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.
Before you can visit an inmate, you must become an approved visitor. Please follow the below steps:
Once you receive confirmation that you are an approved visitor, you may schedule a visit with the inmate. Please follow the below steps:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The warden at each facility has the final approval or disapproval authority for each visitation request. (See the Statewide Facility Directory for contact information).
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 .
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
At any time during your visit that you utilize the restroom, you will be subject to another pat search upon entering/exiting.
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.
For additional information and questions on visiting an inmate, Contact us.
