Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
Work Release
- What is work release?
- Work release is that portion of the Community
Release Program that allows selected inmates to
work at paid employment in the community during
the last months of their confinement.
- Inmates must return to the Department's custody
at the end of each workday. Work Release provides:
- Gradual reintegration back into the community.
- Gainful employment.
- Accumulation of savings from paid employment.
- Preservation of family and community ties.
- Participation in self-help programs.
- Work release is that portion of the Community
Release Program that allows selected inmates to
work at paid employment in the community during
the last months of their confinement.
- What makes an inmate ineligible for work release?
These inmates are ineligible to participate in community release programs:
- Inmates convicted of sexual battery pursuant to
s.794.011
F.S.
- Inmates serving their fourth or more commitment
to prison, including commitments from any other
state or federal correctional agency.
- Any inmate found guilty of a Rule
33-601.314 4-1, violation for escape within
the last five years.
- Any inmate who has a detainer filed against him/her
unless:
- The detaining authority, in writing, does not object to the inmate's placement and furlough participation.
- It can be established the detainer would be withdrawn upon payment of restitution, fines, or court costs. In addition, it appears likely the inmate will earn sufficient funds to pay the restitution, fines or court costs within the period the inmate is participating in the program.
- Inmates terminated from a community release program on their current commitment for a rule violation or disciplinary action.
- Inmates convicted of sexual battery pursuant to
s.794.011
F.S.
- When is an inmate eligible for community work release, center work assignment (permanent party), and, community-based residential transition treatment (pre-work release)?
An inmate must meet established criteria in order to be considered for placement in a work release center. The inmate must be in the department custody for at least 60 days and remain disciplinary report free for 60 days prior to placement and be classified as community custody. In addition, an inmate must be within the specific time frames as outlined below.
Inmates with non-advanceable dates must be within:
- 28 months of their earliest tentative release date for the community-based residential transition program (pre-work release)
- 19 months of their tentative release date or presumptive parole release date for center work assignment and community-based residential substance abuse program; or
- 14 months of their earliest tentative release date for work release
Inmates without non-advanceable dates must be within:
- 36 months of their earliest tentative release date for the community-based residential transition program (pre-work release)
- 28 months of their tentative release date for center work assignment and community-based residential substance abuse program; or
- 19 months of their tentative release date for work release
- How does the department account for the money earned while in work release?
The money inmates earn on work release is accounted for in this way:
- Subsistence is 55% at all work release facilities.
- 10% of net pay goes toward restitution or court ordered payments.
- 10% of net pay goes to family assistance, including child support
- 10% of net pay is mandatory for the inmate’s savings account.
- One hundred dollars ($100) per week goes toward the inmate’s personal incidental, etc.
- The remaining goes into the inmate’s savings account.
If you need more information on Work Release, then e-mail us at: central.classification@mail.dc.state.fl.us.