Hardee Correctional Institution is a mixed-security prison located in Bowling Green, Florida that houses male inmates of minimum, medium, and close custody levels. The facility has medical (M) grades 1, 2, and 3, and psychology (S) grades 1 and 2. Hardee CI is required to conduct triennial surveys of the physical and mental health care systems at the institution and report survey findings to the Secretary of Corrections, as mandated by the Correctional Medical Authority (CMA).
The CMA is responsible for ensuring that inmates in Florida’s correctional institutions receive adequate health care services. In March 2021, the CMA conducted an off-site Access to Care Review of Hardee Correctional Institution to determine whether inmates had adequate access to timely physical, dental, and mental health essential healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The survey report was distributed on April 20, 2021. The report found that the institution had made significant progress in improving access to care since the last survey in 2016. However, the report also identified areas where improvement was needed, including scheduling appointments for inmates with chronic illnesses.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 2,098 |
| Physical Address | 6901 State Road 62 Bowling Green, Florida 33834-9505 |
| 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 | (863) 767-3100 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Institution Overview
Hardee Correctional Institution (HARCI) is a prison facility located in Bowling Green, Florida. It is designed to house male and female adult inmates of minimum, medium, and close custody levels. The facility has a capacity of 2098 inmates, and it is operated by the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC).
HARCI is designed to provide a safe, secure, and humane environment for inmates while also providing opportunities for rehabilitation and personal growth. The institution offers educational and vocational programs, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and religious services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release.
As of the latest available data, the population of HARCI was approximately 2,098 inmates. The facility is staffed by approximately 450 employees, including correctional officers, medical staff, and administrative personnel.
HARCI has been the subject of several surveys and assessments conducted by the Correctional Medical Authority to evaluate the quality of physical and mental health services provided at the institution, identify deficiencies in care and treatment, and assess institutional compliance with FDC’s policies and procedures. The most recent survey was conducted in March 2021, which focused on the off-site access to care review during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Contact Information
If you need to contact Hardee Correctional Institution, you can use the following information:
Physical Address
Hardee Correctional Institution is located at 6901 State Road 62, Bowling Green, FL 33834.
Phone
You can contact Hardee Correctional Institution by phone at (863) 767-3100. Please note that all calls are subject to monitoring and recording.
Fax
The fax number for Hardee Correctional Institution is (863) 767-4504.
It is important to note that if you are trying to contact a specific inmate, you should not use these contact methods. Instead, you should visit the Florida Department of Corrections website and use their offender search tool to find the appropriate contact information.
If you are unsure of who to contact or have general questions about Hardee Correctional Institution, you can contact the institution’s main number and they will direct you to the appropriate person or department.
Visiting Information
Hardee Correctional Institution recognizes the importance of visitation in maintaining family and community ties. In order to ensure the safety and security of all individuals, HARCI has established specific guidelines and procedures for visitation.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at HARCI are scheduled by housing unit and are subject to change. Visitors are encouraged to check with the institution for the most up-to-date information. Generally, visitation is held on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Visitors are advised to arrive early to allow time for processing.
Directions
HARCI is located at 6901 State Road 62, Bowling Green, FL 33834. Visitors can find directions to the institution by visiting the Hardee County, FL website. Visitors are advised to plan their route in advance and to allow ample time for travel.
Apply
In order to visit an inmate at HARCI, visitors must complete an application and be approved by the institution. Applications can be obtained from the institution or downloaded from the Florida Department of Corrections website. Visitors must provide valid identification and pass a security screening before being allowed to visit. It is recommended that visitors review the institution’s visitation guidelines before arriving.
Overall, HARCI strives to provide a safe and secure environment for all individuals. Visitors are expected to adhere to all institutional rules and regulations during their visit. Failure to comply with these rules may result in the termination of the visit and/or disciplinary action.
Inmate Services
Hardee Correctional Institution provides a variety of services to inmates to ensure their basic needs are met. These services include access to healthcare, food, and hygiene products. In addition to these necessities, inmates have access to a range of other services, which are discussed below.
Inmate Search
Friends and family members can use the Inmate Information Online tool to search for inmates at Hardee Correctional Institution. The tool allows users to search for inmates by name or SPN# (State Prison Number). Once an inmate is located, users can view their mugshot, physical description, and incarceration details.
Send Money
Friends and family members of inmates can send money to their loved ones using JPay, a service that allows users to send money electronically. To use JPay, users must create an account and add funds to their account. Once funds are added, users can send money to inmates at Hardee Correctional Institution. Funds can be used to purchase items from the commissary or to pay for phone calls.
Games
Inmates at Hardee Correctional Institution have access to a variety of games to help pass the time. These games include chess, checkers, and playing cards. Inmates can also participate in organized sports and other recreational activities.
Snacks
Inmates at Hardee Correctional Institution can purchase snacks and other food items from the commissary. The commissary offers a variety of snacks, including chips, candy, and ramen noodles. Inmates can also purchase hygiene products, such as toothpaste and soap, from the commissary. Prices for commissary items are competitive with those found in retail stores.
Overall, Hardee Correctional Institution provides a range of services to inmates to ensure their basic needs are met. These services include access to healthcare, food, and hygiene products, as well as recreational activities and the ability to receive money from friends and family.
Educational Programs
Hardee Correctional Institution provides a range of educational programs to its inmates to help them acquire skills and knowledge that can be useful to them upon their release. These programs include GED, Basic Education, Carpentry, and Theological Seminary.
GED
The General Educational Development (GED) program is designed to help inmates earn their high school equivalency diplomas. The program covers four subjects: mathematics, science, social studies, and language arts. Inmates who complete the program can take the GED test and earn their diploma, which can improve their chances of finding employment upon their release.
Basic Education
In addition to the GED program, Hardee Correctional Institution also offers basic education courses in reading, writing, and mathematics. These courses are designed for inmates who need to improve their literacy and numeracy skills. Inmates who complete the basic education courses can move on to more advanced courses, such as the GED program.
Carpentry
Hardee Correctional Institution offers a carpentry program that provides inmates with the skills and knowledge they need to work in the carpentry industry. The program covers topics such as safety, tool use, and construction techniques. Inmates who complete the program can earn a certificate in carpentry, which can help them find employment upon their release.
Theological Seminary
The Theological Seminary program at Hardee Correctional Institution provides inmates with the opportunity to study theology and earn a degree in religious studies. The program covers topics such as biblical studies, theology, and pastoral care. Inmates who complete the program can earn a degree in religious studies, which can help them pursue a career in the ministry upon their release.
Overall, Hardee Correctional Institution provides a range of educational programs to its inmates to help them acquire the skills and knowledge they need to succeed upon their release. These programs can improve inmates’ chances of finding employment and leading successful lives outside of prison.
Rehabilitation Programs
Hardee Correctional Institution offers various rehabilitation programs to help inmates prepare for their return to society. The programs are designed to help inmates address their personal issues and develop skills that will help them lead productive lives after release.
God Behind Bars
The God Behind Bars program is a faith-based program that focuses on helping inmates develop a relationship with God. The program offers Bible studies, worship services, and counseling services to help inmates grow in their faith and develop a moral compass. The program also provides support for inmates who are struggling with addiction, depression, or other personal issues.
Parenting
The Parenting program is designed to help inmates who are parents develop the skills they need to be good parents. The program covers topics such as child development, communication skills, and discipline strategies. The program also provides support for inmates who are dealing with custody issues or other parenting-related problems.
Narcotics Anonymous
The Narcotics Anonymous program is a 12-step program that is designed to help inmates who are struggling with addiction. The program offers support, encouragement, and guidance to help inmates overcome their addictions and develop a sober lifestyle. The program also provides resources for inmates who are dealing with addiction-related legal issues.
Alcoholics Anonymous
The Alcoholics Anonymous program is a 12-step program that is designed to help inmates who are struggling with alcohol addiction. The program offers support, guidance, and resources to help inmates overcome their addictions and develop a sober lifestyle. The program also provides resources for inmates who are dealing with alcohol-related legal issues.
Anger Resolution
The Anger Resolution program is designed to help inmates who struggle with anger management issues. The program covers topics such as identifying triggers, relaxation techniques, and communication skills. The program also provides support for inmates who are dealing with anger-related legal issues.
Overall, Hardee Correctional Institution offers a variety of rehabilitation programs to help inmates address their personal issues and develop the skills they need to lead productive lives after release.