Victims' Rights

• FL Constitution Article I Section 16 - Victim Rights
• Victim Rights Brochure
• Victim Rights Brochure (Spanish)

All victims of crime, relatives of minors, and/or homicide victims have a right to be notified prior to an inmate's release from prison. The department can provide written notification 30-120 days prior to the inmate's release. In the event of a court action that causes an inmate's immediate release, notification is provided as soon as possible, based on the victim's current contact information. Each State Attorney's Office is responsible for providing the most current address of the victim to the department. The victim or the victims' family should notify the department in writing, if the victim's address or telephone number changes. We can also provide automated notification if the victim is registered with our VINE Service.

If the inmate is ordered by the court to pay restitution, the department will collect on the victim's behalf, if the inmate is gainfully employed while incarcerated or under probation supervision. Please contact Victim Services if you should be receiving restitution and are not receiving payments.

If the victim or the victim's family is receiving unwanted, threatening telephone calls, or correspondence from an inmate in our custody, they should notify our Victim Services office. Pursuant to Florida Statute 836.10, written threats to do specific bodily injury or to kill constitute a second-degree felony in Florida.

Release dates and other general information about an inmate is public record. Victims may request information by writing or calling the department's Victim Services office listed in this brochure, or by visiting the department's inmate online inmate search on our public web site. Note: Victim information is kept CONFIDENTIAL per Florida law.

If you have any questions about the inmate who committed the crime against you or if you or your family has any fears concerning the release of the inmate, please document them in writing and send them to:

Florida Department of Corrections — Victim Services
501 South Calhoun Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500.

These can also be faxed to (850) 488-3476 or sent by e-mail to Victim.Services@fdc.myflorida.com.

Attorney General—Division of Victim Services

The Florida Attorney General’s Division of Victim Services serves as an advocate for crime victims, their families and victims’ rights. Crime victims may be eligible for financial assistance for medical care, lost income, mental health services, funeral services and other out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the injury occurred during the crime. The Attorney General’s Office provides a resource guide that can help you find support services in your area.
The toll-free number for the Division of Victim Services is 800-226-6667.Tallahassee residents may also call may also contact the Division of Victim Services at (850) 414-3300.

You may also go directly to Crime Victims’ Services page which includes information on what the law provides, what your rights are, and how to file for compensation.

Conditional Release Supervision

If the inmate who committed the crime against you is eligible for Conditional Release Supervision, we hope you will give us your input concerning how this crime has affected you and your family, any fears you have of the inmate, and/or any recommendations you may have regarding the release of this inmate. To share your concerns or recommendations, please document them in writing and send them to:

Florida Commission on Offender Review — Victim Services
RE: Conditional Release Supervision Victim Statement
4070 Esplanade Way
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2450

Phone: 850-487-3259 or toll-free 1-855-850-8196 or email victimsquestions@fcor.state.fl.us

Collection of Restitution

To pay court ordered restitution, fines and court costs, some inmates have the opportunity to work at paid employment, either through the Community Work Release Program or PRIDE (Prison Rehabilitative Industries and Diversified Enterprises). Payments are distributed on a regular basis to victims who are awarded restitution by the court and maintain a current address with the department. Victims may submit any changes to their contact information to any State of Florida Department of Corrections office.

• Community Work Release: Inmates who work outside the confines of a Community Work Release Center, in private industry, are required to use 10% of their net wages to pay court ordered restitution, fines and court costs. Victims may request notification of an inmate's transfer into a Community Work Release Facility by contacting the Victim Services Section at 1-877-884-2846 (1-877-8-VICTIM) or Victim.Services@fdc.myflorida.com. Victims who have questions regarding restitution payments from inmates currently assigned to work release, should contact the Community Release Center Unit at (850) 488-9859.
  
  
• PRIDE: PRIDE sets aside a portion of their corporate profits to pay court ordered restitution, fines and court costs for inmates who are employed in one of their industries. Payments are based on the number of hours an inmate works in a PRIDE industry and the type of job performed.
  
  
• Probation: Offenders are required to pay court ordered restitution, fines and court costs while being supervised by Probation and Parole Services. To obtain additional information and assistance, contact the offender's Probation Officer, or the Probation and Parole Services Office.