Connect with the row

Write

Snail Mail Address:

Inmate’s last name, first name, DC#
PO Box 23608
Tampa, FL 33623

  • Mail should be written in English or Spanish, there is no limit to the number of pages to a letter.
  • Cards are allowed as long as they don’t contain any metallic, electronic or non-paper parts.
  • You can add up to 15 pages of additional materials: newspaper/magazine articles, internet prints, pictures…
  • Polaroid photographs are not allowed. Neither are nude pictures (showing genitalia or female breast).
  • No non-paper items, glue, tape, staples or stickers.
  • You can send blank – white or yellow – stationery and greeting cards – 10 max at once.
  • You can send USPS stamps, no more than the equivalent of 20 (1 ounce) first class stamps, or self-addressed stamped enveloppes.

Physical mail is now banned in all Florida prisons. You write to a 3rd party (the P.O. Box in Tampa) that will scan your letter and send it via electronic emails to your loved one.

Emails:
They have access to Securus.

 

Phone Calls

updated information coming

 

Visit

General Visitation Information

The first step is to be on the list of your pen pal’s approved visitors: (remember the process depends on your pen pal’s prison)
– Your pen pal send you the form to fill
– You fill it and return it to the indicated address (not to your pen pal)
– The classification officer reviews your file and makes a decision
– Your pen pal is notified
– He lets you know the answer by mail (or phone if he is allowed).

Little information to complete the form (it seems easy but I know many people are afraid to make mistakes so it can save you time):
If you are not (address and/or your ID papers) in the US, do not forget to put “NA” for County and your country in State.
You are asked what is your relationship with the prisoner, I advise you to put “FRIEND” even if, after, you are asked how you met, and there you must circle pen pal.
Do not forget to send your criminal record in English – your pen pal will not necessarily think of telling you and you will save time this way (if you are outside the US they cannot do a background check therefore they will ask you for it).

If you come from far away, ask your friend if you can get an extra visit (the inmates are allowed an extra visit every 60 days), since you must make the request in advance. You only have to send an e-mail to their classification officer with the date of your required extra (if your friend’s regular visit day is Saturday, you’ll get a Sunday, and vice versa).

For banned clothes you must look at the prison’s rules, but basically nothing short, nothing too tight, no cleavages or tank tops, no outfits of the same color as the prisoners or guards (so if there is some trouble and that the guards have to shoot they can make the difference between you and your loved ones, yoohoo).
Open shoes are tolerated there.
In a lot of prisons underwire bras are a problem (because of metal detectors) and are prohibited. You can wear them at FSP and UCI, but be ready to have to go back to the search room and to remove your bra if it sets off the detector.
However it is mandatory to have a bra and panties.

You are allowed to wear some jewelry, earrings, rings, watch, you’ll have to take everything off to go through the detector and put everything back after. Facial piercings are okay.

You are allowed to bring up to $50, only bills and none higher than $20 (no change), for the vending machines or the canteen.

There are no lockers for you to leave your personal belongings (like your purse or cell phone) so make sure to leave everything you can’t bring in in your car.