Florida Visitation FAQs

 

. How do I Apply for Visitation?

1. Complete a visitation application:
   

   The inmate you wish to visit must send you an application. An application must be completed by all visitors 12 years of age or older. The application form consists of two parts: Form numbers DC6-111A and DC6-111B. You complete and submit the DC6-111A. The DC6-111B is a visitor information summary which should be reviewed and retained by the visitor. Send the completed DC6-111A form to the Classification Department at the inmate's current location.

2. Where do I mail the visitation application?
   
   Completed applications should be mailed to the Classification Department at the inmate's current location
   
   
3. How long does it take to process a visiting application?
   
   It takes approximately 30 days to process an application from the date it is received.
   
   
4. Can more than one visitor fill out the same application?
   
   No. Each person wishing to visit must fill out a separate application.
   
   
5. Who will notify me if I am either approved or disapproved to visit?
   
   When a decision is made regarding your application, a notice is given to the inmate. The inmate will notify you either by phone or correspondence.
   
   
6. If the inmate I am visiting is transferred to another institution, do I need to reapply?
   
   No. Once you are approved to visit, you may visit the inmate at any facility.
   
   
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7. What are some of the things that can disqualify me?
   
   To list a few, a criminal history, lying on a visiting application, mailing an incomplete application, etc. Possessing a criminal record will not automatically disqualify you for visitation. The nature, extent, and recency of criminal offenses are taken into consideration.
   
   
   

2. What are the registration and visiting times?

Eastern time visiting is 9:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. on both days. For Central time visiting is 8:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and registration begins at 7:15 a.m. on both days. Visitors will be allowed to park in designated spaces no earlier than 7:30 a.m. EST and 6:30 a.m. CST on visiting days.

3. Can I visit on a holiday?

Regular visiting is permitted on the following holidays:

• New Year's Day
• Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (third Monday in January)
• Memorial Day
• Independance Day
• Labor Day
• Veteran's Day (November 11th)
• Thanksgiving Day
• Friday after Thanksgiving; and
• Christmas Day

If any of the holidays listed above falls on Saturday, the preceding Friday will be observed as a holiday. If any of these holidays fall on Sunday, then the following Monday will be observed as the holiday.

4. What are the Visitation Rules?

1. Can I just show up at the institution to visit an inmate?
   
   No. You must fill out a visiting application and wait for the inmate to notify you.
   
   
2. Can I give anything to the inmate during our visit?
   
   No. With the exception of foods purchased inside the visiting park, you may not exchange or give anything to the inmate. You may contact the on-duty warden to request a special exception to this rule.
   
   
   

5. What Can/Can't I Bring?

1. Can I bring an approved minor/child even if I am not the parent?
   
   Any minor 17 years of age or younger must be accompanied by an approved adult on the inmate's visiting list. Further, if you are not the parent, you must present a notarized document from the parent or legal guardian, not an inmate, giving you permission to bring the minor/child in to visit, regardless if the minor is approved. The visitor bringing the minor to visit cannot notarize the document.
   
   
2. What baby items can I bring in to the visiting park?
   
   A maximum of five (5) diapers, three (3) clear baby bottles or two (2) sipper cups for toddlers, three (3) clear, plastic jars of baby food with the original seal intact, and baby wipes or towelettes (in a clear plastic bag). Also, you may bring in an infant baby carrier (subject to search), one (1) set of infant clothing, and one (1) non-quilted baby blanket to keep the infant warm.
   
   
3. What clothing should I NOT wear to the institution?
   
   It's always a good idea to dress conservatively. The following is a list of some of the clothing deemed inappropriate: Tank tops, spandex clothing, shorts that are more than 3 inches above the knee, skirts, fish net style clothing, clothing with offensive language/pictures, and see thru clothing.
   
   
4. How much money can I bring in during my visit?
   
   Up to $50.00, in $1.00, $5.00, $10.00 and $20.00 denominations only or silver change, per visitor, regardless of age, to purchase snacks and beverages from visiting park canteens or vending machines. All snacks and beverages shall be purchased and consumed in the visiting area. A small wallet or pouch may be used for containing the bills and any change received from the canteen or vending purchases.
   
   
5. What else may I bring into the visiting park?
   
   The following is a list of some other items you may bring into a prison facility: (1) unopened pack of cigarettes or cigars, (1) lighter (bic type lighters or matches are prohibited), and a vehicle key necessary to operate your vehicle.
   
   
6. What If I need my prescription medication?
   
   You may bring in medication, but only the dosage necessary. The medication must be in the original prescribed container and must be clearly marked. However, certain restrictions apply and the department reserves the right to prohibit certain prescription's which may pose a threat to institutional security.
   
   
7. What if I require injections for medical purposes?
   
   If you have a medical condition, such as diabetes, which requires injections, you will be permitted to depart the visiting park and take the necessary medications. Needles and syringes must be secured in your locked vehicle and are not permitted inside the visiting park for security reasons. Do not dispose of needles and syringes on institutional grounds.
   
   
   

6. Is visitation a right?

No. Visitation is a privilege and as such is subject to suspension/revocation if circumstances dictate.

For the complete rules governing visitation, please see Florida Administrative Code, Chapter 33, Section 601.712-732.

7. If I experience a problem during my visitation, whom should I contact?

You should ask to speak to the officer in charge (OIC) at the visiting park. If you are unable to resolve the issue, you may contact the on-duty warden.

8. I have been a pen pal with an inmate for quite awhile. May I visit the inmate?

Yes. You must submit an application for consideration. However, we urge the public to be cautious before establishing social or pen pal relationships with inmates. Please visit our web-site at http://www.dc.state.fl.us/activeoffenders/search.asp to verify information about Florida inmates before engaging in correspondence with them.

9. Who do I contact about visitation?

You must contact the Classification Officer at the inmate's current facility

10. What about Special Visits?

1. How do I get a special visit?
   Contact the institution and speak with the inmate's Classification Officer. Special visits are not given routinely but are reserved for extenuating circumstances and are granted at the discretion of the Warden.
   
   
2. Do I still need to fill out a visiting application even if the warden already granted me a one-time special visit?
   Yes, unless you were already approved to visit.
   
   
   

11. Who has final authority on visitation?

The warden at each facility has the final approval or disapproval authority for each visitation request.