FL DOC – Graceville Correctional Facility – GEO

FL DOC – Graceville Correctional Facility – GEO basic information to help guide you through what you can do for your inmate while they are incarcerated. The facility's direct contact number: 850-263-5500

This facility is for adult inmates.

The inmates housed at FL DOC – Graceville Correctional Facility – GEO located at 5168 Ezell Rd in Graceville, FL are placed according to their custody level and are incarcerated by a private company contracted by a government agency and are paid a per diem or monthly rate, either for each inmate in the facility or for each bed available. The facility is well-trained and well-staffed. This doesn't come without some controversy as the "price of incarceration" is big business and critics claim there is a monetary benefit to keeping people locked up. The flip side is this facility undergoes rigorous inspections and are some of the be maintained in the US.

For inmates that show a willingness to learn new things, there are educational and vocational training programs here that will prepare them for a successful reentry when released.

Contacting an Inmate at the FL DOC – Graceville Correctional Facility

​Calling an Inmate

Inmate Phone Procedure

Florida prison inmates are not permitted to receive telephone calls. Inmates may place collect calls to approved numbers

When an inmate enters the Florida prison system, he/she will have an inmate telephone account established with a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and be provided with instructions for placing collect calls to family and friends. Inmate phone lists are limited to ten (10) numbers

Inmates are authorized to initiate collect calls to personal landline numbers and personal cell phone numbers. Collect calls to businesses are prohibited. Before an inmate is permitted to place a collect call, she/he must submit the telephone number, name, and address for verification and activation prior to being added to the inmate's approved call list

Call Rates Effective November 23, 2016
Local per minute call rate	$.04
Prepaid and collect per minute call rate	$0.14

Phone Number Approval

Approved call lists can be changed every 6 months, or sooner under specific circumstances provided in the instructions. Each time this list is submitted, all verification information must be included for any additions/changes, as well as those numbers previously approved, the inmate wishes to retain. If only the additions/changes are submitted on the call list, those numbers previously submitted and approved will be deleted. Every new number an inmate requests to be added to the approved call list must be verified and activated before the inmate is allowed to call. If the inmate is unable to complete a call after the number is approved, they should initiate a request through their Classification Office.

If family and friends are unable to receive calls or have other questions regarding receiving calls from an inmate, they may contact their local phone provider or 800-844-6591 Securus Correctional Billing Services, for assistance.

If there is a family emergency, family members are urged to contact the institution's chaplain. The chaplain will notify the inmate and he/she may be granted a special telephone call

Writing an Inmate

All correspondence addressed to inmates must be sent by U.S. Postal Service mail. Correspondence sent by other courier or delivery services will be refused

Inmates shall not be permitted to receive routine mail in boxes, padded envelopes, plastic bags, multi-layer packaging, envelopes that include metal parts, any package containing bubble wrap or packing peanuts, or card stock type envelopes (i.e. U.S. Mail Priority or U.S. Mail Express cardboard type)

Addressing the Envelope

Always use the inmate’s committed name, DC number, and institutional address when addressing your letters.

Use the Facility Profiles to locate the address for major institutions. Use the printable directory to locate Work and Forestry Camps, Road Prisons, Work Release Centers and Administrative Service Center addresses.

Mail should be written in English or Spanish unless the inmate has prior written approval from the warden to receive correspondence in another language.

All routine mail sent to an inmate is opened, examined, and read by designated department staff.

• Items Allowed Through Routine Mail
• Restrictions on Routine Mail

Inmates are not authorized to access to the Internet.

Inmates Receiving Books, Periodicals (Magazines/Newsletters), or Other Publications

The sending of publications to inmates is addressed in Administrative Rule 33.501.401, “Admissible Reading Material” F.A.C.

• Reading Material Restrictions

If you need more information on Writing an Inmate, see Rule 33 210.101 Florida Administrative Code or e-mail us at: central.classification@fdc.myflorida.com.

Client: Florida Department of Management Services (FL DMS) – Capacity: 1,884

SCOPE OF WORK: Services provided by GEO include security, programs, medical services, and food service. The facility is program intensive offering a wide range of programs such as academic, vocational, life skills, substance abuse education programs, and pre-release transition planning.

FL DOC – Graceville Correctional Facility – Florida Parole Commission

Inmate Accounts and Commissary

Inmates may need or receive money for various facility life activities, such as a calling card, medical co-pays, items from the commissary, or even a paying job. Inmate money is managed through inmate accounts.
Generally, all our facilities have a commissary, which is an in-facility storehouse where food items, hygiene items and writing materials can be purchased. This is in addition to the meals and standard-issue clothing and hygiene products already supplied by and paid for by the facility. Inmates use the money in their inmate account to purchase these items.
Typically, friends and family may contribute money to an inmate’s account. Many of the facility profiles have instructions for contributing to an inmate account.

Inmate Mailing Procedures
The United States Postal Services (USPS) prohibits the mailing of any of the following:
• Potentially hazardous materials that are not properly marked and packaged;
• Perishable items that are not properly marked and packaged;
• Correspondence containing any vile, or obscene material, and matter inciting violence or terrorism;
• Solicitations that mimic billing statements, unless accompanied by a prominent disclaimer;
• Solicitations stating approval by the USPS or Postmaster General, or conformance to any postal law or regulation; and
• Correspondence that bears deliberate imitations of postal markings and/or postal trademarks (e.g. “Priority Mail”, etc.). Correspondents are personally responsible for the content of each item of correspondence they send through the USPS. Any violation of laws governing correspondence will be referred to postal authorities and to appropriate criminal authorities. The sender may be subject to civil or criminal penalties and/or federal prosecution for violation of postal laws.

Prohibited Correspondence:
Correspondence containing malicious, false, inflammatory, or other types of statements or information, the purpose of which is reasonably intended to harm, or intimidate an employee, visitor, or guest may be prohibited. Correspondence that could reasonably jeopardize legitimate penological interests includes, but is not limited to:

• Plans to escape;
• Plans for criminal activities;
• Plans to introduce contraband into or out of the facility;
• Plans for activities in violation of facility rules;
• Threats to the safety and security of facility order, discipline or rehabilitation;
• Information which, if communicated, would create a clear and present danger of violence and physical harm to a human being (including racially inflammatory material);
• Letters or materials written in code or a foreign language when the inmate/resident understands English (unless the Warden/Administrator or designee determined that the recipient does not read and write fluently in English);
• Correspondence which attempts to forward unauthorized correspondence to a third party;
• Obscene material;
• Correspondence which encourages deviate sexual behavior which is criminal, in violation of facility rules, detrimental to the rehabilitation of inmates/residents, or determined by the Warden/Administrator or designee to be detrimental to the safety and security of the facility (these materials include, but are not limited to, pictures, drawings, or photographs which display or suggest vaginal, rectal, or oral penetration by a person or object, ejaculation, bestiality, sadistic or masochistic behaviors, child pornography, or the suggestion of child pornography);
• Correspondence which may enable one (1) or more inmates/residents to ascertain the time(s), date(s), and/or location(s) of upcoming off-site appointments or transports;
• Personal identifying information (e.g. birth certificate, social security number, driver’s license number, etc.) of individuals other than the inmate/resident’s and his/her immediate family; and
• Other general correspondence for which rejection is reasonably related to a legitimate penological interest. Prohibited Items: Items normally contained in general correspondence that are considered to be prohibited include, but are not limited to:
• Maps of the city where the facility is located or surrounding communities;
• Polaroid photographs;
• Photo negatives/slides;
• Photo albums;
• Photos of current or former employees;
• Framed photos;
• Greeting cards larger than 8 X 10;
• Greeting cards containing electronic or other non-paper parts;
• Greeting cards constructed in such a way to permit concealment of contraband;
• Stick on labels or stamps that appear to contain contraband;
• Items that are glued, taped, stapled, or otherwise affixed to a page; and
• Any items prohibited by law, regulations, or contract.

Academic Programs:

visitation Info

FL DOC – Graceville Correctional Facility – Visitation

Visiting Hours
•    Sunday 8:00 am – 2:00 pm CST
•    Monday 8:00 am – 2:00 pm CST
•    Tuesday 8:00 am – 2:00 pm CST
•    Wednesday 8:00 am – 2:00 pm CST
•    Thursday 8:00 am – 2:00 pm CST
•    Friday 8:00 am – 2:00 pm CST
•    Saturday 8:00 am – 2:00 pm CST

Visitation Application

The Department strongly encourages family reunification and believes visitation is the most important aspect of this. While offering this privilege to visit, the Department is also responsible for the following:
Ensuring every individual entering and exiting the facility is properly identified
Ensuring the safety to the public, staff, visitors, and inmates housed at the facility
We hope your visit to one of our facilities is a positive experience.

Articles of Clothing NOT Permitted
•    Halter tops or bra-less attire
•    Underwear-type t-shirts or tank tops
•    Fishnet shirts
•    Skin tight clothing
•    Shoes with removable parts
•    See-through fabric without an undergarment
•    Dresses, skirts or shorts more than three inches above the knee
•    Clothing with a threatening picture or language
•    Camouflage
•    Any clothing with metal
•    What to Expect
•    Before you visit an FDC facility you should expect:
•    Brief Questioning
•    Metal Detection
•    Pat Search
•    Barrier Search
•    Questioning
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.
Search Procedure
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.
Search Procedure for Children
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.
Metal Detection
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.
Pat Search
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.
Barrier Search
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.
Once you have cleared…
…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.
Using the Restroom
At any time during your visit that you utilize the restroom, you will be subject to another pat search upon entering/exiting.
See Something/Say Something
Report any suspicious activity or rule violations to a staff member in order to help us provide a safer environment for your loved one.
FaqS
How Do I Apply for Visitation?
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.
Where do I mail the visitation application?
Completed applications (DC6-111A) should be mailed to the Classification Department at the inmate's current location (see the Statewide Facility Directory for address information).
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.
Can more than one visitor fill out the same application?
No. Each person wishing to visit must fill out a separate application.
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.
What are some of the things that can disqualify me?
To list a few, a criminal history, providing false or inaccurate information 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. However, as of January 8, 2007, offenders must be discharged from community supervision for at least one year prior to being eligible for consideration.
Can I be on the approved visiting list of more than one inmate? 
A visitor will not be permitted to be on more than one inmate’s approved visiting record unless they are immediate family members. If you are already on the approved list of a non-family member, you may be added to the list of a family member. However, you may not be added to the list of a non-family member if you are already on an approved visiting list, family or otherwise.
What are the registration and visiting times? 
Can I visit on a holiday?
Regular visiting is held on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (8:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. Central Standard Time). Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. (7:15 a.m. CST) on both days. Visitors will not be processed after 2:00 p.m. (1:00 p.m. CST) unless authorized by the duty warden. 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.
Regular visiting is permitted on the following holidays:
New Year's Day
Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (third Monday in January)
Memorial Day
Independence 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.
What are the Visitation Rules?
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.
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.

What Can/Can't I Bring?
A.    Can I bring an approved minor/child even if I am not the parent?
Any minor 17 years of age or younger who cannot furnish proof of emancipation 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.
B.    What baby items can I bring into the visiting park?
A maximum of five (5) diapers, three (3) clear plastic baby bottles or two (2) sipper cups for toddlers, one (1) clear plastic baby pacifier, 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.
C.    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, skin-tight or spandex clothing, shorts that are more than 3 inches above the knee, skirts, fishnet style clothing, clothing with offensive language/pictures, military-style camouflage clothing to include jungle (green), urban (grey or black), and desert (tan or brown), and see thru clothing.
D.    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.
E.    What else may I bring into the visiting park?
You may bring a vehicle key necessary to operate your vehicle. However, keyless entry devices are not permitted unless the duty warden or designee determines that the device is the only means for the visitor to access the vehicle and it does not pose a threat to institutional security.
F.    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 prescriptions which may pose a threat to institutional security.
G.    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.

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 601.711-737.
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.
I have been a pen pal with an inmate for quite a while. 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 www.dc.state.fl.us/activeoffenders to verify information about Florida inmates before engaging in correspondence with them.
Who do I contact about visitation? 
You must contact the Classification Officer at the inmate's current facility (see the Statewide Facility Directory for address information). 
What about Special Visits?
A.    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. 
B.    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.
Who has final authority on visitation? 
The warden at each facility has the final approval or disapproval authority for each visitation request. (See the Statewide Facility Directory for contact information). 

Directions

From I-10 take Exit #130 (US-231N) for 15.5 miles. Turn left on (SR-2) and drive for 5.7 miles. Turn left on Ezell Road and proceed for .4 mile. The facility will be on the left side of Ezell Road.