How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Avon Park Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Avon Park Correctional Institution is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Avon Park Correctional Institution.

Frequently asked questions about Avon Park Correctional Institution

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Avon Park Correctional Institution.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Avon Park Correctional Institution?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Avon Park Correctional Institution?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Avon Park Correctional Institution. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Avon Park Correctional Institution. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Avon Park Correctional Institution?

   Mailing address:

   Avon Park Correctional Institution
   8100 County Rd 64
   Avon Park, FL 33825
   Phone: (863) 453-3174

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Avon Park Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at Avon Park Correctional Institution vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (863) 453-3174 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Avon Park Correctional Institution?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Avon Park Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Avon Park Correctional Institution?

   You can send money to an inmate at Avon Park Correctional Institution through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Avon Park Correctional Institution?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Avon Park Correctional Institution, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Avon Park Correctional Institution?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Avon Park Correctional Institution for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Avon Park Correctional Institution, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

Rehabilitation through skill-building and personal development forms the foundation of resident initiatives at Avon Park C.I. The facility typically emphasizes a comprehensive approach that addresses both immediate needs and long-term reintegration goals. Residents may participate in various structured activities designed to build practical skills while addressing underlying issues that contributed to their incarceration.

Educational initiatives often include basic literacy programs, GED preparation, and continuing education opportunities that help residents develop essential academic foundations. The vocational training component may deliver hands-on experience in automotive repair, providing residents with marketable skills in vehicle maintenance and mechanical systems. These educational and vocational initiatives typically focus on building competencies that translate directly to employment opportunities upon release.

Support services and therapeutic initiatives address the broader spectrum of resident needs through multiple approaches. Substance abuse treatment programs may offer counseling and recovery support to help residents overcome addiction challenges. In addition to this, work release initiatives typically provide supervised employment opportunities that allow qualified residents to maintain community connections while serving their sentences. Volunteer programs often include opportunities for residents to contribute to facility operations, while painting and decorating initiatives may deliver both vocational training and facility maintenance benefits. These combined efforts typically create a structured environment where residents can develop responsibility and practical skills.

Daily Life & Visitation

Structure forms the foundation of each day, with residents following established routines that deliver consistency and predictability. At present, the daily schedule typically begins with early morning counts and meal service, followed by work assignments, educational programming, or other structured activities. Residents actively participate in various facility operations, which may include kitchen duties, maintenance work, or administrative support roles that help maintain institutional operations.

Housing arrangements generally place residents in dormitory-style units or cells, depending on their classification level and security requirements. Living spaces typically accommodate multiple residents and include basic furnishings such as beds, storage areas, and shared bathroom facilities. In addition to this, residents usually have access to common areas where they can socialize during designated recreation periods, watch television, or participate in group activities that promote social interaction within the structured environment.

Programming schedules deliver opportunities for personal development through educational classes, vocational training, and recreational activities that may include sports, fitness programs, and hobby groups. Despite this structured environment, residents typically maintain connections with family members through scheduled visitation periods, telephone calls, and correspondence. The commissary system generally allows residents to purchase approved personal items and snacks, while work assignments often provide modest compensation that can be used for these purchases or saved for future needs.