How to Contact an Inmate

To learn more about the different methods for contacting an inmate, select one of the following options:

  • Write An Inmate

    FDC is pleased to announce that all State of Florida Correctional Institutions are fully transitioned to the new electronic mail delivery format. All routine inmate mail must be addressed to the central processing facility (see below) for scanning and electronic distribution. To view the complete rule and guidelines please visit: Rule 33-210.101 Florida Administrative Code.

    **Notice** LEGAL AND PRIVILEGED MAIL
    The guidelines below apply to Routine Inmate Mail ONLY. Legal mail and privileged mail should NOT be mailed to the central processing facility. Inmates will continue to receive legal mail and privileged mail at their institution in accordance with Florida Administrative Code 33-210.102 and 33-210.103. Every attempt will be made to intercept any incoming legal and/or privileged mail sent to the routine mail processing center in error, however, please be aware that, due to the volume of mail being processed, there is a risk of such mail being opened, inspected, and scanned electronically. If this occurs, once discovered, the scan will be deleted and the correspondence will be returned to sender with instructions to re-send the mail in compliance with the applicable rule.

    All routine inmate mail should be sent to the following address:

    Inmate’s last name, first name, DC#
    PO Box 23608
    Tampa, FL 33623


    Routine Mail FAQ
    What if my loved one doesn't have tablet/kiosk privileges due to their housing designation or status? Inmates, that as a result of their housing designation or status are not permitted to access kiosks, kiosk services, or tablet services as provided for in Rule 33-602.900, F.A.C., will have their scanned mail printed and delivered at no cost to the inmate.
    Can my loved one still recieve legal mail? Inmates will continue to receive legal mail at their institution in accordance with F.A.C. Ch. 33-210.102. Legal mail will not be scanned and delivered electronically.
    How long will it take to process routine mail? Incoming routine mail that is properly addressed, and is compliant with department rules, will not be held for processing for more than 72 hours after receipt (excluding weekends and holidays).

    Delivery/Packaging

    All correspondence addressed to an inmate must be sent by U.S. Postal Service mail. Correspondence sent by other courier or delivery services will be refused.

    No packaging other than standard envelopes shall be accepted. The following types of incoming mail packaging will be rejected and returned to the sender unopened: envelopes that have metal parts, boxes, padded envelopes, plastic bags, card stock type envelopes (e.g., U.S. Mail Priority or U.S. Mail Express cardboard envelopes), multi-layer packaging, bubble wrap, packing peanuts and similar packaging.

    Addressing the Envelope

    Always use the inmate's committed name and DC number when addressing your letters.

    Envelope

    Mail should be written in English, Spanish, or Creole unless the inmate has prior written approval from the warden to receive correspondence in another language.

    All routine mail sent to an inmate is opened, examined, and read by designated department staff.


    If you need more information on Writing an Inmate, see Rule 33 210.101 Florida Administrative Code.

  • Email An Inmate

    FDC Migration Message to Customers

    Inmates are not authorized access to the Internet. However, through JPay Inc., a Florida–based company, the Department provides a variety of multimedia services to inmates, including secure mail, through both an interactive kiosk, available in each general population housing unit, and secure tablets.

    For more information, or to create an account, visit: Securus Technologies.

    Secure Mail is available to inmates at a cost of $0.39/stamp, with one stamp purchasing one email. This is $0.19 cheaper than the cost of a first-class postage stamp, currently at $0.58. The cost of Secure Mail covers the cost of the infrastructure to support it and monitoring of the messages for safety and security purposes.

  • Call An Inmate
    Inmate Phone Procedure

    Florida prison inmates are not permitted to receive telephone calls. Inmates may place collect calls to approved numbers.

    If there is a family emergency, family members are urged to contact the institution's chaplain. The chaplain will notify the inmate and he/she may be granted a special telephone call

    Click here for information about the Inmate Telephone System.

    Inmate telephone system operating hours will vary by institution based on the needs of the institution and will be determined by the Warden, in accordance with Chapter 33-602.205(2)(i).

    Statewide Inmate Telephone System Hours
    Monday 8am - 11pm EST
    Tuesday 8am - 11pm EST
    Wednesday 8am - 11pm EST
    Thursday 8am - 11pm EST
    Friday 8am - 1am EST
    Saturday 8am - 1am EST
    Sunday 8am - 11pm EST
    The day before any state-observed holiday 8am - 1am EST
    For state-observed holidays falling on
    Monday through Thursday (except Thanksgiving)
    8am - 11pm EST

    Note:
    • These times are based on Eastern Standard Time (EST). Institutions operating in the Central Time zone will observe the EST telephone hours.
    • Statewide or institutional emergencies may impact these hours.

For additional information and questions on visiting an inmate, Contact us.