FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

FDC Extends Visitation Suspension at Correctional Institutions Statewide
Additional extension necessary to protect inmates and staff from exposure to COVID-19

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Following the State of Emergency issued in response to COVID-19 in Florida, the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) has extended suspension of visitation at all correctional institutions statewide

“I want to extend my gratitude to the thousands of families who have recognized the importance of protecting our inmate population by suspending visitation. I look forward to the time we can safely welcome them back to visit their loved ones in person,” said FDC Secretary Mark Inch. “As more and more inmates move out of medical isolation and institutions begin normal operations, we are hopeful visitation will resume very soon. We are developing plans on how to conduct visitation in the safest way possible.”

The visitation suspension will be in effect through September 14, 2020. The decision to reinstate the normal visitation schedule or extend the suspension will be evaluated in consultation with health experts.

Inmates will continue to have access to their loved ones through mail, phone calls and video visitation. Legal visits will not be impacted, although attorneys are encouraged to consult with their clients via phone, email or mail during this time.

For more information on the steps FDC is taking to prepare for COVID-19, please visit www.dc.state.fl.us/comm/covid-19.html.