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 Florence County Sheriff's Office.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Florence County Sheriff's Office 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 Florence County Sheriff's Office.

Frequently asked questions about Florence County Sheriff's Office

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 Florence County Sheriff's Office.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Florence County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Florence County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Florence County Sheriff's Office. 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 Florence County Sheriff's Office. 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 Florence County Sheriff's Office?

   Mailing address:

   Florence County Sheriff's Office
   6719 Friendfield Rd
   Effingham, SC 29541
   Phone: (843) 665-2121

5. What are the visiting hours at Florence County Sheriff's Office?

   Visiting hours at Florence County Sheriff's Office 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 (843) 665-2121 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 Florence County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Florence County Sheriff's Office for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Florence County Sheriff's Office?

   You can send money to an inmate at Florence County Sheriff's Office 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 Florence County Sheriff's Office?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Florence County Sheriff's Office, 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 Florence County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Florence County Sheriff's Office 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 Florence County Sheriff's Office, 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

Through comprehensive support services, the Florence County Detention Center recognizes that meaningful rehabilitation requires addressing multiple aspects of an individual’s life circumstances. The facility’s approach centers on providing practical skills and resources that help prepare the population for successful community reintegration. These programs typically emphasize building confidence, developing employable skills, and fostering personal growth through structured learning opportunities.

Educational services form a cornerstone of the facility’s programming, often including basic literacy instruction and GED preparation to help participants complete their high school education. Financial literacy programs may supply essential knowledge about budgeting, banking, and money management skills that prove invaluable upon release. In addition to this, vocational programs in construction trades provide hands-on training opportunities that can lead to employment in the building industry. These educational and vocational initiatives typically focus on practical skills that align with local job market demands.

Support services extend beyond traditional classroom learning to address broader reintegration needs. Faith-based initiatives often provide spiritual guidance and community connections for those seeking such support. The facility maintenance programs may offer work experience while contributing to the upkeep of the institution, helping participants develop a sense of responsibility and work ethic. Identification document assistance typically helps ensure the population has necessary paperwork like birth certificates and social security cards ready for their return to the community, removing common barriers to employment and housing access.

Daily Life & Visitation

Organizational systems at the Florence County Detention Center actively shape every aspect of the population’s daily experience, with structured schedules that typically begin before dawn and continue through evening hours. At present, the facility operates on a regimented timeline that includes designated periods for meals, recreation, work assignments, and programming activities. The population generally follows a routine that supplies predictability and order, with count times occurring at regular intervals throughout the day to maintain security and accountability.

Housing units within the facility typically accommodate multiple individuals in dormitory-style or cell-based arrangements, depending on classification levels and security requirements. The population usually receives three meals daily in designated dining areas, with breakfast often served early in the morning, followed by lunch and dinner at scheduled intervals. Personal property allowances generally include basic hygiene items, limited clothing, and approved personal effects that residents may purchase through the commissary system when funds are available.

In addition to this structured daily routine, the facility may offer various programming opportunities that supply educational, vocational, or rehabilitative benefits to willing participants. Recreation periods typically include outdoor time when weather permits, along with access to indoor activities and exercise facilities. Despite this regimented environment, the population generally maintains contact with family members through scheduled visitation periods and telephone privileges, which help preserve important connections to the outside community. Work assignments within the facility often include food service, maintenance, and cleaning duties that contribute to daily operations while providing structure and responsibility for participants.