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 Hardee Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Hardee 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 Hardee Correctional Institution.

Frequently asked questions about Hardee 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 Hardee Correctional Institution.

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

   Mailing address:

   Hardee Correctional Institution
   6901 FL-62
   Bowling Green, FL 33834
   Phone: (863) 767-4500

   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 Hardee Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at Hardee 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) 767-4500 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 Hardee 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 Hardee Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Hardee 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 Hardee Correctional Institution?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Hardee 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 Hardee 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 Hardee 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 Hardee 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

A wide spectrum of developmental opportunities creates pathways for personal growth and skill building at Hardee Correctional Institution. The facility typically emphasizes a multi-faceted approach to individual development. This comprehensive framework often includes educational advancement, vocational training, and therapeutic support services designed to address various needs.

Educational opportunities form a cornerstone of the programming available to individuals. The institution may offer education programs that cover basic literacy through advanced coursework. Tutoring programs often provide additional academic support for those seeking to improve their skills or complete certifications. Moreover, vocational training in areas such as plumbing typically gives participants hands-on experience in trades that may enhance their employment prospects upon release.

Support services and therapeutic interventions round out the comprehensive offerings available. Substance abuse treatment programs often address addiction-related challenges through structured counseling and group sessions. Work release opportunities may provide eligible individuals with supervised employment in the community. Additionally, volunteer programs typically allow participants to contribute to facility operations while developing workplace skills and a sense of responsibility.

Daily Life & Visitation

The sound of meal preparation begins before dawn as kitchen workers start their shifts, setting the rhythm for another structured day. Today's schedule follows a consistent pattern that governs nearly every aspect of life for individuals housed at this Florida correctional facility. Wake-up typically occurs in the early morning hours, followed by mandatory counts, meal service, and work assignments that may include maintenance, food service, or facility operations. The routine generally incorporates educational programming, recreational periods, and additional security counts throughout the day, with lights-out consistently scheduled for evening hours.

Living accommodations vary across different housing units within the facility, with individuals typically assigned to cells or dormitory-style arrangements depending on their classification level and behavior record. Each housing area generally includes basic furnishings such as beds, storage space, and shared bathroom facilities. Moreover, individuals may personalize their living spaces with approved personal property purchased through the commissary system, including hygiene items, snacks, and writing materials. The commissary typically operates on scheduled days, allowing individuals to supplement their basic necessities with approved purchases.

Recreational opportunities often include access to outdoor exercise areas, television viewing in common spaces, and library services that support both leisure reading and educational pursuits. Whereas structured programming schedules may offer vocational training, substance abuse counseling, or life skills courses designed to support successful reintegration. Family connections remain vital through scheduled visitation periods and telephone privileges that typically allow regular contact with approved contacts. These communication options, along with mail correspondence, help individuals maintain important relationships and support systems during their incarceration.