Overview

Florida correctional facilities are divided into major institutions, work camps, work release centers and road prisons. Inmates are assigned to certain facilities based on offense, length of sentence, time remaining to serve, prior criminal record, escape history, prison programs and other factors. Upon entry into prison, inmates are sent to a prison reception center. Inmates usually spend four to six weeks in the reception process before being sent to a more permanent facility. During reception, an inmate’s custody level is determined, healthcare and programming needs are assessed and inmates learn the rules and regulations of prison life.