Visitation can often be the deciding factor of an inmate's successful rehabilitation. Visitation not only gives the inmate something to look forward to but helps them maintain relationships with those who matter most, friends and family members. But for those on the outside, even the thought of visiting a correctional facility can be overwhelming, and many people don't know where to start. We have assembled the most important things you need to know if you plan on visiting an inmate incarcerated in Florida.
• Anyone wishing to visit an inmate must complete a Florida Visitation Application DC6-111A. This form can be obtained only by requesting it from the inmate directly, we provide an outdated sample Florida Inmate visitors application on our site as a reference only (Do Not Use).
• The visitor's application must be filled out by anyone 12 and older who will attend a visitation session.
• You may not attend visitation until your application is approved.
• Application approval usually takes no more than 30 days.
• The inmate is responsible for informing you of the status of your application (of either approved or denied).
• The application should be mailed to the Classification Department of the institution the inmate is currently incarcerated in.
• If you provide false, misleading or inaccurate information your application may be denied.
• Visitors may only be on one inmate's visitation list at a time.
• Anyone visiting the institution 17 and over must provide a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, Military ID or passport.
• Minors or anyone under the age of 17 must bring a birth certificate and school photo ID (if available) with them to visitation, and be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is also on the visiting list for the inmate.
• A single car key, your ID and up to $50 in small bills may be in your possession when visiting an inmate. The money may not be given to the inmate, but can be used to purchase food items from the vending machines.
Some additional things you may need to know when visiting an inmate in Florida:
• If a baby is accompanying you to visitation you are allowed to bring up to five diapers, three clear plastic baby bottles (or two sippy cups for toddlers), one clear pacifier, three clear baby foods with intact seals, and baby wipes in a clear bag. Also, one set of babies clothing, one blanket, and a baby carrier may come with you. All these items are subject to search.
• Under no circumstances are you to give the inmate any items.
• Tobacco and related products such as matches and lighters are not allowed within the institution.
• All visitors, their belongings, and car may be searched. Everyone must pass through a metal detector.
Dress Code and Rules for Visiting Florida Inmates
All visitors must follow the institution's dress code to be permitted to enter into visitation. Remember, visitation is a privilege, not a right. The institution may revoke anyone's visiting privileges for bad behavior, for not following the dress code, or for attempting to introduce contraband to the facility.
• Talking to an inmate or visitor other than the person you are approved to visit is prohibited.
• Any clothing that closely resembles the inmate's clothes or the staff's clothes is prohibited. Uniforms such as military or doctors/nurse scrubs are restricted from being worn.
• Some visitors have reported that wearing plain white t-shirts are not allowed.
• Any clothing that exposes the midriff, back, shoulders, cleavage, thighs or exposes excessive skin is not allowed.
• Spandex, leggings, tube tops, tank tops, fishnet sheer or see-through clothing is prohibited, anyone wearing these will not be given admittance to visitation.
• Skirts, shorts, and dresses that are 3 inches or more above the knee or have a slit above the knee are not allowed.
• If your clothing contains offensive language or images you will not be allowed to visit.
Remember, it is the discretion of the staff to interpret the dress code. What may have been allowed to slide one time by staff could be restricted by a different staff member on a different visit. Because of this, we encourage everyone to bring a change of clothes and leave them in your car. This will enable you to quickly change if the staff disagree with something you are wearing.
If you are visiting an inmate in Florida and have a question, or have already visited your inmate and would like to share your experience, please post it below. If you know of some other useful information you want to share with other potential visitors, leave us a comment below.
Before you visit an FDC facility you should expect:
Upon entering the search area, each visitor will be asked a series of questions. The purpose of these questions is to ensure you as the visitor, or the minor child that is accompanying you, is not in violation of Florida Statue 944.47: Introduction of Contraband into a Correctional Institution. Examples include cash money, cell phones, drugs of any type, tobacco and weapons. If you don’t check it in with the staff, don’t bring it in!
Anyone violating this statue is subject to arrest and may be charged with a third-degree felony.
All of our institutions require that any person visiting an inmate be searched. All of these searches are performed with the safety of the visitors, staff and inmates in mind.
Our goal is to arrest anyone who deliberately introduces contraband into our institutions. Contraband creates violent incidents that could cause harm to your loved one, or even death.
Our procedures require that all persons (to include minor children) be subjected to some form of search. A parent or guardian will be present during the search of any minor child.
After a staff member has searched your authorized personal items, you will then be directed to pass through a form, or multiple forms, of metal detection. FDC currently utilizes a walk-through metal detector and a hand-held metal detector. Once you are scanned by a metal detector, you will be required to pass the Magneto Static Detector (a machine that detects cell phones and other devices).
All alerts must be verified. If you cannot pass both detectors without an alert, the source of the alarm must be isolated or you will not be permitted entrance. **Having wire in an undergarment will subject you to a more enhanced search.
If the alarm is caused by a medical implant that is not visible to the human eye, a note from a certified physician will be required. The physician whose name appears on the note will be verified.
After metal detection, you will be directed to a separate room for a clothed, pat search by a staff member of the same sex. During this pat search you will be asked to remove all exterior clothing such as jackets, sweaters, scarfs, shoes, etc.
You may be directed to an area where a canine handler is present. The canine is trained in the detection of drugs and cell phones. The handler, along with a highly trained canine will be standing behind a fence barrier. You will be asked to stand next to and in front of the barrier. If the canine alerts that contraband may be present, a more thorough search will be conducted, to possibly include an unclothed search and a search of your vehicle.
. you will then be permitted entrance into the visiting park. Remember, all of these searches are necessary and are performed with the safety of the visitors, staff, and inmates in mind.
At any time during your visit that you utilize the restroom, you will be subject to another pat search upon entering/exiting.
Report any suspicious activity or rule violations to a staff member in order to help us provide a safer environment for your loved one.
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