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 Florida State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Florida State Prison 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 Florida State Prison.

Frequently asked questions about Florida State Prison

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 Florida State Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Florida State Prison?

   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 Florida State Prison?

   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 Florida State Prison. 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 Florida State Prison. 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 Florida State Prison?

   Mailing address:

   Florida State Prison
   23916 NW 83rd Ave
   Raiford, FL 32026
   Phone: (904) 368-2500

   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 Florida State Prison?

   Visiting hours at Florida State Prison 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 (904) 368-2500 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 Florida State Prison?

   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 Florida State Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Florida State Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at Florida State Prison 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 Florida State Prison?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Florida State Prison, 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 Florida State Prison?

   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 Florida State Prison 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 Florida State Prison, 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

Personal growth opportunities within Florida State Prison typically center around structured programming designed to address the diverse needs of those incarcerated. The facility's approach emphasizes building practical skills and addressing underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior. Through a comprehensive framework of educational, vocational, and therapeutic offerings, participants can work toward developing the tools necessary for successful community reintegration while maintaining the security and safety standards essential to institutional operations.

Educational pathways may furnish foundational learning opportunities, including basic literacy and numeracy instruction for those seeking to complete their education. Also available are job readiness training programs that focus on essential workplace skills such as resume writing, interview techniques, and professional communication. Vocational offerings often include hands-on training in trades like welding, providing those incarcerated with marketable skills that can support employment upon release. These structured learning environments typically emphasize both technical competency and workplace behavior expectations.

Support services complement the educational and vocational components through various therapeutic and peer-based offerings. Substance abuse treatment programs may address addiction issues through counseling and group sessions designed to promote recovery and relapse prevention. Also available are peer support groups that create opportunities for mutual assistance and accountability among participants. Work release programs, when available, may furnish supervised community employment opportunities for eligible individuals nearing release. Music programs often provide creative outlets that can support emotional well-being and personal expression within the structured institutional environment.

Daily Life & Visitation

Family connections and social bonds remain central to the experience of those incarcerated at Florida State Prison, where structured routines at present actively support both personal accountability and community building. The daily schedule typically begins with early morning counts and meal service, followed by work assignments, educational programming, or recreational activities. Those incarcerated generally move through their days within established timeframes that furnish stability and purpose. However, the rhythm of institutional life also allows for meaningful interactions with fellow residents during meals, recreation periods, and structured programs.

Living accommodations typically consist of multi-person cells or dormitory-style housing units, where those incarcerated share common spaces and develop supportive relationships. Meals are generally served in designated dining areas at scheduled times, providing opportunities for social interaction and community building. Also, recreational activities may include access to outdoor exercise areas, indoor fitness equipment, and organized sports when available. The facility usually maintains a commissary system where residents can purchase approved personal items and food products to supplement their basic needs.

Work assignments often furnish structure and skill development, with those incarcerated typically participating in facility maintenance, food service, or other institutional operations. Educational and vocational programs may offer opportunities for personal growth and preparation for eventual reintegration. However, maintaining connections with family and friends remains particularly important, with visitation policies generally allowing approved visitors during designated hours and days. Communication options typically include monitored telephone calls and correspondence, helping those incarcerated preserve vital relationships with their support networks outside the facility walls.