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 Lee County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Lee 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 Lee County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Lee County Jail
   2115 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
   Fort Myers, FL 33901
   Phone: (239) 477-1500

   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 Lee County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Lee 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 (239) 477-1500 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 Lee 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 Lee County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Through a multifaceted approach to individual development, Union Corrections Inst., Fl recognizes that meaningful transformation requires addressing the diverse needs and circumstances that each person brings to their correctional experience. The facility's comprehensive framework encompasses educational advancement, vocational skill development, therapeutic intervention, and practical support services, all designed to create pathways toward successful community reintegration. This holistic philosophy acknowledges that sustainable change often emerges from the intersection of multiple support systems working in concert.

Educational opportunities typically form the cornerstone of personal development initiatives, with programs that may include literacy enhancement, GED preparation, and various academic coursework designed to strengthen foundational knowledge. Vocational training opportunities often encompass specialized fields such as barbering and cosmetology, providing individuals with marketable skills that translate directly to employment prospects upon release. Moreover, building maintenance programs typically offer hands-on experience in essential trades, allowing participants to develop technical competencies while contributing meaningfully to facility operations and gaining valuable work experience.

The therapeutic and support services dimension often includes comprehensive substance abuse treatment programs that address the underlying issues frequently associated with criminal behavior, utilizing evidence-based approaches to promote lasting recovery. Sex offender treatment opportunities may provide specialized intervention designed to reduce recidivism through targeted therapeutic methodologies. Additionally, trauma-informed care services typically recognize the significant impact of past experiences on individual behavior, while work release programs often serve as crucial transitional opportunities that allow individuals to maintain employment and family connections while completing their sentences, creating bridges between incarceration and successful community reentry.

Daily Life & Visitation

The sound of morning announcements echoing through housing units signals the beginning of another structured day, as individuals at Union Correctional Institution now begin their carefully regulated routines that typically commence in the early hours. Daily schedules generally revolve around mandatory counts, meal times, and assigned activities, with individuals regularly moving between their housing areas, work assignments, and programming locations under staff supervision. The facility operates on a regimented schedule that usually includes multiple security checks throughout the day, ensuring that all individuals are accounted for while maintaining the orderly flow of institutional operations.

Living accommodations typically consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where individuals generally reside with one or more roommates in spaces that include basic furnishings such as bunks, storage areas, and shared bathroom facilities. Moreover, personal property allowances usually permit individuals to maintain limited personal items, photographs, and approved reading materials, while commissary services typically offer opportunities to purchase additional hygiene products, snacks, and writing supplies. Whereas the physical environment may feel restrictive, many individuals often create personal spaces within their assigned areas and develop routines that help them adapt to institutional living.

Structured programming schedules typically offer various educational courses, vocational training opportunities, and substance abuse treatment programs designed to support rehabilitation goals. Recreation periods usually provide access to outdoor exercise areas, indoor recreational facilities, and organized sports activities, while library services generally offer reading materials and quiet study spaces. Moreover, visitation policies typically allow family members and approved visitors to maintain contact through scheduled visits, and communication options usually include monitored telephone calls and correspondence, helping individuals preserve important relationships with their support systems outside the facility walls.