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 Highlands County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Highlands County Jail 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 Highlands County Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Highlands County Jail

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 Highlands County Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Highlands County Jail?

   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 Highlands County Jail?

   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 Highlands County Jail. 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 Highlands County Jail. 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 Highlands County Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Highlands County Jail
   338 S Orange St
   Sebring, FL 33870
   Phone: (863) 402-7201

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Highlands County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Highlands County Jail 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) 402-7201 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 Highlands County Jail?

   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 Highlands County Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Highlands County Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Highlands County Jail 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 Highlands County Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Highlands County Jail, 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 Highlands County Jail?

   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 Highlands County Jail 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 Highlands County Jail, 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 transformation begins when those incarcerated at Highlands County Jail in Florida gain access to structured opportunities designed to address underlying challenges and build essential life skills. The facility's comprehensive approach recognizes that meaningful change occurs through consistent participation in evidence-based offerings that target education, personal development, and practical preparation for community reintegration. These carefully structured programs typically emphasize accountability, personal responsibility, and the development of healthy coping mechanisms within a secure environment.

Educational opportunities may furnish those incarcerated with pathways to complete their high school equivalency or develop basic literacy and numeracy skills through structured classroom instruction. The facility often includes vocational training components that focus on practical job skills, helping participants build marketable abilities in various trades and service industries. These educational offerings typically operate within established security protocols while providing structured learning environments that encourage academic achievement and personal growth.

Support services often include work release programs that allow eligible participants to maintain employment while serving their sentences, creating bridges between incarceration and community reintegration. Also available are substance abuse treatment programs that address addiction through group sessions and structured therapeutic interventions. Individual counseling services may furnish personalized support for mental health concerns and behavioral challenges. The facility typically incorporates restorative justice principles into its offerings, providing opportunities for those incarcerated to understand the impact of their actions while developing empathy and accountability skills essential for successful community reentry.

Daily Life & Visitation

Maintaining connections with family and community remains a vital aspect of life for those incarcerated at Highlands County Jail. At present, the facility actively organizes daily routines that furnish structure while allowing opportunities for social interaction among residents. The day typically begins with scheduled wake-up times, followed by meals served in common dining areas where those incarcerated can engage with others in their housing unit. Structured programming schedules generally include educational sessions, counseling groups, and recreational periods that encourage positive social dynamics within the facility environment.

Living accommodations at the jail typically consist of shared housing units where residents may be assigned to dormitory-style arrangements or smaller cells, depending on classification levels and available space. Those incarcerated usually have access to common areas during designated times, allowing for social interaction and community building. However, personal property is generally limited to essential items, with additional comfort items often available through the commissary system. The dining arrangements typically involve scheduled meal times in designated areas, providing regular opportunities for social engagement during breakfast, lunch, and dinner periods.

Also important to daily life are the various programs and activities that help maintain connections with the outside community. Recreation and exercise opportunities may include outdoor time in designated areas, indoor fitness activities, and organized sports or games that promote teamwork and social skills. Visitation policies generally allow family members and approved visitors to maintain contact through scheduled visits, while communication options typically include telephone access and written correspondence. Work assignments within the facility often provide those incarcerated with meaningful responsibilities, which may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or administrative support roles that contribute to the facility's daily operations and furnish valuable work experience.