Sumter Correctional Institution

The Sumter Correctional Institution is a Level V Florida state prison for youthful (14-18) and adult male inmates that is located in Bushnell, Florida. It is managed by the Florida Department of Corrections, and the facility houses a maximum of 1,639 inmates of all security levels.

In 2013, an alleged sexual assault by six prisoners against a juvenille inmate triggered a federal lawsuit against Sumter Correctional Institution.

Prison Insights

Visiting Hours and Rules

The visiting hours at Sumter Correctional Institution are on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. EST. Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. and they do not process visitors after 2:00 p.m. If you arrive after 2:00 pm, you will not be allowed to visit. There are also visiting hours on major holidays such as the 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. 

Before you can visit an inmate at the Sumter Correctional Institution, you must be approved for their visiting list. To get approval from the Florida Department of Corrections, fill out a visitor applicationㅡwhich is available in both English and Spanishㅡand then mail it to the Sumter Correctional Institution. They will review your application, and when it is approved, the inmate will notify you.  If you are not approved, you will not be allowed to visit.

Everyone 12 or older must complete a visitor application, and all visitors 17 or younger must be accompanied by an approved adult on the inmate’s visiting list.

Visit procedures

When you arrive at Sumter Correctional Institution to visit an inmate, you must have a valid photo ID. You will also be required to answer some questions from officers and go through a number of searches.

The registration process consists of the following steps:

• The officers will search your property
• You will go through a metal detector and a Magneto Static Detector (which detects cell phones and other electronic devices)
• You will be subject to a pat search from an officer
• A barrier search conducted by a canine handler

You must clear all of these steps to visit with an inmate.

What you can bring to a visit

Each visitor at the Sumter Correctional Institution is allowed to bring the following items into the visiting room:

• A maximum of $50.00 ($1, $5, $10, and $20 denominations only or silver change) for the vending machines. You are allowed to carry the money in a small wallet or pouch.
• One car key. No key chains or keyless entry devices.
• Medication. Bring only the necessary dosage in the original prescribed container (it must be clearly marked). 

If you have an infant, you may bring the following items:

• A maximum of five diapers
• Three, clear, plastic, baby bottles or two sipper cups for toddlers
• One, clear, plastic, baby pacifier
• Three, clear, plastic jars of baby food with the original seal intact 
• Baby wipes or towelettes (in a clear plastic bag) 
• An infant baby carrier (subject to search)
• One set of infant clothing
• One, non-quilted baby blanket to keep the infant warm

Do not attempt to bring a cell phone or any other electronic device into the visiting room.

Dress Code

You are not allowed to wear any of the following items into the visiting room at Sumter Correctional Institution:

• Halter tops or bra-less attire
• Underwear-type t-shirts or tank tops
• Fishnet clothing
• 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

Video Visitation

Video visitation is also an option at Sumter Correctional Institution. This service is available through JPay, and you must use the JPay calendar function to schedule a video visit.

A JPay account is required for video visitation. The fee is $2.95 for 15 minutes, and video visits can last a maximum of 30 minutes.

The general guidelines for inmate mail are:

• A 15-page maximum on all letters (No glue, tape, or staples)
• Greeting cards are allowed, but no electronics or non-paper parts
• You are allowed to send pictures, but no nude photographs, Polaroids, or anything larger than 8”x10”
• You can send a maximum of ten, blank, greeting cards, blank pieces of paper, or envelopes and a maximum of twenty first-class stamps
• Non-paper items and stickers are prohibited in inmate mail

Mail that is packaged in boxes, padded envelopes, or card stock envelopes (U.S. Mail Priority or U.S. Mail Express card board type) is not allowed and will be returned.

You can also send an email to an inmate through JPay. The inmates at Sumter Correctional Institution do not have internet access, but the staff can print out emails and deliver them at mail call.

You can also purchase a JP5 tablet device for an inmate at Sumter Correctional Institution that will allow them to read and write emails, rent movies, and buy games, eBooks, and music from an approved library.

How to Call an Inmate

Inmates at Sumter Correctional Institution can’t receive calls, but they do have access to phones during approved hours to make outgoing calls. For complete details on how to call an inmate in Florida, please click here.

How to Send Money

To send money to an inmate at Sumter Correctional Institution you must use JPay or MoneyGram. You must pay a fee to send money, and the lowest fees are usually online or with the app compared to the phone or in person. 

JPay Options

• Online or Mobile App: To send an inmate money with your credit or debit card, visit JPay.com or download the JPay Mobile App that is available at the Apple App Store (for iPhones) and Google Play (for Android phones).
• By phone: Call (800) 574-5729 to talk with a live JPay call center agent and send money with a debit or credit card. 
• Mail a money orderㅡmade payable to JPayㅡwith a deposit slip to:

JPay
P.O. Box 260010
Hollywood, FL 33026

Money order deposit slip available in English here.

Hoja de Depósito para Giros Bancarios disponible en Español aqui.

Moneygram

If you would prefer to use cash, visit a MoneyGram location in person and use receive code 5188. MoneyGram locations include all Walmarts and CVS Pharmacies. 

Programs For Inmates

Academic Programs

• Adult Basic Education
• GED
• Transition Counseling
• Volunteer Literacy Tutoring
• Current Events Class
• Historical Perspectives
• Vocational Aptitude Assessment
• Special Education
• Employability Class
• Personal Finance
• Electronics
• Transition
• Title 1

Vocational Programs

• Landscape Management
• Masonry
• Auto Mechanics
• Consumer Electronic Servicing

Basic Training Unit Programs

• Adult Basic Education
• GED
• Basic Literacy
• Title I
• Special Education
• Vocational Aptitude Assessment
• Employability Skills
• Parenting
• Transition Counseling
• Personal Finances
• Mason Tender Certification
• OSHA Certification

Youthful Offender Programs

• Adult Basic Education
• GED
• Masonry
• Title I
• Special Education
• Vocational Aptitude Assessment
• Transition Counseling
• Character First
• Landscape

Chaplaincy Services

• Christian Mission Ministry
• Kairos
• Gospel Express
• Gospel Echoes
• Chapel Library Services
• Prison Fellowship Quarterly
• Religious Education
• T.D. Jakes Satellite Location
• Value Religious Classes (English & Spanish)
• Trinity Bible College Classes
• Eternal Life Concept College Classes
• Marriage & family Counseling
• Financial Success (SCORE)
• Free to Grow
• Becoming Financially Independent
• Becoming Productive in Society
• Developing Citizenship
• Parenting 101 (Distant Dads)
• Problem Solving
• Supporting Families
• Goal Setting
• Money Management
• Crown Financial Concepts
• Life Christian University
• Salt Prison Crusade Ministries
• Forgiven Ministries
• Victim Impact
• Celebrate Recovery
• Inside Out Dads
• Purpose Driven Life
• Small Business Concept Class
• Abe Brown Ministry
• Parenting

Re-Entry Programs

• Story Book Dads
• Re-Entry Dormitory
• CDL Classes
• Veterans Program
• 100 Hour Transition Program
• Aerobics
• Fresh Start Smoking Cessation
• Gavel Club (Adult & YO)
• Law Library Program
• Library Program
• Lifer’s Group
• Life Skills
• Marriage & Family Counseling
• Music/Band
• Sports Leagues
• Weight Training
• Wellness Education
• Social Reintegration
• Health & Hygiene Care (YO)
• D.I.R.E.C.T. Program (YO)
• F.I.T. Anger Management (YO)
• AA (YO)
• Wellness & Nutrition (YO)
• Agriculture (YO)
• Thinking for a Change
• Drug Awareness and Dependency
• Decide Inside (YO)
• AA/NA (Adults)
• Youth Awareness
• Dream Coach
• Building Character BTU & YO
• Multi-Disciplinary Staff Team
• Video Dads

Pictures of Sumter Correctional Institution

Careers at Sumter Correctional Institution

If you are interested in applying for a job at Sumter Correctional Institution, click here. There are numerous positions available, and standard benefits for Florida DOC employees include paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, health insurance, tuition-free college courses, and a 457 tax-deferred retirement plan.