Visitor Information

Visitation is a privilege and as such is subject to suspension/revocation if circumstances dictate. For the complete rules governing visitation, please see Florida Administrative Code, Chapter 33, Section 601.711-737.

Steps For Visiting An Inmate

  1. You must become an approved visitor.
    Complete the Visitation Application Form (DC6-111A) for approval (either Spanish or English page).
    For a summary of visitor information and rules, click here: Visitor Information Summary (DC6-111B)

    Application Requirements
    • Application must be completed by all visitors 12 years of age or older
    • Application must be filled out completely or it will be denied
    • When items do not apply, write in NA (not applicable)

  2. Completed applications may be submitted via one of the following:
    • Mail to the Classification Department at the inmate's current location (see the Statewide Facility Directory for address information). If the inmate is in the reception process, you cannot apply for visitation. You can apply once the inmate gets to his/her permanent facility.
    • E-mail attachment to the inmate's current location. Institutional e-mail addresses for visitation applications utilize the following format: visitapp(facility)@fdc.myflorida.com. For example, the Calhoun CI email will be visitappcalhounci@fdc.myflorida.com; or the South Florida Reception Center email will be visitappsfrc@fdc.myflorida.com.

    The e-mail addresses for private correctional facilities are as follows:

    Bay Correctional Facility
    visitappbcf@mtctrains.com
    Blackwater River Correctional Facility
    visitappbrcf@geogroup.com
    Gadsden Correctional Facility
    visitappgadsdencf@fdc.myflorida.com
    Graceville Correctional Facility
    visitappgrcf@mtctrains.com
    Lake City Correctional Facility
    lakecityvisitation@corecivic.com
    Moore Haven Correctional Facility
    visitappmhcf@geogroup.com
    South Bay Correctional Facility
    visitappsbcf@geogroup.com
     
  3. Once the application is processed (approximately 30 days), a notice is given to the inmate regarding the decision. The inmate will notify you either by phone or correspondence.

  4. You must schedule a visit.
    After you receive confirmation that you are an approved visitor, complete the Visitation Request Form (button below) between Monday 5:00 AM EST until Wednesday 5:00 PM EST. Visitation requests are allowed for that week's visitation only.To accommodate all eligible inmates, family members must schedule visitation appointments in advance. No walk-up appointments will be accommodated.
    Do not call for a visitation appointment. Institutions do not have sufficient staffing to handle heavy call volume.
    Please Be Advised! There are several non-authorized Websites providing outdated Visitation Forms. Make certain to use official forms only available through the Florida Department of Corrections.
    English Visitation Request Form Spanish Visitation Request Form

  5. Once you have successfully submitted a visitation request form online, institutional staff will review your request and notify you via the email address provided of your approval or denial status. All visitors sixteen years of age or older must present a valid form of picture identification for visitation registration. Acceptable forms of identification are identification cards that contain a photograph, current address, and date of birth and physical characteristics of the individual.

Visitation Updates & Information

Visiting FAQs

  • What are the visitation days/times?

    Regular visiting is held on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (8:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. Central Standard Time). Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. (7:15 a.m. CST) on both days. Visitors will not be processed after 2:00 p.m. (1:00 p.m. CST) unless authorized by the duty warden. Visitors will be allowed to park in designated spaces no earlier than 7:30 a.m. EST and 6:30 a.m. CST on visiting days.

    FDC will be allowing visitation on both Saturday and Sunday, as well as approved holidays. Visitors can apply for any, or all, available days. Approval is subject to availability of seating.

    Thursday and Friday are offered as additional visitation days each week for all Incentivized Prisons statewide:

    • Everglades C.I. (does not include Everglades Re-Entry Center)
    • Marion C.I. (does not include Marion Work Camp)
    • Madison C.I.
    • Jefferson C.I.
    • Lowell C.I. ( Dorms O and P only)
  • Can more than one visitor fill out the same application?

    No. Each person wishing to visit must fill out a separate application.

  • What are some of the things that can disqualify me?

    To list a few, a criminal history, providing false or inaccurate information on a visiting application, mailing an incomplete application, etc. Possessing a criminal record will not automatically disqualify you for visitation. The nature, extent, and recency of criminal offenses are taken into consideration. However, as of January 8, 2007, offenders must be discharged from community supervision for at least one year prior to being eligible for consideration.

  • Can I be on the approved visiting list of more than one inmate?

    Pursuant to Rule 33-601.716, F.A.C., a visitor shall be permitted to be on the approved visiting record of all inmates who are family, as defined in Rule 33-601.713, F.A.C., as well as one non-family inmate.

  • Can a minor child visit an inmate? What if I am not the parent of the minor child?

    Pursuant to Rule 33-601.723, Florida Administrative Code - Visiting Check-In Procedures: All visitors sixteen years of age or older must present a valid form of picture identification for visiting registration. Acceptable forms of identification are identification cards that contain a photograph, current address, and date of birth and physical characteristics of the individual. Signatures are not required if the identification otherwise complies with all other standards of proper identification.

    A visitor seventeen years old or younger who cannot furnish proof of emancipation must be accompanied during a visit by an approved parent, legal guardian, or authorized adult and must remain under the supervision of that adult at all times, to include when the minor is subject to being searched under the provisions of Rule 33-601.726, F.A.C.

    An authorized non-parental adult accompanying a visiting minor must provide a notarized document of guardianship from the minor's parent or legal guardian (neither of which may be an inmate except as provided below) granting permission for the minor to visit a specifically identified inmate. The document shall be notarized by someone other than the non-parental adult accompanying the minor and shall be updated every six months from the date of issue. In cases where it can be determined that legal custody remains with the incarcerated parent or legal guardian and has not been given to another adult by the court, a notarized statement from the incarcerated parent or guardian shall be acceptable for purposes of authorizing children of the inmate to visit. Any such authorization remains subject to any relevant court orders or relevant departmental rules regarding the inmate’s contact with the minor in question. Falsification of a document of guardianship shall result in the person being subject to suspension of visiting privileges pursuant to paragraph 33-601.731(9)(d), F.A.C.

    Please note that inmates convicted of certain offenses may be restricted from visiting with any person seventeen years of age or younger. Complete specifics can be found in Rule 33-601.720, F.A.C.

  • Can I visit on a holiday?

    Regular visiting is permitted on the following holidays:

    • New Year's Day
    • Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (third Monday in January)
    • Memorial Day
    • Independence Day
    • Labor Day
    • Veteran's Day (November 11th)
    • Thanksgiving Day
    • Friday after Thanksgiving; and
    • Christmas Day

    If any of the holidays listed above falls on Saturday, the preceding Friday will be observed as a holiday. If any of these holidays fall on Sunday, then the following Monday will be observed as the holiday.

  • Can I give anything to the inmate during our visit?

    No. With the exception of foods purchased inside the visiting park, you may not exchange or give anything to the inmate. You may contact the on-duty warden to request a special exception to this rule.

  • I have been a pen pal with an inmate for quite awhile. May I visit the inmate?

    Yes. You must submit an application for consideration. However, we urge the public to be cautious before establishing social or pen pal relationships with inmates. Please visit our web-site at www.fdc.myflorida.com/OffenderSearch/InmateInfoMenu.aspx to verify information about Florida inmates before engaging in correspondence with them.

  • Can I request a special visitation?

    Special visits are not given routinely but are reserved for extenuating circumstances and are granted at the discretion of the Warden. Contact the institution and speak with the inmate's Classification Officer.

  • Who do I contact with additional visitation questions?

    You must contact the Classification Officer at the inmate's current facility (see the Statewide Facility Directory for address information).

  • Who has final authority on visitation?

    The warden at each facility has the final approval or disapproval authority for each visitation request. (See the Statewide Facility Directory for contact information).

What to Expect When Visiting

  • Questioning

    Upon entering the search area, each visitor will be asked a series of questions. The purpose of these questions is to ensure you as the visitor, or the minor child that is accompanying you, is not in violation of Florida Statute 944.47: Introduction of Contraband into a Correctional Institution. Examples include cash money, cell phones, drugs of any type, tobacco and weapons. If you don’t check it in with the staff, don’t bring it in!

    Anyone violating this Statute is subject to arrest and may be charged with a third degree felony.

  • What clothing is not allowed in the institution?

    The following is a list of articles of clothing not permitted:

    • Halter tops or bra-less attire

    • Underwear-type t-shirts or tank tops

    • Fishnet clothing

    • Skintight clothing

    • Shoes with removable parts

    • See-through fabric without an undergarment

    • Dresses, skirts or shorts more than three inches above the knee

    • Clothing with a threatening picture or language

    • Camouflage

    • Any clothing with metal

  • What Can/Can't I Bring?

    What baby items can I bring into the visiting park?
    A maximum of five (5) diapers, three (3) clear plastic baby bottles or two (2) sipper cups for toddlers, one (1) clear plastic baby pacifier, three (3) clear plastic jars of baby food with the original seal intact, and baby wipes or towelettes (in a clear plastic bag). Also, you may bring in an infant baby carrier (subject to search), one (1) set of infant clothing, and one (1) non-quilted baby blanket to keep the infant warm.

    How much money can I bring in during my visit?
    Up to $50.00, in $1.00, $5.00, $10.00 and $20.00 denominations only or silver change, per visitor, regardless of age, to purchase snacks and beverages from visiting park canteens or vending machines. All snacks and beverages shall be purchased and consumed in the visiting area. A small wallet or pouch may be used for containing the bills and any change received from the canteen or vending purchases.

    What else may I bring into the visiting park?
    You may bring a vehicle key necessary to operate your vehicle. However, keyless entry devices are not permitted unless the duty warden or designee determines that the device is the only means for the visitor to access the vehicle and it does not pose a threat to institutional security.

    What If I need my prescription medication?
    You may bring in medication, but only the dosage necessary. The medication must be in the original prescribed container and must be clearly marked. However, certain restrictions apply and the department reserves the right to prohibit certain prescriptions which may pose a threat to institutional security.

    What if I require injections for medical purposes?
    If you have a medical condition, such as diabetes, which requires injections, you will be permitted to depart the visiting park and take the necessary medications. Needles and syringes must be secured in your locked vehicle and are not permitted inside the visiting park for security reasons. Do not dispose of needles and syringes on institutional grounds.

  • Search Procedure

    All of our institutions require that any person visiting an inmate be searched. All of these searches are performed with the safety of the visitors, staff and inmates in mind.

    Our goal is to arrest anyone who deliberately introduces contraband into our institutions. Contraband creates violent incidents that could cause harm to your loved one, or even death.

    Our procedures require that all persons (to include minor children) be subjected to some form of search. A parent or guardian will be present during the search of any minor child.

  • Metal Detection

    After a staff member has searched your authorized personal items, you will then be directed to pass through a form, or multiple forms, of metal detection. FDC currently utilizes a walk-through metal detector and a hand-held metal detector. Once you are scanned by a metal detector, you will be required to pass the Magneto Static Detector (a machine that detects cell phones and other devices).

    All alerts must be verified. If you cannot pass both detectors without an alert, the source of the alarm must be isolated or you will not be permitted entrance. **Having wire in an undergarment will subject you to a more enhanced search.

    If the alarm is caused by a medical implant that is not visible to the human eye, a note from a certified physician will be required. The physician whose name appears on the note will be verified.

  • Pat Search

    After metal detection, you will be directed to a separate room for a clothed, pat search by a staff member of the same sex. During this pat search you will be asked to remove all exterior clothing such as jackets, sweaters, scarfs, shoes, etc.

  • Barrier Search

    You may be directed to an area where a canine handler is present. The canine is trained in the detection of drugs and cell phones. The handler, along with a highly trained canine will be standing behind a fence barrier. You will be asked to stand next to and in front of the barrier. If the canine alerts that contraband may be present, a more thorough search will be conducted, to possibly include an unclothed search and a search of your vehicle.

  • Using the Restroom

    At any time during your visit that you utilize the restroom, you will be subject to another pat search upon entering/exiting.

  • If I experience a problem during my visitation, whom should I contact?

    You should ask to speak to the officer in charge (OIC) at the visiting park. If you are unable to resolve the issue, you may contact the on-duty warden.