South Bay Correctional Facility is a private prison located in Palm Beach County, Florida. It is operated by the GEO Group, one of the largest private prison companies in the United States. The facility has a capacity of 1,948 beds and houses male inmates who are serving sentences for various crimes.
The South Bay Correctional Facility has been the subject of controversy and scrutiny in recent years. In 2018, the Correctional Medical Authority conducted an on-site physical and mental health survey of the facility and found several deficiencies in the provision of medical care to inmates. The survey report recommended that the facility take corrective action to address the deficiencies. Subsequently, the Correctional Medical Authority conducted a second on-site assessment in 2019 and found that the facility had made some improvements, but there were still areas that needed further attention.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 1,948 |
| Physical Address | 600 U.S. Highway 27 South South Bay, Florida 33493-2233 |
| Mailing Address | PO Box 23608 Tampa, FL 33623 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturdays and Sundays: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (561) 992-9505 |
| Jurisdiction | GEO Group |
History of South Bay Correctional Facility
South Bay Correctional Facility is a private prison located in South Bay, Florida. It was established in 1997 and is owned by the GEO Group, a private prison company that operates correctional facilities across the United States. The facility has a capacity of 1948 beds and houses adult male inmates.
The construction of South Bay Correctional Facility was funded by a $39.1 million grant from the State of Florida in 1997. The facility was designed to house medium- and maximum-security inmates and was built to meet the state’s strict correctional standards.
The GEO Group was awarded the contract to manage the facility in 1997. Since then, the company has faced criticism from human rights groups and other organizations for its management of the facility and its treatment of inmates.
In 2011, the FBI arrested several corrections officers and other individuals for drug trafficking at South Bay Correctional Facility. The arrests were part of a larger investigation into corruption and drug trafficking at correctional facilities across the state of Florida.
Despite these controversies, South Bay Correctional Facility continues to operate as a private prison. As of 2023, the facility remains one of the largest private prisons in the state of Florida, with a total of 391 employees.
Location and Contact Information
South Bay Correctional Facility is a mixed-security prison located in South Bay, Florida. The facility is situated at 600 US Hwy 27 S, South Bay, Florida, and is operated by the Florida Department of Corrections. The facility is designed to house adult male offenders and has a capacity of 1,948 inmates.
The South Bay Correctional Facility is conveniently located near US Highway 27 and is accessible by car or public transportation. The facility is situated in a rural area, surrounded by farmland and residential neighborhoods. Visitors can park their cars in the designated parking area near the entrance of the facility.
For those who need to contact the facility, the phone number for the South Bay Correctional Facility is (561) 992-9505. The facility’s official website provides additional information about visiting hours, rules and regulations, and other important details.
The South Bay Correctional Facility is an important part of the Florida Department of Corrections network of facilities. It is one of several prison facilities located throughout the state of Florida, each with its own unique characteristics and challenges. The South Bay Correctional Facility is known for its emphasis on rehabilitation and reentry programs, which are designed to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society after their release.
In summary, the South Bay Correctional Facility is a medium-security prison located in South Bay, Florida. It is situated at 600 US Hwy 27 S, South Bay, Florida, and can be contacted at (561) 992-9505. The facility is an important part of the Florida Department of Corrections network of facilities and is known for its emphasis on rehabilitation and reentry programs.
Operational Details
South Bay Correctional Facility is a privately owned and operated prison located in South Bay, Florida. The facility is operated by The GEO Group, Inc., a private correctional facility company. The Florida Department of Management Services oversees the operation of the facility and is responsible for the lease agreement between the state and the facility.
The facility is designed to hold up to 1,948 inmates in a variety of housing units, including dormitory buildings and cells. The facility is accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA) and is subject to regular inspections to maintain its accreditation.
The operation of the facility is governed by a contract between the state and The GEO Group, Inc. The contract outlines the responsibilities of both parties, including facility staffing levels, security measures, and the provision of medical care to inmates.
The facility has been the subject of several audits and corrective action plans in recent years. In 2018, the Correctional Medical Authority conducted an on-site survey of the facility’s physical and mental health services. The survey identified several areas where improvements could be made, and the facility implemented a corrective action plan to address these issues.
Overall, South Bay Correctional Facility operates as a private facility under the oversight of a government agency. The facility is subject to regular inspections and audits to ensure that it meets the standards set by the state and the ACA.
Inmate Profile
South Bay Correctional Facility in Florida houses male adult inmates who have been convicted of various offenses. The inmate population includes both violent and non-violent offenders with sentences ranging from a few months to several years.
The majority of the inmates are between the ages of 18 and 50. The facility also houses sex offenders who have been convicted of various offenses.
As of the latest available data, the total inmate population at South Bay Correctional Facility was approximately 1,900. The majority of the inmates are serving sentences for drug-related offenses, followed by property crimes and violent offenses.
The facility provides various programs and services to help inmates successfully transition back into society after their release. These programs include educational courses, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment.
Overall, South Bay Correctional Facility is responsible for the care, custody, and control of a diverse population of adult male inmates. The facility strives to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates while also offering programs and services to help them successfully reintegrate into society.
Programs and Services
South Bay Correctional Facility in Florida offers a variety of programs and services to inmates to help them prepare for life after incarceration. These programs and services are designed to help inmates develop skills and knowledge that will help them succeed once they are released.
One of the programs offered at South Bay Correctional Facility is education. Inmates can participate in adult basic education and General Educational Development (GED) programs to earn their high school diploma. The facility also offers vocational programs, such as carpentry, environmental services, and nursery management, to provide inmates with job skills training. Additionally, there are academic programs that offer college courses to inmates.
Counseling and substance abuse programs are also available at South Bay Correctional Facility. The facility has a therapeutic community and a residential Level III drug treatment program to help inmates overcome substance abuse issues. Inmates can also participate in Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous programs. Substance abuse prevention programs are also available to help inmates avoid falling back into addiction after their release.
Institutional betterment programs are also offered at South Bay Correctional Facility. Inmates can participate in life skills programming and recreational activities to help them develop social skills and coping mechanisms. Work opportunities are also available through the Prison Industries Program, where inmates can work in areas such as the print shop and CDL training.
The facility also has a law library program and transitional program to help inmates prepare for life after their release. The residential therapeutic community and transition program offer support to inmates as they transition back into society.
Visitation and Mail
Visitation and inmate mail are important aspects of the South Bay Correctional Facility in Florida. Visitation hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before the end of the visiting hours. All visitors must have a valid photo ID and be on the inmate’s approved visiting list. Inmates are responsible for submitting the names of their visitors to the facility.
The South Bay Correctional Facility provides an online inmate search tool for family and friends to locate an inmate. The search tool requires the inmate’s first and last name or their DC number. Visitors should use this tool to confirm the inmate’s location and their visiting hours before arriving at the facility.
All visitors must go through a security screening before entering the facility. Visitors are not allowed to bring any items into the visiting area, including cell phones, purses, and wallets. Visitors must wear appropriate clothing and follow the facility’s dress code. Violations of the dress code may result in a denied visit.
Mail is an important way for inmates to communicate with family and friends. Inmates may receive letters, cards, and photographs through the mail. All incoming mail must have the inmate’s name, DC number, and the facility’s address. Packages are not allowed and will be returned to the sender. All incoming mail is subject to search for contraband.
Inmates may also send mail to family and friends. Outgoing mail must be addressed:
- Inmate’s last name, first name, DC#
- PO Box 23608
- Tampa, FL 33623
Inmates are not allowed to receive stamps, envelopes, or paper through the mail.
It is important for visitors and inmates to follow the facility’s rules regarding visitation and mail. Any violations may result in a denied visit or disciplinary action against the inmate.