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 Zephyrhills Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Zephyrhills 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 Zephyrhills Correctional Institution.

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

   Mailing address:

   Zephyrhills Correctional Institution
   2739 Gall Blvd
   Zephyrhills, FL 33541
   Phone: (813) 782-5521

5. What are the visiting hours at Zephyrhills Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at Zephyrhills 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 (813) 782-5521 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 Zephyrhills 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 Zephyrhills Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Educational advancement serves as the cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts at Zephyrhills Correctional Institution, where comprehensive academic initiatives are designed to address the diverse learning needs of residents. The facility's approach to programming emphasizes skill development and personal growth through structured educational pathways that may deliver both foundational and advanced learning opportunities. These initiatives typically focus on creating sustainable pathways for residents to develop competencies that will serve them both during incarceration and upon reintegration into their communities.

Academic programming at the institution often includes GED preparation courses that provide residents with opportunities to complete their high school equivalency credentials. The educational framework may deliver specialized instruction through dedicated learning environments where residents can progress at individualized paces. Special education services are typically available for residents who require additional academic support, ensuring that learning differences do not become barriers to educational achievement. In addition to this, vocational training initiatives often complement academic programming by providing residents with practical skills that align with employment opportunities in various industries.

Therapeutic and support services form an integral component of the facility's comprehensive approach to resident development. Substance abuse treatment initiatives may deliver evidence-based interventions designed to address addiction-related challenges that residents face. These therapeutic programs typically incorporate both individual and group counseling components that focus on developing coping strategies and relapse prevention skills. Work release opportunities often provide qualified residents with structured transitions back into community employment, allowing them to maintain family connections while developing financial responsibility and workplace competencies that support successful reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

The steady rhythm of count times, meal periods, and scheduled activities now forms the backbone of each day, creating a predictable framework that residents regularly depend upon for stability and structure. Morning routines typically begin early with wake-up calls, followed by cell inspections and the first of several daily counts that occur throughout the day. Residents generally move through their assigned schedules in organized groups, with designated times for meals, work assignments, educational programs, and recreational activities that deliver consistent structure to otherwise challenging circumstances.

Housing arrangements at Zephyrhills C.I. typically consist of dormitory-style units and individual cells, where residents maintain their personal living spaces according to facility standards and regulations. Each housing area generally includes common areas where residents may gather during approved times, and personal property is usually limited to approved items that can be stored within designated space allowances. In addition to this structured living environment, the commissary typically operates on scheduled days, allowing residents to purchase approved personal items and food products that supplement the standard meal service provided in the main dining facilities.

Despite this controlled environment, various programs and activities often provide opportunities for personal development and family connection throughout the week. Work assignments may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, laundry services, and grounds keeping, which typically offer residents the chance to develop skills while contributing to facility operations. Recreational opportunities generally include access to outdoor exercise areas, television viewing in common spaces, and library services during designated hours. Family connections are usually maintained through scheduled visitation periods and telephone privileges, with communication policies that typically allow residents to stay in contact with approved family members and friends, helping to preserve important relationships during their time at the facility.