33-601.722. On-site Visitation

Pursuant to the Florida Statutes and case law, the Department has broad discretion in who may be permitted to enter a state correctional institution. In accordance with that discretion, and the Department’s statutory authority to promulgate rules regarding visitation, the Department provides the following limitations regarding on-site inmate visitation:

(1) Hours of Visitation. Standard visitation hours are defined as visitation between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Eastern Time (ET), or 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Central Time (CT), on each Saturday, Sunday, and the days identified in subsection (6) of this rule. These hours may be reduced or suspended by the Secretary or Secretary’s designee for any reason stated in subsection (2). Additional on-site visitation hours outside of these days and times may be provided at the discretion of the Secretary or Secretary’s designee.

(2) Emergency Reduction or Suspension of Visitation. When the Secretary or Secretary’s designee determines it necessary, he or she may reduce or suspend visitation for an individual institution, the institutions in one or more regions, or all institutions statewide. The reduction or suspension of visitation privileges may occur only if warranted by the circumstances and required to promote the safety and security of an institution, inmates, staff, or the public. The reduction or suspension of visitation privileges will be limited to the duration of the threat or hazard posed. The Department will provide notice per subsection (7) of the general reason for the reduction or suspension of visitation privileges. The following criteria will be considered when determining whether a reduction or suspension of visitation privileges is appropriate:

(a) An imminent or current disturbance, uprising, strike, or riot, or the immediate aftermath thereof.

(b) An imminent or current institutional staffing limitation that creates or poses a significant threat to the safety and security of the institution, inmates, staff, or the public.

(c) Any incident of contraband introduction resulting in the interruption, cancellation, or modification of routine facility operations.

(d) Any emergency declared pursuant to Chapter 252, F.S.

(e) An imminent or current natural disaster, or the immediate aftermath thereof.

(f) Infection control issues that pose a significant potential health risk to inmates, staff, or the public.

(g) Any other extraordinary circumstance that creates or poses a significant threat to the security or safety of the institution, inmates, staff, or the public.

(3) Visitation at the institution is subject to the provisions of subsection 33-601.721(9), F.A.C., which may necessitate a limitation, reduction, or termination of visitation.

(4) An inmate’s visitation privileges are subject to limitation, restriction, or prohibition due to a disciplinary sanction or special status pursuant to Rule 33-601.731 or 33-601.733, F.A.C., respectively.

(5) Approved visitors must request to schedule visitation sessions by accessing the Department’s automated visitation scheduling system on the Department’s public website. Visitation requests shall be made in advance to the institution where visitation is being requested. Visitation requests must be submitted the Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday immediately prior to the desired visitation date, during the times published on the Department’s public website.

(a) Institutions will initiate the visitation registration process at 8:15 a.m. (ET) or 7:15 a.m. (CT). To better facilitate the registration process, visitors will be allowed to park in designated spaces beginning at 7:30 a.m. (ET) or 6:30 a.m. (CT).

(b) Visitors will not be processed after 2:00 p.m. (ET) or 1:00 p.m. (CT) unless authorized by the duty warden.

(6) Absent the Secretary or Secretary’s designee’s reduction or suspension of visitation, all eligible inmates will be allowed visitation on:

(a) New Year’s Day;

(b) Martin Luther King, Jr., Day;

(c) Memorial Day;

(d) Independence Day;

(e) Labor Day;

(f) Veteran’s Day;

(g) Thanksgiving Day and the Friday following Thanksgiving;

(h) Christmas Day;

(i) Mother’s Day; and

(j) Father’s Day.

(k) If any of the days listed in paragraphs (6)(a) through (h) falls on Saturday, the preceding Friday will be observed as an authorized visitation day. If any of the days listed in paragraphs (6)(a) through (h) falls on Sunday, the following Monday will be observed as an authorized visitation day.

(7) The Department will provide notice of the on-site visitation schedule for each institution as follows:

1. On the individual institution’s web page,

2. On the Department’s website,

3. On a bulletin board at each institution accessible and viewable by inmates, or

4. In accordance with paragraph 33-601.714(4)(b), F.A.C.

Rulemaking Authority 944.09 FS. Law Implemented 20.315, 944.09, 944.23 FS. History–New 11-18-01, Amended 5-5-05, 10-12-05, 1-26-23.