florida State Prison aim to help inmates improve their lives and reduce recidivism rates. These programs provide inmates with the necessary skills and knowledge to become productive members of society upon release.
Correspondence and Contact Information
Florida State Prison provides various ways for inmates to communicate with their families and friends. Correspondence is an essential part of their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Address and Phone Number
The Florida State Prison’s mailing address is:
Florida State Prison
Post Office Box 800
Raiford, Florida 32083For general inquiries, you can call the prison’s main phone number at (904) 368-2500. However, note that this phone number is for general inquiries only and not for inmate-related questions.
Inmate Correspondence
Inmates can receive mail and packages from their families and friends. All incoming mail must have the inmate’s full name, DC number, and the institution’s address. The mail should not contain any prohibited items, such as drugs, weapons, or pornography.
Inmates can also send letters to their families and friends. They can purchase postage stamps and stationery items from the prison commissary.
Phone Calls
Inmates can make phone calls to their families and friends. They can purchase phone cards from the prison commissary to make these calls. Phone calls are monitored and recorded for security purposes.
Visitation
Visitation is an essential part of an inmate’s rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Regular visiting is held on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. EST. Please check the Florida Department of Corrections’ website for the latest updates on visitation policies and procedures.