The state of Florida has one of the largest prison populations in the United States, with over 94,000 individuals currently incarcerated.
The state’s prison system has been the subject of much scrutiny and criticism, with concerns raised about issues such as overcrowding, inadequate healthcare, and inhumane treatment of prisoners.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to reform the state’s criminal justice system, with advocates pushing for changes such as reducing mandatory minimum sentences and investing in alternatives to incarceration.
In this article, we will explore the current state of Florida’s prisons, the challenges they face, and the efforts being made to address them.
State Prisons
| Prison Name | Location | Inmate Capacity | Security Level | Gender | Operator/ Manager |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apalachee Correctional Institution, East Unit | Sneads, Jackson County | 1,300+ | Minimum, Medium, Closed | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Apalachee Correctional Institution, West Unit | Sneads | 915 | Minimum to Closed | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Avon Park Correctional Institution | Avon Park | 950 | Level IV | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Baker Correctional Institution | Sanderson | 1,165 | Minimum to Closed | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Bay Correctional Facility | Panama City | 980 | Minimum to Medium | Male | Management & Training Corporation |
| Blackwater River Correctional Facility | Milton | 2,000 | Minimum, Medium, Close | Male | The GEO Group, Inc. |
| Calhoun Correctional Institution | Blountstown | 1,350 | Minimum, Medium, Closed custody | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Central Florida Reception Center | Orlando | 1,670 | Minimum to Closed Custody | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Central Florida Reception Center, East Unit | Orange County | 1,400 | Various Custody Levels | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Central Florida Reception Center, South Unit | Orlando | 150 | Closed Custody to Minimum Custody | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Century Correctional Institution | Escambia County | 1,340 | All Custody Levels | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Charlotte Correctional Institution | Punta Gorda | 1,300 | Minimum, Medium, Closed custody | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Columbia Correctional Institution | Lake City | 1,430 | Minimum, Medium, Closed custody | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Cross City Correctional Institution | Dixie County | 1,000 | Minimum, Medium, Closed custody | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Dade Correctional Institution | Florida City | 1,520 | Minimum, Medium, Closed custody | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Desoto Annex | Arcadia | 1,450 | Minimum, Medium, Closed custody | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Everglades Correctional Institution | Miami | 1,790 | Minimum to closed custody | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Florida State Prison | Bradford County | 1,460 | Minimum to maximum custody | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Franklin Correctional Institution | Carrabelle, Franklin County | 1,350 | Level V | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Gadsden Correctional Facility | Quincy | 1,550 | Level III | Female | Management and Training Corporation |
| Graceville Correctional Institution | Jackson County | 1,884 | Level V | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Gulf Correctional Institution | Wewahitchka, Gulf County | 1,570 | Level V | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Hamilton Correctional Institution | Jasper | 1,180 | Level IV | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Hardee Correctional Institution | Bowling Green | 1,540 | Level VI | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Hernando Correctional Institution | Brooksville | 470 | Level III | Female | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Holmes Correctional Institution | Bonifay | 1,185 | Level IV | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Homestead Correctional Institution | Dade County | 668 | Level IV | Female | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Jackson Correctional Institution | Malone | 1,350 | Level V | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Jefferson Correctional Institution | Monticello | 1,180 | Level IV | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Lake City Correctional Institution | Columbia County | 900 | Level IV | Male | Management & Training Corporation |
| Lake Correctional Institution | Clermont | 1,100 | Minimum, Medium, Closed Custody | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Lancaster Correctional Institution | Trenton | 730 | Minimum, Medium, Closed Custody | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Lawtey Correctional Institution | Bradford County | 832 | Minimum, Medium Security | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Liberty Correctional Institution | Bristol | 1,330 | Minimum, Medium, Closed Custody | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Lowell Correctional Institution and Annex | Ocala | Varies | Minimum to Closed Custody | Female | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Madison Correctional Institution | Madison County | 1,190 | Mix of Security Levels | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Marion Correctional Institution | Ocala | 1,325 | Minimum, Medium, Closed | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Martin Correctional Institution | Indiantown | 1,510 | Minimum, Medium, Closed | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Mayo Correctional Institution and Annex | Lafayette County | 1,345 | Minimum, Medium, Closed | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Moore Haven Correctional Facility | Glades County | 985 | Minimum, Medium | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Northwest Florida Reception Center and Annex | Chipley | 1,300 | Minimum, Medium, Closed | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Okaloosa Correctional Institution | Crestview | 900 | Minimum, Medium, Closed | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Okeechobee CI | Okeechobee | 1,632 | Minimum, Medium, Closed | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Polk Correctional Institution | Polk City | 1,208 | Minimum, Medium, Closed | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Putnam Correctional Institution | East Palatka | 458 | Minimum, Medium | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Quincy Annex | Gadsden | 408 | Minimum, Medium, Closed | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Reception and Medical Center | Lake Butler | 2,650 | Level VI (Main), Level IV (West) | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Santa Rosa CI | Milton | 3,092 | Minimum, Medium | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| South Bay Correctional Facility | Palm Beach County | 1,948 | Minimum, Medium, Maximum, Closed custody | Male | GEO Group |
| South Florida Reception Center | Doral | 2,204 | Minimum, Medium, Closed custody | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Sumter Correctional Institution | Bushnell | 1,640 | Minimum, Medium, Closed custody | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Suwannee Correctional Institution and Annex | Live Oak | 1,502 | Minimum, Medium, Closed custody | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Taylor Correctional Institution | Perry | 1,300 | Minimum, Medium, Closed custody | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Tomoka Correctional Institution | Daytona Beach | 1,263 | Medium, Minimum, Closed custody | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Union Correctional Institution | Raiford | 2,172 | Maximum, Minimum, Medium, Closed | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Wakulla Correctional Institution | Crawfordville | 1,532 | Minimum, Medium | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Walton Correctional Institution | De Funiak Springs | 1,200 | Minimum, Medium, Closed | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Zephyrhills Correctional Institution | Pasco County | 758 | Minimum, Medium, Closed | Male | Management and Training Corporation |
Apalachee Correctional Institution, East Unit
Apalachee Correctional Institution East Unit is a state prison for men located in Sneads, Jackson County, Florida. It has the capacity to house over 1,300 adult male inmates across different security levels, including closed custody, medium custody, and minimum custody inmates.
The facility offers a variety of programs aimed at helping inmates rehabilitate and reintegrate into society upon release. These programs include basic adult education, GED, vocational training in areas such as auto body repair, landscaping, housekeeping, woodworking, and cabinetmaking, as well as substance abuse programs, anger management, and money and business courses.
Inmates are encouraged to participate in these programs as they can help them acquire new skills and improve their chances of successful reentry into society.
Apalachee Correctional Institution, West Unit
Apalachee Correctional Institution West Unit is a level IV prison located in Sneads, Florida. This facility houses around 915 male adult offenders with custody levels ranging from minimum to closed.
The PRIDE program is offered here, which allows eligible inmates to work in community service positions. In addition, inmates can participate in various educational and treatment programs such as basic adult education, GED, literacy courses, anger management, substance abuse, and fiscal responsibility.
The institution is committed to providing inmates with opportunities to improve themselves and reintegrate into society as productive citizens.
Avon Park Correctional Institution
Avon Park Correctional Institution is a level IV facility located in Avon Park, Florida. It houses approximately 950 adult male inmates of various custody levels. The facility offers various programs, including the PRIDE program, which allows inmates to work in tire remanufacturing, dishwasher repair, and sanitary maintenance.
Additionally, the facility provides re-entry programs that assist in the preparation for an inmate’s release. Avon Park Correctional Institution has education and vocational opportunities that all eligible inmates are encouraged to take part in.
Educational classes include basic adult education, GED courses, and substance abuse treatment. Vocational opportunities at this facility include welding, pc repair, print and graphic communication, cabinetmaking, and automotive technician.
Baker Correctional Institution
Baker Correctional Institution is a level V facility located in Sanderson, Florida. It houses around 1,165 adult male offenders with custody levels ranging from minimum to closed custody.
The institution offers various programs to aid in the rehabilitation of inmates, including the PRIDE program which allows inmates to work in a paint factory, community work assignments within the Department of Transportation, and other interagency services. Educational programs available to inmates include adult basic education courses, GED classes, and substance abuse treatment.
Vocational opportunities for inmates include learning plumbing, masonry, culinary arts, electrical work, and cabinetmaking. With its focus on rehabilitation and re-entry into society, Baker Correctional Institution plays an important role in the Florida Department of Corrections system.
Bay Correctional Facility
Bay Correctional Facility is a level III institution located in Panama City, Florida. It is a medium-security facility that currently houses approximately 980 male adult inmates with custody levels ranging from minimum to medium.
The facility does not currently participate in any PRIDE assignments. Inmates at Bay Correctional Facility have access to substance abuse education courses, adult basic education, and GED classes.
The facility also offers vocational opportunities in fields such as HVAC, architectural drafting, culinary arts, PC repair, veterinarian technician, and landscaping.
Blackwater River Correctional Facility
Blackwater River Correctional Facility is a level V facility located in Milton, Florida. It houses up to 2,000 adult male offenders of minimum, medium, and close custody levels.
Inmates can take GED preparation courses and earn their GED, as well as participate in vocational training programs in desktop publishing, certified driver’s licenses, and microcomputing courses. These programs help equip inmates with the skills they need to obtain a job after their incarceration ends.
Substance abuse treatment is also available to inmates who need it. Overall, Blackwater River Correctional Facility provides a range of educational and vocational opportunities to help inmates prepare for life after their release.
Calhoun Correctional Institution
Calhoun Correctional Institution is a level IV facility located in Blountstown, Florida, that houses minimum, medium, and closed custody adult male offenders. This facility currently houses around 1,350 inmates in 9 separate units and also has a work camp that is overseen by the institution.
Calhoun offers a variety of educational, vocational, and treatment programs for inmates, including adult basic education and GED courses, literacy, typing, and math courses, as well as web and graphic design, and print courses for vocational opportunities.
Additionally, substance abuse courses such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are available to inmates.
Central Florida Reception Center
Central Florida Reception Center is a level VI facility located in Orange County, Orlando, Florida. It is a male-only institution that houses adult and young adult offenders with custody levels ranging from minimum to closed.
As a reception center, its primary responsibility is to intake and classify many of the inmates in the region. During reception, drug screening, mental health, and physical wellness checks are conducted. The facility has a current capacity of approximately 1,670 offenders.
It’s important to note that because this is an intake facility where inmates are usually only housed temporarily, inmates who first arrive at this facility are unable to immediately make phone calls, and no vocational and educational programs exist.
Central Florida Reception Center, East Unit
Central Florida Reception Center, East Unit is a level IV facility located in Orange County, Florida. It houses around 1,400 male adult offenders of various custody levels.
While there are no vocational programs offered, inmates can participate in adult basic education and GED classes. Additionally, they can take anger and stress management courses, participate in the library program, and join the Gavel Club, a law program.
Eligible inmates may also participate in work groups within the community, such as the Department of Transportation and other contracted work. Overall, the facility offers a range of educational and vocational opportunities to help prepare inmates for successful reentry into society.
Central Florida Reception Center, South Unit
Central Florida Reception Center South Unit is a level V institution located in Orlando, Florida. The facility has a maximum capacity of 150 adult male inmates, with custody levels varying from closed custody to minimum custody.
While the facility does not participate in the PRIDE program, it does offer limited programs such as anger and stress management courses. However, there are no vocational, educational, or substance abuse programs available at this institution.
Overall, Central Florida Reception Center South Unit is a correctional facility that primarily focuses on custody and control of its inmate population.
Century Correctional Institution
Century Correctional Institution is a level V facility located in Escambia County, Florida. Currently, it houses over 1,340 adult male inmates of all custody levels.
The correctional institution offers a variety of educational courses to inmates, including adult basic education, GED, literacy, and English as a second language. Inmates struggling with substance abuse issues are encouraged to take part in the pre-treatment program and participate in AA and NA meetings.
Eligible inmates are allowed to participate in community work squads, which provide them with various jobs within the surrounding community working for the Department of Transportation, Division of Forestry, and other interagency and contracted positions.
Charlotte Correctional Institution
Charlotte Correctional Institution is a level VI state prison for men located in Punta Gorda, Florida, owned and operated by the Florida Department of Corrections. This facility houses nearly 1,300 adult male inmates of varying custody levels, including minimum, medium, and close security.
While it does not offer any substance abuse or vocational programs, it provides a wide range of educational courses, such as adult basic education, GED classes, and literacy programs.
In addition, Charlotte Correctional Institution participates in the PRIDE program, which allows inmates to work on the Citrus squad. The facility’s re-entry programs prepare inmates for release and provide a foundation for them to successfully reintegrate into society.
Columbia Correctional Institution
Columbia Correctional Institution is a level V facility located in Lake City, Florida. It houses approximately 1,430 male adult inmates of the following custody levels: Minimum, medium, and closed custody.
Inmates who are incarcerated here can take academic courses for adult basic education, earn their GED, and participate in a volunteer literacy program. While this facility currently offers no PRIDE assignments or community work detail, it does allow inmates to take part in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, as well as a program called the Fresh Start smoking cessation.
Religious services including religious education courses are offered. Although this institution does not offer any substance abuse treatment programs, it provides a range of educational and religious opportunities for its inmates.
Cross City Correctional Institution
Cross City Correctional Institution is a level V facility located in Dixie County, Florida. This all-male facility houses over 1,000 inmates of custody levels that include minimum, medium, and closed custody.
Inmates have access to educational opportunities such as earning a GED, adult basic education, and learning to read. The facility participates in the PRIDE program, which allows inmates to work in a customer service center offering sales support and digital services.
Additionally, the work camp at this facility allows inmates to work in the surrounding community in various support jobs for the Department of Transportation and other contracted interagency work roles.
Inmates can also take advantage of vocational programs offered, including automotive and collision repair, computer repair and programming, and cabinetmaking.
Dade Correctional Institution
Dade Correctional Institution is an all-adult male facility located in Florida City, Florida. With a capacity of over 1,520 offenders, the institution is considered a level V facility and houses minimum, medium, and closed custody inmates.
While this facility does not currently offer any PRIDE program assignments, inmates can work in community service support roles for the Department of Transportation and other interagency services.
In addition to vocational training, inmates can participate in various courses such as anger management, parenting, and financial planning. Stress management and mental health counseling are also available, as well as Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous courses.
Desoto Annex
Desoto Annex is a level V state prison located in Arcadia, Florida. The facility is owned and operated by the Florida Department of Corrections and has a capacity of approximately 1,450 adult male inmates.
The prison has a mix of security levels, including minimum, medium, and closed custody inmates. Desoto Annex offers a variety of educational programs, including mandatory literacy courses, adult basic education, and the opportunity for inmates to earn their GED.
Vocational programs offered include carpentry, masonry, and welding. Inmates can also participate in computer training courses, victim awareness, journaling, yoga, and various religious studies. The facility encourages inmates to participate in these programs to increase their chances of obtaining employment upon release.
Everglades Correctional Institution
Everglades Correctional Institution is a level V facility located in Miami, Florida, and is part of Dade County. The facility houses approximately 1,790 adult male inmates with custody levels ranging from minimum to closed custody.
Inmates at the facility have access to educational classes where they can earn an adult basic education, GED, and learn to read. However, the facility currently does not offer any vocational courses.
The chaplaincy at Everglades Correctional Institution provides services such as Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous, religious studies, bridge builders, and worship services. Currently, the facility does not offer any PRIDE assignments or community work.
Florida State Prison
Florida State Prison, also known as Raiford Prison, is a correctional institution located in unincorporated Bradford County, Florida. The facility is part of the Florida Department of Corrections and houses over 1,460 adult male inmates from minimum to maximum custody.
It is a level VII facility made up of 15 different internal units, some open bay, but mostly cell houses. Educational opportunities at this facility include adult basic education and GED courses, special education, and an inmate teaching assistant program where inmates can help assist in teaching other inmates.
Inmates can also take anger and stress management courses, and participate in alcoholics and narcotics anonymous meetings. However, no vocational programs exist at this facility, and it currently does not participate in the PRIDE program.
Franklin Correctional Institution
Franklin Correctional Institution is a level V facility located in Carrabelle, Florida, part of Franklin County. The facility houses about 1,350 adult male inmates with custody levels that include minimum, medium, and close custody.
Inmates at this facility have access to academic programs such as adult basic education, GED courses, and English as a second language classes. The institution also offers vocational skills in plumbing, which can help inmates become residential plumber’s helpers.
Substance abuse treatment, religious services, and classes are available through the chaplain of the institution. Inmates can also participate in anger management, Alcoholics Anonymous, and Narcotics Anonymous programs.
Gadsden Correctional Facility
Gadsden Correctional Facility is a level III facility located in Quincy, Florida. It is a privately owned state prison for women, operated by Management and Training Corporation (MTC) under contract with the Florida Department of Corrections.
The facility has a maximum capacity of 1,550 inmates who are either minimum or medium custody. Inmates can participate in vocational programs such as Auto-Cad courses, certified driver’s license classes, horticulture, and cosmetology, as well as HVAC and PC repair.
Additionally, inmates can earn a GED or participate in a literacy program to learn to read. The facility also participates in the canine program, which allows inmates to work with dogs in partnership with the National Greyhound Foundation.
Graceville Correctional Institution
Graceville Correctional Institution is an all-male adult-level V correctional facility located in Jackson County, Florida. It currently houses approximately 1,884 inmates with custody grades ranging from minimum to medium and closed custody.
The facility offers a variety of educational and vocational opportunities for eligible inmates, including GED and adult basic education programs, literacy programs, and vocational training in fields such as digital graphic design, paint and interior design, landscaping, electrical systems, barbering, and computer repair/support.
Additionally, the facility has an intensive outpatient program for substance abuse treatment and provides chaplain services for worship and religious education.
Gulf Correctional Institution
Gulf Correctional Institution is a level V facility located in Wewahitchka, Florida, and is part of Gulf County. It houses approximately 1,570 adult male offenders of different custody levels, including minimum, medium, and closed custody inmates.
The facility offers educational opportunities for inmates, including basic adult education, GED programs, and vocational training in heating and air conditioning. Inmates can also participate in treatment programs for substance abuse and Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous programs.
Gulf Correctional Institution aims to prepare inmates for successful re-entry into society by providing them with the necessary skills and education to obtain employment.
Hamilton Correctional
Hamilton Correctional Institution is a level IV facility located in Jasper, Florida. It houses minimum, medium, and closed custody inmates and has a capacity of approximately 1,180 adult male inmates.
The facility offers educational programs such as adult basic education classes and GED courses, as well as vocational skills training in electrical systems, masonry, and cabinetmaking.
Religious and worship services are available through the prison’s chaplaincy service. However, there are currently no substance abuse treatment programs offered at this facility.
Hardee CI
Hardee Correctional Institution is a level VI facility located in Bowling Green, Florida. It currently houses approximately 1,540 adult male inmates of varying custody levels. The institution offers a variety of services through the chaplaincy Service, including religious services, counseling, and support groups.
Inmates can also participate in programs aimed at improving their well-being, such as parenting and business classes, financial planning and investing courses, and alcoholics and narcotics anonymous programs.
Hardee Correctional Institution also provides academic courses for inmates, including GED and adult basic education programs. Additionally, inmates can learn vocational skills such as carpentry, which can be used to secure employment after their release.
Hernando Correctional Institution
Hernando Correctional Institution is a level III facility located in Brooksville, Florida. It currently houses approximately 470 adult female inmates of mixed custody levels, ranging from minimum to closed custody.
The facility provides inmates with access to adult basic education courses and the opportunity to earn their GED. Additionally, there are several substance abuse treatment programs offered, including Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous, as well as outpatient programs.
The institution has a re-entry program that aims to prepare inmates for their eventual release and increase their chances of successful reintegration into society.
Holmes Correctional Institution
Holmes Correctional Institution is a state prison for adult male offenders located in Bonifay, Florida. As a level IV facility, it has the capacity to incarcerate up to 1,185 inmates of various custody levels, including minimum, medium, and closed custody inmates.
The educational programs offered at the institution include adult basic education, GED courses, and vocational training in welding, computer repair, and automotive collision repair and repainting.
Inmates can also take part in self-improvement programs such as yoga, religious studies and worship, parenting classes, music, and meditation. Additional courses offered at the facility include anger and stress management, financial planning, and preparing for job interviews.
Homestead CI
Homestead Correctional Institution is a level IV facility located in Dade County, Florida. It is a female-only facility that can currently house up to 668 offenders of minimum, medium, and closed custody.
While the institution does not offer substance abuse programs, it does allow inmates to attend Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous meetings. Inmates can also participate in various programs such as parenting and life skills classes, art and music courses, anger management, and alternatives to violence.
Homestead Correctional Institution offers pre-release counseling to inmates to help address their concerns about re-entering society. Additionally, the institution provides re-entry programs such as self-esteem courses and emotional well-being programs.
Jackson Correctional Institution
Jackson Correctional Institution is a level V facility located in Malone, Florida. It has a current capacity of about 1,350 adult male inmates and houses minimum, medium, and closed custody offenders.
Inmates at this facility have access to vocational courses in water treatment technology as well as educational courses such as GED classes and correspondence courses. The institution also offers substance abuse treatment and various programs designed to help inmates better their lives and prepare for re-entry and release.
Some of the life skills programs offered include anger and stress management, small business concepts, culinary arts, auto detailing, and conflict resolution.
Jefferson CI
Jefferson Correctional Institution is a level IV facility located in Monticello, Florida. The facility houses adult male offenders who are either minimum, medium, or closed custody, and can currently house approximately 1,180 inmates.
While there are no vocational programs available, the re-entry programs offer courses in automotive, real estate, and restaurant management, as well as parenting classes, fiscal and anger management, and employment preparation.
The chaplain at Jefferson Correctional Institution offers religious education and worship services, as well as classes on fatherhood and celebrating an inmate’s sobriety and recovery. Offenders can also earn a GED and adult basic education.
Lake City Correctional Institution
Lake City Correctional Institution is a level IV facility located in Columbia County, Florida. This facility houses male youthful offenders between the ages of 19-24, and can currently hold about 900 inmates in a minimum, medium, or closed custody setting.
The Florida statutes mandate that offenders who are 19-24 years old are provided at least 12 hours of activities that range from educational and vocational programs to counseling and self-discipline programming.
The current vocational opportunities at this facility include computer repair and support, tiling, culinary and commercial food processing, class B driver’s licensing, and nursery and environmental services. Substance abuse treatment and prevention courses are offered to all eligible inmates, and offenders can also earn a basic adult education and obtain a GED.
Lake Correctional Institution
Lake Correctional Institution is a level V facility located in Clermont, Florida. The facility has a capacity of around 1,100 adult male offenders and houses inmates with minimum, medium, and closed custody levels.
Inmates at Lake Correctional Institution have the opportunity to enroll in vocational classes such as water treatment and distribution technology, and cabinetmaking. The institution also offers educational courses including GED and adult basic education.
Inmates can work in the surrounding community through the Department of Transportation and Public Works. The chaplain provides religious classes and worship services, and offenders can attend substance abuse programs, anger management courses, and various life skills classes.
Lancaster Correctional Institution
Lancaster Correctional Institution is a level IV youthful offender institution located in Trenton, Florida, which is part of Gilchrist County. The facility is designed to hold youthful offenders ranging from 15 to 24 years of age and can currently hold approximately 730 male inmates of minimum, medium, and closed custody.
The institution provides vocational opportunities in carpentry, print and graphic art, commercial food production, automotive service technology, computer repair, and environmental services. Inmates can also earn their GED and adult basic education through the educational programs offered at the facility.
Lawtey CI
Lawtey Correctional Institution is a level III facility for adult males located in Bradford County, Florida. The facility has a current capacity of 832 minimum and medium security inmates.
Offenders at this institution have access to educational courses to earn their GED and gain an adult basic education. Vocational programs are limited to architectural drawing and design.
Substance abuse treatment and outpatient treatment are available to inmates who require it. Anger management and religious/faith-based services are available through services offered through the chaplain’s office. Offenders can also work in the community on assigned work crews through the Department of Transportation and Public Works, and other interagency services.
Liberty Correctional Institution
Liberty Correctional Institution is a level IV facility located in Bristol, Florida. This facility is designed to house adult male offenders with a current capacity of approximately 1,330 inmates across minimum, medium, and closed custody levels.
Inmates have the opportunity to receive training in wastewater management, as well as participate in education programs such as adult basic education and GED courses. Additionally, the chaplain’s office offers parenting and financial courses, faith-based life skills, and religious worship and education.
Self-help programs are also available to inmates, including anger management, stress reduction, small business courses, debt management, and substance abuse programs. Overall, Liberty Correctional Institution provides a variety of resources and programs to help inmates better themselves and prepare for successful reentry into society.
Lowell CI
Lowell Correctional Institution and Annex, located in Ocala, Florida, is a correctional facility that houses female offenders. The institution and annex are divided by the age and custody level of the inmates.
The institution houses adult and youthful offenders, while the annex houses elderly offenders. The custody levels of the inmates range from minimum to closed custody. Inmates have access to vocational courses such as architectural drafting, horse care, computer support, culinary arts, and cosmetology.
Additionally, education courses are available for inmates to earn an adult basic education and GED, as well as to learn to read. Outpatient programs for substance abuse are also provided for inmates who suffer from drug or alcohol addiction.
Madison Correctional Institution
Madison Correctional Institution is a level IV facility located in Madison County, Florida. It is owned and operated by the Florida Department of Corrections and is designed to house male adult offenders at a maximum capacity of approximately 1,190 inmates with a mix of security levels.
The institution offers several vocational and educational programs to inmates, including culinary arts, substance abuse treatment, and the opportunity to earn their GED or adult basic education.
Additionally, the facility participates in the PRIDE program, which allows inmates to work in a textile and shoe factory. Inmates at the work camp can also participate in work crews for the Department of Transportation and other interagency services.
Marion Correctional Institution
Marion Correctional Institution is a level IV prison facility located in Ocala, Florida. This facility houses adult males in a minimum, medium, and closed custody setting, with a capacity of approximately 1,325 inmates.
Inmates at this institution have access to vocational courses such as HVAC, electrical systems, wastewater treatment, and cabinetmaking, as well as substance abuse treatment. Marion Correctional Institution participates in the PRIDE program, which provides inmates with work opportunities in garment and corrugated box production.
Inmates in the work camp program may also be eligible to work for the surrounding communities’ Department of Transportation and Public Works, as well as other contracted and interagency services.
Martin Correctional Institution
Martin Correctional Institution is a level VI facility located in Indiantown, Florida that houses approximately 1,510 adult male inmates in a minimum, medium, and closed custody setting.
Inmates at this facility have access to various academic programs, including GED preparation, adult basic education, and reading courses. For offenders struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, substance abuse treatment is available at the work release facilities.
The chaplain services offered at this facility include religious studies and worship services. Additionally, inmates can participate in community work crews that provide supervised work opportunities within the Department of Transportation, Public Works, and other interagency services.
Mayo CI
Mayo Correctional Institution and Annex is a state prison facility in Lafayette County, Florida. It is a level V facility that houses male adult inmates at the minimum, medium, and closed custody levels. The facility has a capacity of approximately 1,345 inmates.
Inmates at Mayo CI have access to educational opportunities, including the chance to earn a GED and receive basic literacy instruction. Vocational training programs in consumer electronics repair and computer support services are also available.
Additionally, the facility offers substance abuse treatment programs and anger and stress management courses to help inmates make positive changes in their lives. Chaplain services are also provided, offering inmates the opportunity to participate in religious studies and worship.
Moore Haven Correctional Facility
Moore Haven Correctional Facility is a level III facility located in Glades County, Florida. It is designed to house approximately 985 adult male inmates of minimum and medium custody. Inmates at this facility are given the opportunity to take educational courses to earn their GED and get an adult basic education.
Additionally, the facility offers reading classes to help eliminate illiteracy. Vocational classes at this facility teach inmates valuable life skills that they can apply to a job once they are released.
Programs at this institution include carpentry, barber/hair-cutting skills, and a commercial driver’s license. Offenders can also participate in substance abuse treatment and Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous meetings.
Northwest Florida Reception Center and Annex
Northwest Florida Reception Center and Annex is a level V facility located in Chipley, Florida, that houses approximately 1,300 male adult inmates of minimum, medium, and closed custody levels. The annex, which is adjacent to the center, houses about 1,415 inmates.
Inmates have access to educational courses that enable them to earn an adult basic education and earn a GED. Although this institution has no vocational programs, offenders can work on public work crews and other interagency service squads.
The chaplain’s office provides opportunities for inmates to participate in Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, as well as take religious-based programs and participate in worship services. Additionally, offenders can receive substance abuse treatment through an outpatient program.
Okaloosa Correctional Institution
Okaloosa Correctional Institution is a level V facility located in Crestview, Florida that houses around 900 adult male inmates with custody levels ranging from minimum to closed custody.
Inmates can receive substance abuse treatment and earn their GED while incarcerated here. The institutional betterment program offers a variety of courses including anger and stress management, parenting, and financial management.
Additionally, inmates can participate in the library, music, and computer programs. The chaplain’s office also offers religious studies and worship services.
Okeechobee CI
Okeechobee Correctional Institution is a level VI facility located in Okeechobee, Florida. The facility currently houses approximately 1,632 male adult inmates of minimum, medium, and closed custody levels.
Although there are currently no vocational or educational programs offered, inmates have the opportunity to participate in a voluntary literacy program, anger, and stress management courses through a betterment program, and a pre-release preparation program.
Substance abuse treatment programs, including an intensive outpatient program, are also available to inmates. The chaplain’s office offers various faith-based programs and worship sessions to inmates.
Polk Correctional Institution
Polk Correctional Institution is a level V facility located in Polk City, Florida. It houses approximately 1,208 male adult inmates with custody levels including minimum, medium, and closed custody.
Inmates have the opportunity to earn a GED and obtain an adult basic education, as well as participate in substance abuse programs. The chaplain’s office offers religious services and Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous meetings, as well as studies/services of many different religions.
Additionally, inmates can participate in the PRIDE program, allowing them to work in various jobs such as IT support, warehouse work, and furniture administration.
Putnam Correctional Institution
Putnam Correctional Institution is a Level IV Florida state prison located in East Palatka, Florida. The facility can house up to 458 inmates at minimum and medium security levels.
Inmates are offered educational programs to earn their GED, but there are no substance abuse programs. However, Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous meetings are available through the chaplain’s office.
Some inmates are allowed to work on crews for the Public Works department and other interagency services and contracted work. Overall, Putnam Correctional Institution is a correctional facility designed to house and rehabilitate inmates while providing them with opportunities to improve their lives.
Quincy Annex
Quincy Annex is a level IV correctional facility located in Gadsden, Florida. It primarily houses around 408 adult male offenders who are in minimum, medium, and closed custody.
Quincy Annex provides several programs to help inmates with their rehabilitation process. These programs include GED courses, adult basic education, anger management, substance abuse treatment, parenting classes, finance courses, and employment preparation.
The chaplain’s office also offers religious studies and worship services. Quincy Annex is managed by the Florida Department of Corrections and is one of the many state prisons in Florida.
Reception and Medical Center
The Reception and Medical Center, located in Lake Butler, Florida, is responsible for providing medical treatment to offenders and processing and classifying them.
The facility is divided into two units, the Main unit and the West unit, which can house up to 1,500 and 1,150 adult male inmates, respectively. The Main unit is classified as a level VI facility, while the West unit is classified as a level IV facility.
Inmates at both units are offered adult basic education and GED courses, but vocational and substance abuse treatment programs are limited. All inmates who are processed through the institution undergo a substance abuse assessment to determine if they require any treatment.
Santa Rosa CI
Santa Rosa Correctional Institution and Annex is a prison facility located in Milton, Florida. The Main unit houses around 1,614 male adult inmates, while the Annex houses 1,478. The custody levels range from minimum to medium, and both the main institution and the Annex are level VI facilities.
Inmates have access to academic courses that allow them to obtain a GED and adult basic education. Additionally, vocational courses are offered to inmates at the Annex to obtain their commercial driver’s licenses.
Both facilities offer HVAC courses and Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous programs. The chaplain’s office provides religious-related activities, including worship services and bible studies for inmates.
South Bay Correctional Facility
South Bay Correctional Facility is a level V facility located in Palm Beach County, Florida. The facility is contracted by the Florida Department of Corrections and operated by GEO Group.
It has a current capacity of 1,948 male adult offenders and houses medium, minimum, and closed custody inmates. Inmates at South Bay Correctional Facility have access to educational and vocational programs, including adult basic education, GED certification, and substance abuse treatment.
Vocational programs offered include masonry, upholstery, furniture refinishing, plumbing, engine repair, carpentry, commercial class B driving, and environmental services.
South Florida Reception Center
South Florida Reception Center is a state prison located in Doral, Florida. It is comprised of two units, the Main unit, and the South unit.
The Main unit is a level VI facility with a capacity of 1,315 inmates who are adult and youthful offenders of closed, medium, and minimum custody levels. The South unit is a level IV facility that houses around 889 elderly offenders in a medium, minimum, and closed custody setting.
Inmates at the South unit can participate in academic classes to earn their GED and both units offer substance abuse treatment through an Alcoholics Anonymous program. The chaplain’s office provides religious studies and worship services for inmates.
Sumter Correctional Institution
Sumter Correctional Institution is a level V facility located in Bushnell, Florida. This facility is owned and operated by the Florida Department of Corrections and houses approximately 1,640 adult and youthful inmates.
The youthful inmates at this institution are considered to be between the ages of 14-18. Educational courses offered at this institution include adult basic education, GED courses, OSHA certification, parenting classes, personal finance/debt courses, and vocational aptitude tests.
Vocational opportunities at Sumter Correctional Institution include auto repair, consumer electronics repair, masonry, and landscaping. Inmates who are near the end of their sentences can enter the re-entry program which helps prepare them for life upon release. The chaplain’s office offers a wide array of religion-oriented activities including worship.
Suwannee Correctional Institution
Suwannee Correctional Institution and Annex is a level V facility located in Live Oak, Florida. It can accommodate up to 1,502 male adult inmates in a closed, medium, and minimum security setting. The Annex can hold approximately 1,342 inmates.
Vocational opportunities at Suwannee Correctional include plumbing, fire sprinkler systems, and personal computer support services. The chaplain’s office offers religious education and worship services, as well as programs aimed at fatherhood and personal growth.
Inmates can also earn an adult basic education and earn their GED. Suwannee Correctional Institution and Annex is one of many prisons in Florida that offer various programs and educational opportunities to help inmates prepare for their eventual release.
Taylor Correctional Institution
Taylor Correctional Institution is a state prison for men located in Perry, Florida. The facility houses adult male offenders in a minimum, medium, and closed custody setting. The main facility can house approximately 1,300 inmates, while the Annex can hold up to 1,400.
Offenders at both locations have access to education programs, including GED and adult basic education courses. Substance abuse treatment is also available through Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous.
The chaplaincy at both facilities offers studies in a variety of religious beliefs. Additionally, inmates can participate in re-entry and personal development courses, such as anger and stress management, small business entrepreneurship, credit and debt management, and life mapping.
Tomoka Correctional Institution
Tomoka Correctional Institution is a level V state prison for adult male inmates located in Daytona Beach, Florida, and is part of Volusia County. The facility has a maximum capacity of 1,263 prisoners of mixed custody levels, including medium, minimum, and closed custody levels.
Inmates at Tomoka Correctional Institution have access to vocational opportunities, such as masonry and carpentry, and can earn an adult basic education and a GED through academic programs.
Although the facility does not offer formal substance abuse treatment, the chaplaincy services and institutional betterment programs provide similar treatment through AA/NA meetings and celebrations of recovery from substance dependence. The chaplain’s office also offers religious studies and worship for inmates.
Union Correctional Institution
Union Correctional Institution is a level VII facility located in Raiford, Florida that houses approximately 2,172 adult male inmates. It is one of the few facilities in the state that houses Maximum security inmates, and at one time Union Correctional Institution was home to Florida’s Death Row.
Other custody levels at this facility include closed, medium, and minimum security levels. Inmates at this institution can obtain a GED and adult basic education.
Although there are currently no listed vocational or substance abuse programs offered at this facility, inmates can participate in work offered through the PRIDE program which allows them to work in various fields such as dental lab, slaughterhouse, metal production, tag plant, with cattle, and within the Division of Forestry.
Wakulla Correctional Institution and Annex
Wakulla Correctional Institution and Annex is a level V facility located in Crawfordville, Florida. It has the capacity to house approximately 1,532 male adult inmates of minimum and medium custody levels.
Educational opportunities for inmates include adult basic education, literacy courses, creative writing, small business concepts, computer and software courses, and GED classes. Inmates can also take vocational courses including basic electrical concepts, home improvement, drafting, and CDL theory.
The facility also offers substance abuse treatments such as Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous and obsessive-compulsive behavior recovery. The chaplain’s Office provides a variety of religious-based programs and self-improvement courses that include re-entry programs for inmates.
Walton Correctional Institution
Walton Correctional Institution, located in De Funiak Springs, Florida, is a level IV facility that houses up to 1,200 male adult offenders of closed, medium, and minimum custody levels.
Inmates at this facility have the opportunity to earn a basic adult education and GED, as well as vocational skills in areas such as carpentry, cabinetmaking, and heating ventilation and air conditioning. The chaplain’s office offers inmates religious studies and worship services, as well as substance abuse counseling and treatment through programs like Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous.
Additionally, re-entry programs at this facility help inmates prepare for their eventual release by offering career and interview skills, writing classes, and public speaking skills.
Zephyrhills Correctional Institution
Zephyrhills Correctional Institution is a level V facility located in Pasco County, Florida. It is designed to house up to 758 male adult inmates in a minimum, medium, and closed custody setting.
The institution offers various educational programs, including adult basic education and GED courses, as well as bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biblical studies and theology. However, there are no vocational programs available at this time.
Inmates can receive substance abuse treatment through Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous programs. The chaplain’s office offers a variety of religious studies and worship services for different religions. Overall, the institution aims to provide inmates with opportunities to improve their education and spiritual well-being while serving their sentences.
Federal Prisons
| Prison Name | Location | Inmate Capacity | Security Levels | Gender | Operator/ Manager |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Union Correctional Institution | Raiford, Florida | 2,172 | Maximum, Closed, Medium, Minimum | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Wakulla Correctional Institution | Crawfordville, Florida | 1,532 | Minimum, Medium | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Walton Correctional Institution | De Funiak Springs, Florida | 1,200 | Closed, Medium, Minimum | Male | Florida Department of Corrections |
| Zephyrhills Correctional Institution | Pasco County, Florida | 758 | Minimum, Medium, Closed | Male | Management and Training Corporation |
United States Penitentiary, Coleman
The United States Penitentiary, Coleman I and II, are high-security federal prisons for male inmates located in Florida. Both facilities are part of the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex (FCC Coleman) and are operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, a division of the United States Department of Justice.
USP Coleman I was opened in 2001, and USP Coleman II was expanded in 2004 with a 555,000-square-foot addition. FCC Coleman is situated in Central Florida, approximately 50 miles northwest of Orlando, 60 miles northeast of Tampa, and 35 miles south of Ocala.
While USP Coleman II is described as a “safe” facility for certain types of inmates, the facility did not respond to multiple requests for confirmation.
Federal Correctional Institution, Marianna
The Federal Correctional Institution, Marianna (FCI Marianna) is a medium-security United States federal prison located in Marianna, Florida. Operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, a division of the United States Department of Justice, FCI Marianna is primarily for male inmates.
The facility includes an adjacent satellite prison camp for minimum-security female offenders. Inmates at FCI Marianna are housed in two-person cells.
The prison is located in the Judicial District of United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida and is 65 miles (105 km) west of Tallahassee, the state capital. Additionally, FCI Marianna is adjacent to the Marianna Municipal Airport.
Federal Correctional Institution, Miami
The Federal Correctional Institution, Miami (FCI Miami) is a low-security United States federal prison located in southwest unincorporated Miami-Dade County, Florida. It houses male inmates and is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), a division of the United States Department of Justice.
The institution has an adjacent satellite prison camp that houses minimum-security male offenders. FCI Miami has a total inmate population of 1,256, with 872 inmates incarcerated at the FCI and 384 at the satellite camp.
A significant portion of the inmates held at FCI Miami have been convicted in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
Federal Correctional Institution, Tallahassee
Federal Correctional Institution, Tallahassee (FCI Tallahassee) is a low-security federal prison for female inmates and an adjacent detention center that houses administrative security level male inmates.
The facility is located three miles east of downtown Tallahassee on US Highway 319. It has a designed capacity of 812 inmates and is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, a division of the Department of Justice.
The prison houses inmates in dormitories, while the detention center houses prisoners in cells. FCI Tallahassee is one of several correctional institutions located in Florida.