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 Lake City Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Lake City Correctional Facility 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 Lake City Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Lake City Correctional Facility

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 Lake City Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Lake City Correctional Facility?

   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 Lake City Correctional Facility?

   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 Lake City Correctional Facility. 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 Lake City Correctional Facility. 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 Lake City Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Lake City Correctional Facility
   7906 US-90
   Lake City, FL 32055
   Phone: (386) 755-3379

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Lake City Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Lake City Correctional Facility 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 (386) 755-3379 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 Lake City Correctional Facility?

   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 Lake City Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Lake City Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Lake City Correctional Facility 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 Lake City Correctional Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Lake City Correctional Facility, 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 Lake City Correctional Facility?

   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 Lake City Correctional Facility 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 Lake City Correctional Facility, 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 comprehensive approach to individual development forms the foundation of opportunities at Lake City CF, where multiple pathways for growth and skill-building intersect to support successful reintegration. The facility typically emphasizes practical skill development alongside personal growth, recognizing that meaningful change often requires addressing various aspects of an individual's life simultaneously.

Educational advancement and vocational training serve as cornerstone opportunities for individuals seeking to build marketable skills. Education programs may offer basic literacy instruction through high school equivalency preparation, providing essential academic foundations. Moreover, specialized vocational training often includes HVAC certification opportunities, equipping participants with technical skills that align with industry demand and employment prospects upon release.

Support services and therapeutic interventions complement these skill-building opportunities through targeted programming designed to address underlying challenges. Substance abuse treatment typically provides individuals with tools and strategies for maintaining sobriety and making healthier life choices. Communication skills development often enhances interpersonal abilities that prove essential in both personal relationships and professional settings. Additionally, work release opportunities may allow eligible individuals to gain real-world employment experience while maintaining facility supervision, creating a bridge between incarceration and community reintegration that supports long-term success.

Daily Life & Visitation

The sound of morning announcements now signals the start of each day for individuals at Lake City CF, where structured routines provide predictability within the correctional environment. Daily schedules typically begin early with headcounts and meal service, followed by work assignments or programming activities. Individuals regularly participate in facility operations through various job assignments, which may include kitchen duties, maintenance work, or administrative support roles. These positions offer structure while developing practical skills that may prove valuable upon release.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared housing units where individuals maintain personal spaces within the facility's security parameters. Dormitory-style arrangements are common, with individuals typically sharing living areas while having designated storage for approved personal items. The commissary system allows residents to purchase additional food items, hygiene products, and other approved goods to supplement basic provisions. Moreover, dining arrangements follow scheduled meal times in communal areas, with menus designed to meet basic nutritional requirements while accommodating certain dietary restrictions.

Recreational opportunities often include outdoor exercise periods, television viewing in common areas, and access to library materials when available. Programming schedules may offer educational classes, vocational training, or substance abuse counseling depending on individual needs and facility resources. Whereas daily routines maintain necessary structure, visitation policies typically allow family members to maintain connections through scheduled visits and phone calls. These communication options provide important emotional support systems that help individuals stay connected to their communities during their time at the facility.