US Laws, Codes, Statutes & Cases

944.01  Short title.

944.012  Legislative intent.

944.02  Definitions.

944.023  Comprehensive correctional master plan.

944.0231  Reduction of capacity.

944.024  Adult intake and evaluation.

944.026  Community-based facilities and programs.

944.033  Community correctional centers; existence; location; purpose; restriction.

944.053  Forestry Work Camps.

944.0611  Department employees; personal vehicle damage claims.

944.08  Commitment to custody of department; venue of institutions.

944.09  Rules of the department; offenders, probationers, and parolees.

944.091  United States prisoners, board authorized.

944.095  Siting of additional correctional facilities; procedure.

944.096  Budget requests for residential facility construction; estimates; appropriations; population in excess of capacity.

944.10  Department of Corrections to provide buildings; sale and purchase of land; contracts to provide services and inmate labor.

944.105  Contractual arrangements with private entities for operation and maintenance of correctional facilities and supervision of inmates.

944.11  Department to regulate admission of books.

944.115  Smoking prohibited inside state correctional facilities.

944.14  Supervision of correctional institutions; enforcement of orders and regulations.

944.151  Security of correctional institutions and facilities.

944.17  Commitments and classification; transfers.

944.1905  Initial inmate classification; inmate reclassification.

944.23  Persons authorized to visit state prisons.

944.24  Administration of correctional institutions for women.

944.275  Gain-time.

944.278  Cancellation of administrative gain-time and provisional credits.

944.279  Disciplinary procedures applicable to prisoner for filing frivolous or malicious actions or bringing false information before court.

944.28  Forfeiture of gain-time and the right to earn gain-time in the future.

944.281  Ineligibility to earn gain-time due to disciplinary action.

944.282  Rules governing inmate use of weight training equipment.

944.291  Prisoner released by reason of gain-time allowances or attainment of provisional release date.

944.292  Suspension of civil rights.

944.293  Initiation of restoration of civil rights.

944.31  Inspector general; inspectors; power and duties.

944.32  Reports of prison inspectors; recordation; inspection.

944.33  Failure of inspector to make report; false report; penalty.

944.331  Inmate grievance procedure.

944.35  Authorized use of force; malicious battery and sexual misconduct prohibited; reporting required; penalties.

944.36  Permitting inmates to escape.

944.37  Acceptance of unauthorized compensation; penalty.

944.38  Acceptance of remuneration from contractor; dealing or barter with prisoners; interest in contract; penalty.

944.39  Interference with prisoners; penalty.

944.40  Escapes; penalty.

944.402  Reward for capture of escapee from correctional institution.

944.405  Warrant for retaking offender who has escaped from custody or absconded from rehabilitative community reentry program, or who is ineligible for release.

944.44  Holding persons as hostages; penalty.

944.45  Mutiny, riot, strike; penalty.

944.46  Harboring, concealing, aiding escaped prisoners; penalty.

944.47  Introduction, removal, or possession of certain articles unlawful; penalty.

944.471  Short title.

944.472  Drug-free corrections; legislative findings and purposes.

944.473  Inmate substance abuse testing program.

944.4731  Addiction-Recovery Supervision Program.

944.474  Legislative intent; employee wellness program; drug and alcohol testing.

944.48  Service of sentence.

944.485  Subsistence fees with respect to certain prisoners; time of adoption; requirements.

944.512  State lien on proceeds from literary or other type of account of crime for which convicted.

944.516  Money or other property received for personal use or benefit of inmate; deposit; disposition of unclaimed trust funds.

944.52  Legal adviser.

944.596  Transfer of convicted foreign citizens or nationals under treaty.

944.597  Transportation and return of prisoners by private transport company.

944.602  Notification of Department of Children and Family Services before release of mentally retarded inmates.

944.605  Inmate release; notification.

944.606  Sexual offenders; notification upon release.

944.607  Notification to Department of Law Enforcement of information on sexual offenders.

944.608  Notification to Department of Law Enforcement of information on career offenders.

944.609  Career offenders; notification upon release.

944.611  Legislative intent.

944.612  Definitions for s. 944.613.

944.613  Methods of transportation.

944.70  Conditions for release from incarceration.

944.701  Short title.

944.702  Legislative intent.

944.703  Eligible inmates.

944.7031  Eligible inmates released from private correctional facilities.

944.704  Staff who provide transition assistance; duties.

944.705  Release orientation program.

944.706  Basic release assistance.

944.7065  Transition course for inmates.

944.707  Postrelease special services; job placement services.

944.708  Rules.

944.710  Definitions of terms relating to private operation of state correctional facilities and s. 944.105.

944.711  Requests for proposals.

944.712  Bidder and private vendor qualifications.

944.713  Insurance against liability.

944.714  Quality assurance and standards of operation.

944.715  Delegation of authority.

944.716  Contract termination and control of a correctional facility by the department.

944.717  Conflicts of interest.

944.718  Withdrawal of request for proposals.

944.719  Adoption of rules, monitoring, and reporting.

944.72  Privately Operated Institutions Inmate Welfare Trust Fund.

944.801  Education for state prisoners.

944.802  Direct-support organization; definition; use of property; board of directors; audit.

944.803  Faith-based programs for inmates.

944.8031  Inmate's family visitation; legislative intent; minimum services provided to visitors; budget requests.

944.804  Elderly offenders correctional facilities program of 2000.

944.8041  Elderly offenders; annual review.

944.01  Short title.--This act may be cited as "The Florida Corrections Code of 1957."

History.--s. 45, ch. 57-121.

944.012  Legislative intent.--The Legislature hereby finds and declares that:

(1)  Florida spends each year in excess of $60 million for its state correctional system, but Florida citizens have not received a fair return on that investment. Florida correctional institutions have contributed little to the reduction of crime. To the contrary, crime rates continue to rise; recidivism rates are notoriously high; and large prisons have for the most part become schools for crime, making successful reintegration into the community unlikely.

(2)  It is clear that major changes in correctional methods are required. It is essential to abate the use of large institutions and continue the development of community-based corrections; to equip judges with more effective evaluative tools to deal with the criminal offender; and to provide alternatives to institutionalization, including the availability of probationers' residences and community correctional centers.

(3)  One of the chief factors contributing to the high recidivism rate in the state is the general inability of ex-offenders to find or keep meaningful employment. Although 90 percent of all offenders sent to prison return to society one day, the correctional system has done little to provide the offender with the vocational skills the offender needs to return to society as a productive citizen. This failure virtually guarantees the probability of return to crime. Vocational training and assistance in job placement must be looked to on a priority basis as an integral part of the process of changing deviant behavior in the institutionalized offender, when such change is determined to be possible.

(4)  These changes must not be made out of sympathy for the criminal or out of disregard of the threat of crime to society. They must be made precisely because that threat is too serious to be countered by ineffective methods.

(5)  In order to make the correctional system an efficient and effective mechanism, the various agencies involved in the correctional process must coordinate their efforts. Where possible, interagency offices should be physically located within major institutions and should include representatives of the ¹Florida State Employment Service, the vocational rehabilitation programs of the Department of Education, and the Parole Commission. Duplicative and unnecessary methods of evaluating offenders must be eliminated and areas of responsibility consolidated in order to more economically utilize present scarce resources.

(6)  It is the intent of the Legislature:

(a)  To provide a mechanism for the early identification, evaluation, and treatment of behavioral disorders of adult offenders coming into contact with the correctional system.

(b)  To separate dangerous or repeat offenders from nondangerous offenders, who have potential for rehabilitation, and place dangerous offenders in secure and manageable institutions.

(c)  When possible, to divert from expensive institutional commitment those individuals who, by virtue of professional diagnosis and evaluation, can be placed in less costly and more effective environments and programs better suited for their rehabilitation and the protection of society.

(d)  To make available to those offenders who are capable of rehabilitation the job training and job placement assistance they need to build meaningful and productive lives when they return to the community.

(e)  To provide intensive and meaningful supervision for those on probation so that the condition or situation which caused the person to commit the crime is corrected.

History.--s. 2, ch. 74-112; s. 472, ch. 77-147; s. 51, ch. 88-122; s. 1642, ch. 97-102; s. 308, ch. 99-8; s. 33, ch. 2002-22.

¹Note.--The Florida State Employment Service was merged into the Division of Labor, Employment, and Training of the Department of Labor and Employment Security and a "state public employment service" was created within that division by ss. 2, 15, ch. 83-174. The division was renamed the Division of Jobs and Benefits by s. 1, ch. 95-345, and deleted by s. 2, ch. 99-240. Section 69, ch. 2002-194, repealed s. 20.171, which created the Department of Labor and Employment Security.

944.02  Definitions.--The following words and phrases used in this chapter shall, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, have the following meanings:

(1)  "Commission" means the Parole Commission.

(2)  "Correctional system" means all prisons and other state correctional institutions now existing or hereafter created under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections.

(3)  "Department" means the Department of Corrections.

(4)  "Elderly offender" means a prisoner age 50 or older in a state correctional institution or facility operated by the Department of Corrections or the Department of Management Services.

(5)  "Lease-purchase agreement" means an installment sales contract which requires regular payments with an interest charge included and which provides that the lessee receive title to the property upon final payment.

(6)  "Prisoner" means any person who is under civil or criminal arrest and in the lawful custody of any law enforcement official, or any person committed to or detained in any municipal or county jail or state prison, prison farm, or penitentiary, or to the custody of the department pursuant to lawful authority.

(7)  "Secretary" means the Secretary of Corrections.

(8)  "State correctional institution" means any prison, road camp, prison industry, prison forestry camp, or any prison camp or prison farm or other correctional facility, temporary or permanent, in which prisoners are housed, worked, or maintained, under the custody and jurisdiction of the department.

History.--s. 1, ch. 57-121; s. 18, ch. 61-530; ss. 19, 35, ch. 69-106; ss. 1, 2, ch. 70-441; s. 1, ch. 71-345; s. 283, ch. 71-377; s. 3, ch. 74-112; s. 21, ch. 77-120; s. 34, ch. 79-3; s. 1, ch. 85-340; s. 52, ch. 88-122; s. 1, ch. 2000-214; s. 1, ch. 2002-32; s. 5, ch. 2004-248.

944.023  Comprehensive correctional master plan.--

(1)  As used in this section, the term:

(a)  "Criminal Justice Estimating Conference" means the Criminal Justice Estimating Conference referred to in s. 216.136(5).

(b)  "Total capacity" of the state correctional system means the total design capacity of all institutions and facilities in the state correctional system, which may include those facilities authorized and funded under chapter 957, increased by one-half, with the following exceptions:

1.  Medical and mental health beds must remain at design capacity.

2.  Community-based contracted beds must remain at design capacity.

3.  The one-inmate-per-cell requirement at Florida State Prison and other maximum security facilities must be maintained pursuant to paragraph (7)(a).

4.  Community correctional centers and drug treatment centers must be increased by one-third.

5.  A housing unit may not exceed its maximum capacity pursuant to paragraphs (7)(a) and (b).

6.  A number of beds equal to 5 percent of total capacity shall be deducted for management beds at institutions.

(c)  "State correctional system" means the correctional system as defined in s. 944.02.

(2)  The department shall develop a comprehensive correctional master plan. The master plan shall project the needs for the state correctional system for the coming 5-year period and shall be updated annually and submitted to the Governor's office and the Legislature at the same time the department submits its legislative budget request as provided in chapter 216.

(3)  The purposes of the comprehensive correctional master plan shall be:

(a)  To ensure that the penalties of the criminal justice system are completely and effectively administered to the convicted criminals and, to the maximum extent possible, that the criminal is provided opportunities for self-improvement and returned to freedom as a productive member of society.

(b)  To the extent possible, to protect the public safety and the law-abiding citizens of this state and to carry out the laws protecting the rights of the victims of convicted criminals.

(c)  To develop and maintain a humane system of punishment providing prison inmates with proper housing, nourishment, and medical attention.

(d)  To provide fair and adequate compensation and benefits to the employees of the state correctional system.

(e)  To the extent possible, to maximize the effective and efficient use of the principles used in private business.

(f)  To provide that convicted criminals not be incarcerated for any longer period of time or in any more secure facility than is necessary to ensure adequate sanctions, rehabilitation of offenders, and protection of public safety.

(4)  The comprehensive correctional master plan shall use the estimates of the Criminal Justice Estimating Conference and shall include:

(a)  A plan for the decentralization of reception and classification facilities for the implementation of a systemwide diagnosis-and-evaluation capability for adult offenders. The plan shall provide for a system of psychological testing and evaluation as well as medical screening through department resources or with other public or private agencies through a purchase-of-services agreement.

(b)  A plan developed by the department for the comprehensive vocational and educational training of, and treatment programs for, offenders and their evaluation within each institution, program, or facility of the department, based upon the identified needs of the offender and the requirements of the employment market.

(c)  A plan contracting with local facilities and programs as short-term confinement resources of the department for offenders who are sentenced to 3 years or less, or who are within 3 years or less of their anticipated release date, and integration of detention services which have community-based programs. The plan shall designate such facilities and programs by region of the state and identify, by county, the capability for local incarceration.

(d)  A detailed analysis of methods to implement diversified alternatives to institutionalization when such alternatives can be safely employed. The analysis shall include an assessment of current pretrial intervention, probation, and community control alternatives and their cost-effectiveness with regard to restitution to victims, reimbursements for cost of supervision, and subsequent violations resulting in commitments to the department. Such analysis shall also include an assessment of current use of electronic surveillance of offenders and projected potential for diverting additional categories of offenders from incarceration within the department.

(e)  A detailed analysis of current incarceration rates of both the state and county correctional systems with the calculation by the department of the current and projected ratios of inmates in the correctional system, as defined in s. 945.01, to the general population of the state which will serve as a basis for projecting construction needs.

(f)  A plan for community-based facilities and programs for the reintegration of offenders into society whereby inmates who are being released shall receive assistance. Such assistance may be through work-release, transition assistance, release assistance stipend, contract release, postrelease special services, temporary housing, or job placement programs.

(g)  A plan reflecting parity of pay or comparable economic benefits for correctional officers with that of law enforcement officers in this state, and an assessment of projected impacts on turnover rates within the department.

(h)  A plan containing habitability criteria which defines when beds are available and functional for use by inmates, and containing factors which define when institutions and facilities may be added to the inventory of the state correctional system.

(5)  The comprehensive correctional master plan shall project by year the total operating and capital outlay costs necessary for constructing a sufficient number of prison beds to avoid a deficiency in prison beds. Included in the master plan which projects operating and capital outlay costs shall be a siting plan which shall assess, rank, and designate appropriate sites pursuant to ¹s. 944.095(2)(a)-(k). The master plan shall include an assessment of the department's current capability for providing the degree of security necessary to ensure public safety and should reflect the levels of security needed for the forecasted admissions of various types of offenders based upon sentence lengths and severity of offenses. The plan shall also provide construction options for targeting violent and habitual offenders for incarceration while providing specific alternatives for the various categories of lesser offenders.

(6)  Institutions within the state correctional system shall have the following design capacity factors:

(a)  Rooms and prison cells between 40 square feet and 90 square feet, inclusive: one inmate per room or prison cell.

(b)  Dormitory-style rooms and other rooms exceeding 90 square feet: one inmate per 55 square feet.

(c)  At institutions with rooms or cells, except to the extent that separate confinement cells have been constructed, a number of rooms or prison cells equal to 3 percent of total design capacity must be deducted from design capacity and set aside for confinement purposes.

(d)  Bed count calculations used to determine design capacity shall only include beds which are functional and available for use by inmates.

(7)  Institutions within the state correctional system shall have the following maximum capacity factors:

(a)  Rooms and prison cells between 40 square feet and 60 square feet, inclusive: one inmate per room or cell. If the room or prison cell is between 60 square feet and 90 square feet, inclusive, two inmates are allowed in each room, except that one inmate per room or prison cell is allowed at Florida State Prison or any other maximum security institution or facility which may be constructed.

(b)  Dormitory-style rooms and other rooms exceeding 90 square feet: one inmate per 37.5 square feet. Double-bunking is generally allowed only along the outer walls of a dormitory.

(c)  At institutions with rooms or cells, except to the extent that separate confinement cells have been constructed, a number of rooms or prison cells equal to 3 percent of total maximum capacity are not available for maximum capacity, and must be set aside for confinement purposes, thereby reducing maximum capacity by 6 percent since these rooms would otherwise house two inmates.

(d)  A number of beds equal to 5 percent of total maximum capacity must be deducted for management at institutions.

History.--s. 4, ch. 74-112; s. 252, ch. 77-104; s. 22, ch. 77-120; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 35, ch. 79-3; s. 4, ch. 89-531; s. 8, ch. 92-47; s. 1, ch. 95-251; s. 15, ch. 95-325.

¹Note.--Repealed by s. 17, ch. 95-283.

944.0231  Reduction of capacity.--

(1)  When the population of the state correctional system exceeds 100 percent of its total capacity, as defined in s. 944.023, and remains in excess of 100 percent of total capacity for 21 days, the Governor, pursuant to s. 252.36, may use his or her emergency powers to reduce the population of the state correctional system as follows: The Governor shall inform any federal jurisdiction which has a concurrent or consecutive sentence or any active detainer placed on any prisoner in the state correctional system of his or her intention to transfer custody to that jurisdiction within 30 days. No prisoner shall be so transferred who is convicted of a capital felony in this state nor shall any transfer take place to any county or municipal jurisdiction within the state.

(2)  When the inmate population of the state correctional system is projected, based upon the last criminal justice estimating conference, to exceed the total capacity, as defined in s. 944.023, the secretary shall develop a plan to address the projected bed-capacity deficiency. This plan shall be submitted to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives at least 30 days prior to the projected bed-capacity deficit occurring.

History.--s. 39, ch. 93-406; s. 2, ch. 94-111; s. 2, ch. 95-251; s. 1643, ch. 97-102.

944.024  Adult intake and evaluation.--The state system of adult intake and evaluation shall include:

(1)  The performance of pretrial investigation through a decentralized community-based procedure.

(2)  Assistance in the evaluation of offenders for diversion from the criminal justice system or referral to residential or nonresidential programs.

(3)  The provision of secure detention services for pretrial detainees who are unable to comply with the conditions of release established by the court or who represent a serious threat to the community.

(4)  The provision of diagnostic, evaluation, and classification services at the presentence stage to assist the court and the department in planning programs for rehabilitation of convicted offenders.

(5)  The performance of postsentence intake by the department. Any physical facility established by the department for the intake and evaluation process prior to the offender's entry into the correctional system shall provide for specific office and work areas for the staff of the commission. The purpose of such a physical center shall be to combine in one place as many of the rehabilitation-related functions as possible, including pretrial and posttrial evaluation, parole and probation services, vocational rehabilitation services, family assistance services of the Department of Children and Family Services, and all other rehabilitative and correctional services dealing with the offender.

History.--s. 5, ch. 74-112; s. 13, ch. 75-49; s. 23, ch. 77-120; s. 473, ch. 77-147; s. 309, ch. 99-8.

944.026  Community-based facilities and programs.--

(1)  In addition to those facilities and services described elsewhere in this chapter, the department shall develop, provide, or contract for a statewide system of community-based facilities, services, and programs dealing with the rehabilitation of offenders, which shall include, but not be limited to:

(a)  A system of community correctional centers to be used for reintegration of the offender back into the community, located at various places throughout the state as provided in s. 944.033.

(b)  Community-based residential drug treatment facilities that include:

1.  Nonsecure facilities, whereby probationers and drug offender probationers who have violated their terms or conditions, or persons placed on community control whose presumptive sentence exceeds 22 months, may be required to reside while working, receiving treatment, or attending school, and whereby inmates may be placed who are nearing their date of release from a correctional institution or a community correctional center, who are in need of placement in a substance abuse transition housing program, and who are considered eligible for such placement by the department; and

2.  Secure facilities which provide for limited access for the duration of the program for persons who have violated their conditions of probation, drug offender probation, or community control, and whose presumptive sentence exceeds 22 months.

(c)  A system of probation and restitution centers throughout the state whereby probationers, drug offender probationers, and community controllees who have violated their terms or conditions, and whose presumptive sentence exceeds 22 months, may be required to reside while working, receiving treatment, or attending school, or for persons on probation, drug offender probation, or community control who may be required to attend outpatient substance abuse counseling and whereby inmates may be placed who are nearing their date of release from a correctional institution or a community correctional center, who are in need of placement in a substance abuse transition housing program, and who are considered eligible for such placement by the department. The purpose of these facilities and services is to provide the court with an alternative to committing offenders to more secure state correctional institutions and to assist in the supervision of probationers, drug offender probationers, and community controllees and to provide the department transitional-housing beds to assist inmates released into the community.

(2)  Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall ensure that at least 400 of its contracted beds in nonsecure community-based residential substance abuse treatment facilities authorized under subparagraph (1)(b)1. or probation and restitution centers authorized under paragraph (1)(c) are designated for transition assistance for inmates who are nearing their date of release from a correctional institution or a community correctional center. These designated beds shall be provided by private organizations that do not have a faith component and that are under contract with the department. In making placement decisions, the department and the contract providers shall give priority consideration to those inmates who are nearing their date of release and who are to be placed in some form of postrelease community supervision. However, if an inmate whose sentence expires upon his or her release from a correctional institution or a community correction center and for whom community supervision is not required demonstrates the need for or interest in and suitability for transition-housing assistance, as determined by the department, the inmate is eligible to be considered for placement in transition housing. A right to substance abuse program services is not stated, intended, or otherwise implied by this subsection.

(3)(a)  The department shall develop and implement procedures to diagnose offenders prior to sentencing, for the purpose of recommending to the sentencing court suitable candidates for placement in a community-based residential drug treatment facility or probation and restitution center as provided in this section. The department shall also develop and implement procedures to properly identify inmates prior to release who demonstrate the need for or interest in and suitability for placement in a community-based substance abuse transition housing program as provided in this section and pursuant to ss. 944.4731 and 944.704.

(b)  Pretrial intervention programs in appropriate counties to provide early counseling and supervision services to specified offenders as provided in s. 948.08.

History.--s. 7, ch. 74-112; s. 25, ch. 77-120; s. 37, ch. 79-3; s. 2, ch. 81-323; s. 75, ch. 88-122; s. 3, ch. 89-378; s. 9, ch. 90-287; s. 10, ch. 91-225; s. 31, ch. 92-310; s. 3, ch. 2001-110; s. 147, ch. 2005-2.

944.033  Community correctional centers; existence; location; purpose; restriction.--

(1)  A statewide system of correctional facilities is established to be known as "community correctional centers."

(2)  The purpose of these centers is to facilitate the reintegration of state inmates back into the community by means of participation in various work-release, study-release, community service, substance abuse treatment, and other rehabilitative programs.

(3)  No person convicted of sexual battery pursuant to s. 794.011 is eligible for placement in any community correctional center.

(4)  No facility shall be constructed, leased, or purchased in any county until public hearings have been held in that county. Such public hearings shall be held pursuant to uniform rules adopted by the department.

History.--s. 1, ch. 72-331; s. 1, ch. 83-274; s. 12, ch. 91-225; s. 20, ch. 93-156.

944.053  Forestry Work Camps.--

(1)  The Department of Corrections shall operate a system of Forestry Work Camps on sites that are conducive to providing a meaningful work experience by having inmates clean the environment and beautify this state. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall determine and make available sites for placement of Forestry Work Camps. In addition to sites located by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Department of Corrections shall determine sites for placement of Forestry Work Camps.

(2)  The Forestry Work Camps shall provide services to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Department of Transportation, other state agencies, political subdivisions, and nonprofit corporations by performing public works and engaging in programs to beautify this state. Inmate labor provided pursuant to this act shall be supervised according to the provisions of s. 946.40.

(3)  Political subdivisions of the state may provide sites for placement of Forestry Work Camps and are encouraged to provide such sites. The Department of Corrections shall make inmate labor available at no cost to political subdivisions providing sites for placement of Forestry Work Camps.

(4)  Forestry Work Camps shall house minimum custody inmates and medium custody inmates who are not serving a sentence for, or who have not been previously convicted of, sexual battery or any sexual offense specified in ¹s. 917.012(1), unless they have successfully completed a treatment program pursuant to ¹s. 917.012.

(5)  Due to severe prison overcrowding, the Legislature declares that construction of Forestry Work Camps is necessary to alleviate an emergency situation.

History.--s. 1, ch. 87-286; s. 49, ch. 91-110.

¹Note.--Repealed by s. 25, ch. 91-225.

944.0611  Department employees; personal vehicle damage claims.--Employees of the Department of Corrections who are required to use their personal vehicles in the performance of their duty may file claims for damages made to their personal vehicles while on official state business. Such claims for reimbursement may be filed with the department at its office in accordance with rules adopted by the department. Such claims shall be limited to an amount for repairs at the insurance deductible amount. The department shall make or cause to be made such investigations as it considers necessary in respect to such claims.

History.--s. 14, ch. 95-283.

944.08  Commitment to custody of department; venue of institutions.--

(1)  The words "penitentiary," "state prison," or "state prison farm," whenever the same are used in any of the laws of this state, as a place of confinement or punishment for a crime, shall be construed to mean and refer to the custody of the Department of Corrections within the state correctional system, which shall include facilities operated by private entities with which the department enters into contracts pursuant to s. 944.105.

(2)  For the purposes of all judicial proceedings, the institutions of the state correctional system and the precincts thereof shall be deemed to be within and part of the county in which they are situated, and the courts of such counties or circuits shall have jurisdiction of all crimes and offenses committed therein.

History.--s. 6, ch. 57-121; s. 18, ch. 61-530; s. 32, ch. 77-120; s. 42, ch. 79-3; s. 2, ch. 85-340.

944.09  Rules of the department; offenders, probationers, and parolees.--

(1)  The department has authority to adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement its statutory authority. The rules must include rules relating to:

(a)  The rights of inmates.

(b)  The conduct to be observed by inmates and the categories of violations according to degrees or levels of severity, as well as the degrees of punishment applicable and appropriate to such violations.

(c)  Disciplinary procedures and punishment.

(d)  Grievance procedures which shall conform to 42 U.S.C. s. 1997e.

(e)  The operation and management of the correctional institution or facility and its personnel and functions.

(f)  The development of a staffing formula for security positions in its residential facilities, taking into account the factors of leave time, security needs, and training requirements.

(g)  Mail to and from the state correctional system.

(h)  Gain-time for good conduct of, release payments to, and release transportation of inmates.

(i)  Uniforms for inmates and custodial personnel.

(j)  Conduct of custodial and other personnel.

(k)  Classification of personnel and duties assigned thereto and classification and separation of offenders according to age, sex, and such other factors as are deemed advisable.

(l)  Credits for confinement prior to commitment to the department.

(m)  Payments to prisoners for work performed. Such payments, if any, shall include restrictions on the use of earnings, including payments for support of dependents and release reserves. The rules shall provide that no payment shall be made to any prisoner who fails to perform the work assigned satisfactorily.

(n)  Visiting hours and privileges. The rules shall provide that any inmate with a current or prior conviction for any offense contained in chapter 794, chapter 800, chapter 827, or chapter 847 for committing or attempting to commit aggravated child abuse or committing or attempting to commit a sex act on, in the presence of, or against a child under the age of 16 years, shall not be allowed visitation with anyone under the age of 18 years, unless special visitation is approved by the warden. The authorization for special visitation shall be based on extenuating circumstances that serve the interest of the children. If visiting is restricted by court order, permission for special visitation may be granted only by the judge issuing the order.

(o)  Mail to and from inmates, including rules specifying the circumstances under which an inmate must pay for the cost of postage for mail that the inmate sends. The department may not adopt a rule that requires an inmate to pay any postage costs that the state is constitutionally required to pay.

(p)  The feeding of prisoners, including diet and menus, and the furnishing of health and comfort items to indigent prisoners.

(q)  The determination of restitution, including the amount and to whom it should be paid. The rules shall provide necessary explanation to support recommendations regarding restitution.

(r)  The function and duties of employees working in the area of community corrections and the operations of probation field and administrative offices.

(2)  It is the duty of the wardens to supervise the governance, discipline, and policy of the state correctional institutions and to enforce all orders and rules.

(3)  The department shall cause a record to be kept of violations of rules of conduct, the rule or rules violated, the nature of punishment administered, the authority ordering such punishment, the duration of time during which the offender was subjected to punishment, and the condition of the prisoner's health.

(4)  The department shall:

(a)  Investigate all cases referred to it by the circuit court and make its findings and report thereon in writing to such court with its recommendation.

(b)  Cause to be delivered to each person placed on probation under its supervision a certified copy of the terms of such probation and any change or modification thereof and cause such person to be instructed regarding the same.

(c)  Keep informed concerning the conduct, habits, associates, employment, recreations, and whereabouts of such probationer, by visits, by requiring reports, and in other ways.

(d)  Make such reports in writing or otherwise as the court may reasonably require.

(e)  Use all practicable and proper methods to aid and encourage persons on probation and to bring about improvement in their conduct and condition.

(f)  Keep records on each probationer referred to it.

(g)  Cooperate with circuit courts exercising criminal jurisdiction by supervising such probationers and prisoners upon whom the pronouncing of sentence has been deferred and by making such reports to such courts as are directed thereby.

(h)  Supervise all persons placed on parole.

(i)  Aid parolees and probationers in securing employment.

(5)  The department may enter into cooperative agreements with the Federal Government or any department or agency thereof, with any county or municipality in this state or any department or agency thereof, or with any nonprofit charitable corporation or foundation concerned with the rehabilitation of persons who are probationers or parolees or who are under presentence investigation for the performance by the department of services relating to the evaluation and rehabilitation of such persons. Any such agreement shall provide for payment to the department of the actual cost of rendering the services contracted for.

(6)  The department shall maintain the following information within its automated inmate information system regarding each inmate:

(a)  The status of the restitution order.

(b)  The amount of restitution ordered by the court.

(c)  The amount of restitution owed by the inmate.

(d)  The name and address of the victim.

(7)  The department may take a digitized photograph of any inmate or offender under its supervision.

History.--s. 7, ch. 57-121; s. 18, ch. 61-530; ss. 19, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 14, ch. 74-112; s. 33, ch. 77-120; s. 43, ch. 79-3; s. 1, ch. 85-288; s. 3, ch. 85-340; s. 76, ch. 88-122; s. 23, ch. 90-337; s. 3, ch. 91-298; s. 5, ch. 96-312; s. 1852, ch. 97-102; s. 227, ch. 98-200; ss. 8, 9, ch. 99-271; s. 10, ch. 2000-161.

944.091  United States prisoners, board authorized.--The department is authorized upon request to board prisoners of the United States committed to their custody by any agency of the United States if such prisoners have less than 6 months remaining of their federal sentence, and if such prisoners have family relationships or job opportunities in this state, on a space-available basis only. Daily compensation for the board of such prisoners shall be paid at a rate to be mutually agreed upon by the department and the appropriate United States agency. Such compensation is to recover the total maintenance cost of such prisoners which shall be not less than the average cost per inmate per day for all inmates confined by the department.

History.--s. 1, ch. 69-240; ss. 19, 35, ch. 69-106; ss. 1, 2, ch. 70-441; s. 34, ch. 77-120; s. 44, ch. 79-3.

944.095  Siting of additional correctional facilities; procedure.--

(1)  It is the intent of the Legislature that the siting of additional correctional facilities shall be achieved in the most cost-efficient manner possible.

(2)  When the department proposes a site for a state correctional facility, it shall request that the local government having jurisdiction over such proposed site determine whether or not the proposed site is in compliance with local government comprehensive plans, local land use ordinances, local zoning ordinances or regulations, and other local ordinances in effect at the time of such request. If no such determination is made within 90 days of the request, it shall be presumed that the proposed site is in compliance with such plans, ordinances, or regulations.

(3)  If the local government determines within 90 days of the request that construction of a correctional facility on the proposed site does not comply with any such plan, ordinance, or regulation, the department may request a modification of such plan, ordinance, or regulation without having an ownership interest in such property. For the purposes of this section, modification includes, but is not limited to, a variance, rezoning, special exception, or any other action of the local government having jurisdiction over the proposed site which would authorize siting of a correctional facility.

(4)  Upon receipt of a request for modification from the department, the local government may recommend alternative sites to the department and shall give notice and hold a public hearing on the request for modification in the same manner as for a rezoning as provided under the appropriate special or local law or ordinance, except that such proceeding shall be recorded by tape or by a certified court reporter and made available for transcription at the expense of any interested party.

(5)  When the department requests such a modification and it is denied by the local government or there is no action on such request within 90 days of the request, the department may appeal the decision of the local government on the requested modification of local plans, ordinances, or regulations to the Governor and Cabinet.

(6)  The Governor and Cabinet shall consider the following when determining whether to grant the appeal from the decision of the local government on the requested modification:

(a)  The record of the proceedings before the local government.

(b)  Reports and studies by any other agency relating to matters within the jurisdiction of such agency which matters may be potentially affected by the proposed site.

(c)  Existing studies and reports and information maintained by the department as the Governor and Cabinet may request addressing the feasibility and availability of alternative sites in the general area.

(7)  The Governor and Cabinet, upon determining that the local government has recommended no feasible alternative site and that the interests of the state in providing correctional facilities outweigh the concerns of the local government, shall authorize construction and operation of a correctional facility on the proposed site notwithstanding any local plan, ordinance, or regulation.

(8)  The Governor and Cabinet may adopt rules of procedure to govern these proceedings in accordance with the provisions of s. 120.54.

(9)  Actions taken by the department or the Governor and Cabinet pursuant to this section shall not be subject to the provisions of ss. 120.56, 120.569, and 120.57. The decision by the Governor and Cabinet shall be subject to judicial review pursuant to s. 120.68 in the District Court of Appeal, First District.

(10)  Insofar as the provisions of this section are inconsistent with the provisions of any other law, general, special, or local, the provisions of this section are controlling. Additionally, the criteria and procedures set forth in this section supersede and are in lieu of any review and approval required by s. 380.06.

History.--s. 31, ch. 83-131; s. 74, ch. 85-62; s. 4, ch. 89-375; s. 4, ch. 89-536; s. 5, ch. 93-408; s. 17, ch. 95-283; s. 320, ch. 96-410.

944.096  Budget requests for residential facility construction; estimates; appropriations; population in excess of capacity.--

(1)  Beginning October 1, 1983, all legislative budget requests for the construction of additional residential facilities in the Department of Corrections shall utilize the estimates of the Criminal Justice Estimating Conference. The estimates shall be based on current legal and constitutional standards and be accompanied by a supporting projected estimate of the inmate population for the period covered by the budget request. Each estimate shall include, but shall not be limited to, consideration of the following factors:

(a)  Current law.

(b)  Current sentencing practices.

(c)  Current parole practices.

(d)  Current Department of Corrections program rules.

(2)  The Legislature shall accept the projected estimate from the Criminal Justice Estimating Conference as accurate, but it is not obligated to fund any budget based on the estimate. The Legislature may elect to modify any programs, practices, or procedures listed in subsection (1) and, based on a revised estimate of the impact of these modifications by the Criminal Justice Estimating Conference, adjust the level of required funding accordingly. Alternatively, the Legislature may elect to offset the need for funding the construction of residential facilities to meet the projected need through the establishment of programs alternative to incarceration.

(3)  In the event the inmate population exceeds the total capacity of the residential facilities provided by the Legislature pursuant to this section, the control release procedures as defined in s. 947.146 shall apply.

(4)  As used in this section, the term:

(a)  "Criminal Justice Estimating Conference" means the designated professional staffs of the Governor's office, the Legislature, and the Supreme Court who meet in regularly scheduled meetings chaired by the state economist or the state economist's designee to forecast inmate and caseload counts and other information needed to support the state budgeting process.

(b)  "Total capacity" of the state correctional system as defined in s. 944.023(1)(b).

(c)  "State correctional system" means the system as defined in s. 944.02.

History.--ss. 3, 4, ch. 83-131; s. 2, ch. 87-234; s. 14, ch. 89-531; s. 9, ch. 92-47; s. 78, ch. 95-211; s. 3, ch. 95-251; s. 1644, ch. 97-102.

944.10  Department of Corrections to provide buildings; sale and purchase of land; contracts to provide services and inmate labor.--

(1)  It is the intent of the Legislature to expedite the siting of, acquisition of land for, and construction by the Department of Corrections of state correctional facilities operated by the department or a private vendor under contract with the department. Other agencies shall cooperate with the department and expeditiously fulfill their responsibilities to avoid unnecessary delay in the siting of, acquisition of land for, and construction of state correctional facilities. This section and all other laws of the state shall be construed to accomplish this intent. This section shall take precedence over any other law to the contrary.

(2)  The department shall cause all necessary buildings, facilities, and physical plants to be erected to accommodate all prisoners and from time to time shall make such additional alterations as may be necessary to provide for any increase in the number of prisoners; it shall cause to be established proper accommodations for such officers of the department who are required to reside constantly within the precincts of the institutions.

(3)(a)  The department may enter into lease-purchase agreements to provide correctional facilities for the housing of state inmates. However, no such lease-purchase agreement shall be entered into without specific legislative authorization of that agreement, and funds must be specifically appropriated for each lease-purchase agreement. The facilities provided through such agreements shall meet the program plans and specifications of the department. The department may enter into such lease agreements with private corporations and other governmental entities. However, notwithstanding the provisions of s. 255.25(3)(a), no such lease agreement may be entered into except upon advertisement for and receipt of competitive bids and award to the lowest and best bidder.

(b)  Such a lease-purchase agreement which is for a term extending beyond the end of a fiscal year shall be subject to the provisions of s. 216.311.

(4)(a)  Notwithstanding s. 253.025 or s. 287.057, whenever the department finds it to be necessary for timely site acquisition, it may contract without the need for competitive selection with one or more appraisers whose names are contained on the list of approved appraisers maintained by the Division of State Lands of the Department of Environmental Protection in accordance with s. 253.025(6)(b). In those instances in which the department directly contracts for appraisal services, it must also contract with an approved appraiser who is not employed by the same appraisal firm for review services.

(b)  Notwithstanding s. 253.025(6), the department may negotiate and enter into an option contract before an appraisal is obtained. The option contract must state that the final purchase price cannot exceed the maximum value allowed by law. The consideration for such an option contract may not exceed 10 percent of the estimate obtained by the department or 10 percent of the value of the parcel, whichever amount is greater.

(c)  This subsection does not apply to any purchase or acquisition of state land except for a purchase or acquisition made specifically for correctional facilities. This subsection does not mitigate in any manner the authority of the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund or the Division of State Lands to approve any contract for purchase for state lands as provided by law or to require policies and procedures to obtain clear legal title to parcels purchased for state purposes.

(5)  The department may sell, to the best possible advantage, any or all detached parcels of land belonging to the bodies of land purchased for the state correctional institutions. The department is authorized to purchase any contiguous parcels of land within the boundary lines of the lands purchased for state correctional institutions.

(6)  The department is authorized to begin preliminary site preparation and obtain the appropriate permits with regard to the construction of state correctional institutions after approval by the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund of the purchase agreement or option agreement if, in the department's discretion, commencing construction is in the best interests of the state.

(7)  The department may enter into contracts with federal, state, or local governmental entities or subdivisions to provide services and inmate labor for the construction of buildings, parks, roads, any detention or commitment facilities, or any other project deemed to be appropriate by the Department of Corrections, which includes site acquisition or preparation, management, or construction of such projects. The department may charge fees for providing such services. All fees collected must be placed in the Correctional Work Program Trust Fund.

History.--s. 8, ch. 57-121; s. 18, ch. 61-530; ss. 19, 22, 35, ch. 69-106; ss. 1, 2, ch. 70-441; s. 2, ch. 75-70; s. 35, ch. 77-120; s. 45, ch. 79-3; s. 4, ch. 85-340; s. 60, ch. 85-349; s. 50, ch. 91-110; s. 315, ch. 92-279; s. 55, ch. 92-326; s. 1, ch. 94-273; s. 40, ch. 96-312; s. 7, ch. 98-388; s. 118, ch. 99-3; s. 1, ch. 99-258; s. 4, ch. 99-271.

944.105  Contractual arrangements with private entities for operation and maintenance of correctional facilities and supervision of inmates.--

(1)  The Department of Corrections is authorized to enter into contracts with private vendors for the provision of the operation and maintenance of correctional facilities and the supervision of inmates. However, no such contract shall be entered into or renewed unless:

(a)  The contract offers a substantial savings to the department, as determined by the department. In determining the cost savings, the department, after consultation with the Auditor General, shall calculate all the cost components that contribute to the inmate per diem, including all administrative costs associated with central and regional office administration. Services which are provided to the department by other government agencies without any direct cost to the department shall be assigned an equivalent cost and included in the per diem. The private firm shall be assessed the total annual cost to the state of monitoring the contract;

(b)  The contract provides for the same quality of services as that offered by the department; and

(c)  The Legislature has given specific appropriation for the contract.

(2)  Any private vendor entering into a contract with the department pursuant to this section shall be liable in tort with respect to the care and custody of inmates under its supervision and for any breach of contract with the department.

(3)  In the case of an inmate's willful failure to remain within the supervisory control of the private entity, such action shall constitute an escape punishable as provided in s. 944.40.

(4)  A private correctional officer may use force only while on the grounds of a facility, while transporting inmates, and while pursuing escapees from a facility. A private correctional officer may use nondeadly force in the following situations:

(a)  To prevent the commission of a felony or a misdemeanor, including escape.

(b)  To defend oneself or others against physical assault.

(c)  To prevent serious damage to property.

(d)  To enforce institutional regulations and orders.

(e)  To prevent or quell a riot.

Private correctional officers may carry and use firearms and may use deadly force only as a last resort, and then only to prevent an act that could result in death or serious bodily injury to oneself or to another person.

(5)  Private correctional officers shall be trained in the use of force and the use of firearms and shall be trained at the private firm's expense, at the facilities that train correctional officers employed by the department.

(6)  The provisions of ss. 216.311 and 287.057 shall apply to all contracts between the department and any private vendor providing such services. The department shall promulgate rules pursuant to chapter 120 specifying criteria for such contractual arrangements.

(7)  The department shall require the certification of private correctional officers at the private vendor's expense under s. 943.1395, and all such officers must meet the minimum qualifications established in s. 943.13. All other employees of the private vendor that perform their duties at the private correctional facility shall receive, at a minimum, the same quality and quantity of training as that required by the state for employees of state-operated correctional facilities. All training expenses shall be the responsibility of the private vendor. The department shall be the contributor and recipient of all criminal background information necessary for certification by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission.

(8)  As used in this section, the term:

(a)  "Nondeadly force" means force that normally would neither cause death nor serious bodily injury.

(b)  "Deadly force" means force which would likely cause death or serious bodily injury.

History.--s. 5, ch. 85-340; s. 1, ch. 86-183; s. 23, ch. 89-526; s. 32, ch. 90-268.

944.11  Department to regulate admission of books.--

(1)  The department shall regulate the admission of educational and other reading matter within the state institutions for the use of the prisoners, and for the proper observance of days of religious significance within the institutions and for the proper instruction of the prisoners in their basic moral and religious duties.

(2)  The department shall have the authority to prohibit admission of reading materials or publications with content which depicts sexual conduct as defined by s. 847.001 or presents nudity in such a way as to create the appearance that sexual conduct is imminent. The department shall have the authority to prohibit admission of such materials at a particular state correctional facility upon a determination by the department that such material or publications would be detrimental to the safety, security, order or rehabilitative interests of a particular state correctional facility or would create a risk of disorder at a particular state correctional facility.

History.--s. 9, ch. 57-121; ss. 19, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 36, ch. 77-120; s. 46, ch. 79-3; s. 18, ch. 95-283.

944.115  Smoking prohibited inside state correctional facilities.--

(1)  The purpose of this section is to protect the health, comfort, and environment of employees of the Department of Corrections, employees of privately operated correctional facilities, and inmates by prohibiting inmates from using tobacco products inside any office or building within state correctional facilities, and by ensuring that employees and visitors do not use tobacco products inside any office or building within state correctional facilities. Scientific evidence links the use of tobacco products with numerous significant health risks. The use of tobacco products by inmates, employees, or visitors is contrary to efforts by the Department of Corrections to reduce the cost of inmate health care and to limit unnecessary litigation. The Department of Corrections and the private vendors operating correctional facilities shall make smoking-cessation assistance available to inmates in order to implement this section. The Department of Corrections and the private vendors operating correctional facilities shall implement this section as soon as possible, and all provisions of this section must be fully implemented by January 1, 2000.

(2)  As used in this section, the term:

(a)  "Department" means the Department of Corrections.

(b)  "Employee" means an employee of the department or a private vendor in a contractual relationship with either the Department of Corrections or the Department of Management Services, and includes persons such as contractors, volunteers, or law enforcement officers who are within a state correctional facility to perform a professional service.

(c)  "State correctional facility" means a state or privately operated correctional institution as defined in s. 944.02, or a correctional institution or facility operated under s. 944.105 or chapter 957.

(d)  "Tobacco products" means items such as cigars, cigarettes, snuff, loose tobacco, or similar goods made with any part of the tobacco plant, which are prepared or used for smoking, chewing, dipping, sniffing, or other personal use.

(e)  "Visitor" means any person other than an inmate or employee who is within a state correctional facility for a lawful purpose and includes, but is not limited to, persons who are authorized to visit state correctional institutions pursuant to s. 944.23 and persons authorized to visit as prescribed by departmental rule or vendor policy.

(f)  "Prohibited areas" means any indoor areas of any building, portable, or other enclosed structure within a state correctional facility. The secretary of the department may, by rule, designate other areas, including vehicles, as "prohibited areas" to be regulated under this section. Neither employee housing on the grounds of a state correctional facility nor maximum security inmate housing areas may be designated as prohibited areas under this section.

(3)(a)  An inmate within a state correctional facility may not use tobacco products in prohibited areas at any time while in the custody of the department or under the supervision of a private vendor operating a correctional facility.

(b)1.  An employee or visitor may not use any tobacco products in prohibited areas.

2.  The warden or supervisor of a state correctional facility shall take reasonable steps to ensure that the tobacco prohibition for employees and visitors is strictly enforced.

(4)  An inmate who violates this section commits a disciplinary infraction and is subject to punishment determined to be appropriate by the disciplinary authority in the state correctional facility, including, but not limited to, forfeiture of gain-time or the right to earn gain-time in the future under s. 944.28.

(5)  The department may adopt rules and the private vendors operating correctional facilities may adopt policies and procedures for the implementation of this section, the designation of prohibited areas and smoking areas, and for the imposition of the following penalties:

(a)  Inmates who violate this section will be subject to disciplinary action as provided by rule and in accordance with this section.

(b)  Employees who violate this section will be subject to disciplinary action as provided by rule.

(c)  Visitors who violate this section will be subject to removal of authorization to enter a correctional facility as provided by rule.

History.--s. 16, ch. 99-271; s. 11, ch. 2000-161; s. 6, ch. 2004-248.

944.14  Supervision of correctional institutions; enforcement of orders and regulations.--Subject to the orders, policies, and regulations established by the department, it shall be the duty of the wardens to supervise the government, discipline, and policy of the state correctional institutions, and to enforce all orders, rules and regulations.

History.--s. 12, ch. 57-121; s. 18, ch. 61-530; ss. 19, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 39, ch. 77-120; s. 48, ch. 79-3; s. 12, ch. 2000-161.

944.151  Security of correctional institutions and facilities.--It is the intent of the Legislature that the Department of Corrections shall be responsible for the security of the correctional institutions and facilities. The security of the state's correctional institutions and facilities is critical to ensure public safety and to contain violent and chronic offenders until offenders are otherwise released from the department's custody pursuant to law. The Secretary of Corrections shall, at a minimum:

(1)  Appoint a security review committee which shall, at a minimum, be composed of: the inspector general, the statewide security coordinator, the regional security coordinators, and three wardens and one correctional officer. The security review committee shall:

(a)  Establish a periodic schedule for the physical inspection of buildings and structures of each state and private correctional institution to determine security deficiencies. In scheduling the inspections, priority shall be given to older institutions, institutions that house a large proportion of violent offenders, and institutions that have experienced a significant number of escapes or escape attempts in the past.

(b)  Conduct or cause to be conducted announced and unannounced comprehensive security audits of all state and private correctional institutions. In conducting the security audits, priority shall be given to older institutions, institutions that house a large proportion of violent offenders, and institutions that have experienced a history of escapes or escape attempts. At a minimum, the audit shall include an evaluation of the physical plant, landscaping, fencing, security alarms and perimeter lighting, and inmate classification and staffing policies. Each correctional institution shall be audited at least annually. The secretary shall report the general survey findings annually to the Governor and the Legislature.

(c)  Adopt and enforce minimum security standards and policies that include, but are not limited to:

1.  Random monitoring of outgoing telephone calls by inmates.

2.  Maintenance of current photographs of all inmates.

3.  Daily inmate counts at varied intervals.

4.  Use of canine units, where appropriate.

5.  Use of escape alarms and perimeter lighting.

6.  Florida Crime Information Center/National Crime Information Center capabilities.

7.  Employment background investigations.

(d)  Annually make written prioritized budget recommendations to the secretary that identify critical security deficiencies at major correctional institutions.

(e)  Investigate and evaluate the usefulness and dependability of existing security technology at the institutions and new technology available and make periodic written recommendations to the secretary on the discontinuation or purchase of various security devices.

(f)  Contract, if deemed necessary, with security personnel, consulting engineers, architects, or other security experts the committee deems necessary for security audits and security consultant services.

(g)  Establish a periodic schedule for conducting announced and unannounced escape simulation drills.

(2)  Maintain and produce quarterly reports with accurate escape statistics. For the purposes of these reports, "escape" includes all possible types of escape, regardless of prosecution by the state attorney, and including offenders who walk away from nonsecure community facilities.

(3)  Adopt, enforce, and annually evaluate the emergency escape response procedures, which shall at a minimum include the immediate notification and inclusion of local and state law enforcement through a mutual aid agreement.

(4)  Submit in the annual legislative budget request a prioritized summary of critical repair and renovation security needs.

History.--s. 15, ch. 95-283; s. 13, ch. 2000-161.

944.17  Commitments and classification; transfers.--

(1)  Each prisoner sentenced to the state penitentiary shall be committed by the court to the custody of the department.

(2)  Each prisoner committed to the custody of the department shall be conveyed to such institution, facility, or program in the correctional system as the department shall direct, in accordance with its classification scheme.

(3)(a)  Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 948.03, only those persons who are convicted and sentenced in circuit court to a cumulative sentence of incarceration for 1 year or more, whether sentence is imposed in the same or separate circuits, may be received by the department into the state correctional system. Such persons shall be delivered to the custody of the department at such reception and classification centers as shall be provided for this purpose.

(b)  Notwithstanding paragraph (a), any prisoner incarcerated in the state correctional system or private correctional facility operated pursuant to chapter 957 who is convicted in circuit or county court of a crime committed during that incarceration shall serve the sentence imposed for that crime within the state correctional system regardless of the length of sentence or classification of the offense.

(c)1.  When the highest ranking offense for which the prisoner is convicted is a felony, the trial court shall sentence the prisoner pursuant to the Criminal Punishment Code in chapter 921.

2.  When the highest ranking offense for which the prisoner is convicted is a misdemeanor, the trial court shall sentence the prisoner pursuant to s. 775.082(4).

(4)  The department shall design and supply to the clerks of the circuit courts a uniform commitment form to be completed by the clerks and used in the issuing of commitments to the department of all persons convicted and sentenced in their respective courts. The department shall adopt the uniform judgment and sentence forms as promulgated by the Supreme Court in Rule 3.986, Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure.

(5)  The department shall also refuse to accept a person into the state correctional system unless the following documents are presented in a completed form by the sheriff or chief correctional officer, or a designated representative, to the officer in charge of the reception process:

(a)  The uniform commitment and judgment and sentence forms as described in subsection (4).

(b)  The sheriff's certificate as described in s. 921.161.

(c)  A certified copy of the indictment or information relating to the offense for which the person was convicted.

(d)  A copy of the probable cause affidavit for each offense identified in the current indictment or information.

(e)  A copy of the Criminal Punishment Code scoresheet and any attachments thereto prepared pursuant to Rule 3.701, Rule 3.702, or Rule 3.703, Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure, or any other rule pertaining to the preparation of felony sentencing scoresheets.

(f)  A copy of the restitution order or the reasons by the court for not requiring restitution pursuant to s. 775.089(1).

(g)  The name and address of any victim, if available.

(h)  A printout of a current criminal history record as provided through an FCIC/NCIC printer.

(i)  Any available health assessments including medical, mental health, and dental, including laboratory or test findings; custody classification; disciplinary and adjustment; and substance abuse assessment and treatment information which may have been developed during the period of incarceration prior to the transfer of the person to the department's custody. Available information shall be transmitted on standard forms developed by the department.

In addition, the sheriff or other officer having such person in charge shall also deliver with the foregoing documents any available presentence investigation reports as described in s. 921.231 and any attached documents. After a prisoner is admitted into the state correctional system, the department may request such additional records relating to the prisoner as it considers necessary from the clerk of the court, the Department of Children and Family Services, or any other state or county agency for the purpose of determining the prisoner's proper custody classification, gain-time eligibility, or eligibility for early release programs. An agency that receives such a request from the department must provide the information requested.

(6)  If a person is sentenced by a circuit court to serve a term of imprisonment concurrently with a term being served in another jurisdiction, the sheriff or chief correctional officer shall notify the department of the location at which such person is serving such term of imprisonment and shall forward to the department the documents described in subsection (5).

(7)  Pursuant to such regulations as it may provide, the department may transfer prisoners from one institution to another institution in the correctional system and classify and reclassify prisoners as circumstances may require.

(8)  If a state prisoner's presence is required in court for any reason after the sheriff or chief correctional officer has relinquished custody to the department, the court shall issue an order for the sheriff or chief correctional officer to assume temporary custody and transport the prisoner to the county jail pending the court appearance. The sheriff or chief correctional officer, or a designated representative, shall present a copy of the order to appropriate officers at the facility housing the prisoner prior to assuming temporary custody of the prisoner. Neither the court nor the sheriff or chief correctional officer may release such prisoner without first obtaining confirmation from the department that the prisoner has no commitments from other jurisdictions or outstanding detainers. It is the responsibility of the clerk of the circuit court to provide the department's central office with certified copies of each court action that affects a state commitment.

History.--s. 15, ch. 57-121; s. 18, ch. 61-530; ss. 19, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 42, ch. 77-120; s. 51, ch. 79-3; s. 2, ch. 85-288; s. 2, ch. 87-211; s. 4, ch. 89-526; s. 18, ch. 91-225; s. 13, ch. 91-280; s. 3, ch. 92-310; s. 7, ch. 93-37; s. 29, ch. 97-194; s. 15, ch. 98-204; s. 310, ch. 99-8; s. 1, ch. 2001-93.

944.1905  Initial inmate classification; inmate reclassification.--The Department of Corrections shall classify inmates pursuant to an objective classification scheme. The initial inmate classification questionnaire and the inmate reclassification questionnaire must cover both aggravating and mitigating factors.

(1)  In scoring either the initial inmate classification questionnaire or the inmate reclassification questionnaire, points must be added to the inmate's overall score for factors indicating the inmate's custody risk. Such factors may include:

(a)  The severity of the crime;

(b)  The length of the sentence; and

(c)  The verified history involving intentional violence.

(2)  In scoring the initial inmate classification questionnaire, points may be deducted from the inmate's overall score for factors indicating the inmate's stability. Such factors may include:

(a)  Age 30 or over;

(b)  High school diploma or GED received; and

(c)  Full-time employment, full-time school attendance, or part-time employment and part-time school attendance for 6 months or longer at the time of arrest.

(3)  Points may be deducted from the inmate's overall score on the inmate reclassification questionnaire for continuous positive behavior. Continuous positive behavior may include:

(a)  Lack of any major penalties for a specified period of time;

(b)  Completion of any correctional programs aimed at self-betterment, such as drug or alcohol counseling, vocational training, or academic programs;

(c)  Above-average behavior or progress on work squads outside the perimeter of the institution; or

(d)  Above-average behavior or progress in any employment inside the perimeter of the institution.

(4)  The department shall cross-validate the initial inmate classification questionnaire and the inmate reclassification questionnaire using custody score sheets from other states to determine the validity of the Florida model. If any items prove to be invalid, the department may revise either questionnaire as needed.

(5)(a)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the department shall assign to specific correctional facilities all inmates who are less than 18 years of age and who are not eligible for and have not been assigned to a facility for youthful offenders. Any such inmate who is less than 18 years of age shall be housed in a dormitory that is separate from inmates who are 18 years of age or older. Furthermore, the department shall provide any food service, education, and recreation for such inmate separately from inmates who are 18 years of age or older.

(b)  Notwithstanding the requirements of s. 958.11, any inmate who is less than 18 years of age, who was 15 years of age or younger at the time of his or her offense, and who has no prior juvenile adjudication must be placed in a facility for youthful offenders until the inmate is 18 years of age. At the discretion of the department, such an inmate may be placed in a facility for youthful offenders until the inmate is 21 years of age.

(c)  Any inmate who is assigned to a facility under paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) shall be removed and reassigned to the general inmate population if his or her behavior threatens the safety of other inmates or correctional staff.

History.--s. 83, ch. 88-122; s. 1, ch. 2001-210; s. 148, ch. 2005-2.

944.23  Persons authorized to visit state prisons.--The following persons shall be authorized to visit at their pleasure all state correctional institutions: The Governor, all Cabinet members, members of the Legislature, judges of state courts, state attorneys, public defenders, and authorized representatives of the commission. No other person not otherwise authorized by law shall be permitted to enter a state correctional institution except under such regulations as the department may prescribe. Permission shall not be unreasonably withheld from those who give sufficient evidence to the department that they are bona fide reporters or writers.

History.--s. 21, ch. 57-121; ss. 19, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 19, ch. 74-112; s. 45, ch. 77-120; s. 54, ch. 79-3.

944.24  Administration of correctional institutions for women.--

(1)  This section may be cited as the "Corrections Equality Act."

(2)  All regularly employed assistants, officers, and employees whose duties bring them into contact with the inmates of the institution shall be women as far as practicable.

(3)  Women inmates shall have access to programs of education, vocational training, rehabilitation, and substance abuse treatment that are equivalent to those programs which are provided for male inmates. The department shall ensure that women inmates are given opportunities for exercise, recreation, and visitation privileges according to the same standards as those privileges are provided for men. Women inmates shall be given opportunities to participate in work-release programs which are comparable to the opportunities provided for male inmates and shall be eligible for early release according to the same standards and procedures under which male inmates are eligible for early release.

(4)  The department shall continue to provide prenatal care and such medical treatment as determined by the Assistant Secretary for Health Services for an inmate who is pregnant.

(5)  An inmate who is pregnant shall be provided with prenatal care and medical treatment for the duration of her pregnancy. The department shall ensure that a pregnant inmate receives supplemental food and clothing and is excused from inappropriate work assignments. An inmate shall be transferred to a hospital outside the prison grounds if a condition develops which is beyond the scope and capabilities of the prison's medical facilities.

(6)  Any woman inmate who gives birth to a child during her term of imprisonment may be temporarily taken to a hospital outside the prison for the purpose of childbirth, and the charge for hospital and medical care shall be charged against the funds allocated to the institution. The department shall provide for the care of any child so born and shall pay for the child's care until the child is suitably placed outside the prison system.

History.--s. 22, ch. 57-121; s. 18, ch. 61-530; ss. 19, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 46, ch. 77-120; s. 55, ch. 79-3; s. 1, ch. 79-331; ss. 1, 2, ch. 81-15; s. 1, ch. 91-195; s. 29, ch. 91-225.

944.275  Gain-time.--

(1)  The department is authorized to grant deductions from sentences in the form of gain-time in order to encourage satisfactory prisoner behavior, to provide incentive for prisoners to participate in productive activities, and to reward prisoners who perform outstanding deeds or services.

(2)(a)  The department shall establish for each prisoner sentenced to a term of years a "maximum sentence expiration date," which shall be the date when the sentence or combined sentences imposed on a prisoner will expire. In establishing this date, the department shall reduce the total time to be served by any time lawfully credited.

(b)  When a prisoner with an established maximum sentence expiration date is sentenced to an additional term or terms without having been released from custody, the department shall extend the maximum sentence expiration date by the length of time imposed in the new sentence or sentences, less lawful credits.

(c)  When an escaped prisoner or a parole violator is returned to the custody of the department, the maximum sentence expiration date in effect when the escape occurred or the parole was effective shall be extended by the amount of time the prisoner was not in custody plus the time imposed in any new sentence or sentences, but reduced by any lawful credits.

(3)(a)  The department shall also establish for each prisoner sentenced to a term of years a "tentative release date" which shall be the date projected for the prisoner's release from custody by virtue of gain-time granted or forfeited as described in this section. The initial tentative release date shall be determined by deducting basic gain-time granted from the maximum sentence expiration date. Other gain-time shall be applied when granted or restored to make the tentative release date proportionately earlier; and forfeitures of gain-time, when ordered, shall be applied to make the tentative release date proportionately later.

(b)  When an initial tentative release date is reestablished because of additional sentences imposed before the prisoner has completely served all prior sentences, any gain-time granted during service of a prior sentence and not forfeited shall be applied.

(c)  The tentative release date may not be later than the maximum sentence expiration date.

(4)(a)  As a means of encouraging satisfactory behavior, the department shall grant basic gain-time at the rate of 10 days for each month of each sentence imposed on a prisoner, subject to the following:

1.  Portions of any sentences to be served concurrently shall be treated as a single sentence when determining basic gain-time.

2.  Basic gain-time for a partial month shall be prorated on the basis of a 30-day month.

3.  When a prisoner receives a new maximum sentence expiration date because of additional sentences imposed, basic gain-time shall be granted for the amount of time the maximum sentence expiration date was extended.

(b)  For each month in which an inmate works diligently, participates in training, uses time constructively, or otherwise engages in positive activities, the department may grant incentive gain-time in accordance with this paragraph. The rate of incentive gain-time in effect on the date the inmate committed the offense which resulted in his or her incarceration shall be the inmate's rate of eligibility to earn incentive gain-time throughout the period of incarceration and shall not be altered by a subsequent change in the severity level of the offense for which the inmate was sentenced.

1.  For sentences imposed for offenses committed prior to January 1, 1994, up to 20 days of incentive gain-time may be granted. If granted, such gain-time shall be credited and applied monthly.

2.  For sentences imposed for offenses committed on or after January 1, 1994, and before October 1, 1995:

a.  For offenses ranked in offense severity levels 1 through 7, under s. 921.0012 or s. 921.0013, up to 25 days of incentive gain-time may be granted. If granted, such gain-time shall be credited and applied monthly.

b.  For offenses ranked in offense severity levels 8, 9, and 10, under s. 921.0012 or s. 921.0013, up to 20 days of incentive gain-time may be granted. If granted, such gain-time shall be credited and applied monthly.

3.  For sentences imposed for offenses committed on or after October 1, 1995, the department may grant up to 10 days per month of incentive gain-time, except that no prisoner is eligible to earn any type of gain-time in an amount that would cause a sentence to expire, end, or terminate, or that would result in a prisoner's release, prior to serving a minimum of 85 percent of the sentence imposed. For purposes of this subparagraph, credits awarded by the court for time physically incarcerated shall be credited toward satisfaction of 85 percent of the sentence imposed. Except as provided by this section, a prisoner shall not accumulate further gain-time awards at any point when the tentative release date is the same as that date at which the prisoner will have served 85 percent of the sentence imposed. State prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment shall be incarcerated for the rest of their natural lives, unless granted pardon or clemency.

(c)  An inmate who performs some outstanding deed, such as saving a life or assisting in recapturing an escaped inmate, or who in some manner performs an outstanding service that would merit the granting of additional deductions from the term of his or her sentence may be granted meritorious gain-time of from 1 to 60 days.

(d)  Notwithstanding subparagraphs (b)1. and 2., the education program manager shall recommend, and the Department of Corrections may grant, a one-time award of 60 additional days of incentive gain-time to an inmate who is otherwise eligible and who successfully completes requirements for and is awarded a general educational development certificate or vocational certificate. Under no circumstances may an inmate receive more than 60 days for educational attainment pursuant to this section.

(5)  When a prisoner is found guilty of an infraction of the laws of this state or the rules of the department, gain-time may be forfeited according to law.

(6)(a)  Basic gain-time under this section shall be computed on and applied to all sentences imposed for offenses committed on or after July 1, 1978, and before January 1, 1994.

(b)  All incentive and meritorious gain-time is granted according to this section.

(c)  All additional gain-time previously awarded under former subsections (2) and (3) and all forfeitures ordered prior to the effective date of the act that created this section shall remain in effect and be applied in establishing an initial tentative release date.

(7)  The department shall adopt rules to implement the granting, forfeiture, restoration, and deletion of gain-time.

History.--s. 1, ch. 78-304; s. 57, ch. 79-3; s. 8, ch. 83-131; s. 3, ch. 91-281; s. 26, ch. 93-406; s. 26, ch. 95-184; s. 2, ch. 95-294; s. 59, ch. 96-388; s. 1853, ch. 97-102.

944.278  Cancellation of administrative gain-time and provisional credits.--All awards of administrative gain-time under ¹s. 944.276 and provisional credits under ²s. 944.277 are hereby canceled for all inmates serving a sentence or combined sentences in the custody of the department, or serving a state sentence in the custody of another jurisdiction. Release dates of all inmates with 1 or more days of such awards shall be extended by the length of time equal to the number of days of administrative gain-time and provisional credits which were canceled. Inmates who are out of custody due to an escape or a release on bond, or whose postrelease supervision is revoked on or after the effective date of this act, shall have all administrative gain-time and provisional credits canceled when the inmate's release date is reestablished upon return to custody. Offenders who are under provisional release supervision as of the effective date of this section shall be subject to the terms and conditions established at the time of release until such offenders have been discharged from supervision. Offenders who have warrants outstanding based on violation of supervision as of the effective date of this section, or who violate terms of supervision subsequent to enactment of this section, shall be terminated from supervision and returned to custody. All provisional credits shall be canceled when an offender's tentative release date is reestablished.

History.--s. 35, ch. 93-406.

¹Note.--Repealed by s. 6, ch. 88-122.

²Note.--Repealed by s. 32, ch. 93-406.

944.279  Disciplinary procedures applicable to prisoner for filing frivolous or malicious actions or bringing false information before court.--

(1)  At any time, and upon its own motion or on motion of a party, a court may conduct an inquiry into whether any action or appeal brought by a prisoner was brought in good faith. A prisoner who is found by a court to have brought a frivolous or malicious suit, action, claim, proceeding, or appeal in any court of this state or in any federal court, which is filed after June 30, 1996, or to have brought a frivolous or malicious collateral criminal proceeding, which is filed after September 30, 2004, or who knowingly or with reckless disregard for the truth brought false information or evidence before the court, is subject to disciplinary procedures pursuant to the rules of the Department of Corrections. The court shall issue a written finding and direct that a certified copy be forwarded to the appropriate institution or facility for disciplinary procedures pursuant to the rules of the department as provided in s. 944.09.

(2)  This section does not apply to a criminal proceeding.

(3)  For purposes of this section, "prisoner" means a person who is convicted of a crime and is incarcerated for that crime or who is being held in custody pending extradition or sentencing.

History.--s. 5, ch. 96-106; s. 14, ch. 97-78; s. 1, ch. 2004-285.

944.28  Forfeiture of gain-time and the right to earn gain-time in the future.--

¹(1)  If a prisoner is convicted of escape, or if the clemency, conditional release as described in chapter 947, probation or community control as described in chapter 948, provisional release as described in ²s. 944.277, parole, or control release as described in s. 947.146 granted to the prisoner is revoked, the department may, without notice or hearing, declare a forfeiture of all gain-time earned according to the provisions of law by such prisoner prior to such escape or his or her release under such clemency, conditional release, probation, community control, provisional release, control release, or parole.

(2)(a)  All or any part of the gain-time earned by a prisoner according to the provisions of law is subject to forfeiture if such prisoner unsuccessfully attempts to escape; assaults another person; threatens or knowingly endangers the life or person of another person; refuses by action or word to carry out any instruction duly given to him or her; neglects to perform in a faithful, diligent, industrious, orderly, and peaceful manner the work, duties, and tasks assigned to him or her; is found by a court to have brought a frivolous suit, action, claim, proceeding, or appeal in any court; is found by a court to have knowingly or with reckless disregard for the truth brought false information or evidence before the court; or violates any law of the state or any rule or regulation of the department or institution.

(b)  A prisoner's right to earn gain-time during all or any part of the remainder of the sentence or sentences under which he or she is imprisoned may be declared forfeited because of the seriousness of a single instance of misconduct or because of the seriousness of an accumulation of instances of misconduct.

(c)  The method of declaring a forfeiture under paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) shall be as follows: A written charge shall be prepared, which shall specify each instance of misconduct upon which it is based and the approximate date thereof. A copy of such charge shall be delivered to the prisoner, and he or she shall be given notice of a hearing before the disciplinary committee created under the authorization of rules heretofore or hereafter adopted by the department for the institution in which he or she is confined. The prisoner shall be present at the hearing. If at such hearing the prisoner pleads guilty to the charge or if the committee determines that the prisoner is guilty thereof upon the basis of proof presented at such hearing, it shall find him or her guilty. If the committee considers that all or part of the prisoner's gain-time and the prisoner's right to earn gain-time during all or any part of the sentence or sentences under which he or she is imprisoned shall be forfeited, it shall so recommend in its written report. Such report shall be presented to the warden of the institution, who may approve such recommendation in whole or in part by endorsing such approval on the report. In the event of approval, the warden shall forward the report to the department. Thereupon, the department may, in its discretion, declare the forfeiture thus approved by the warden or any specified part thereof.

(3)  Upon the recommendation of the warden, the department may, in its discretion, restore all or any part of any gain-time forfeited under this section.

History.--s. 26, ch. 57-121; s. 18, ch. 61-530; s. 2, ch. 63-243; s. 1, ch. 65-197; ss. 19, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 20, ch. 74-112; s. 48, ch. 77-120; s. 58, ch. 79-3; s. 1, ch. 82-39; s. 9, ch. 88-122; s. 6, ch. 89-526; s. 6, ch. 89-531; s. 2, ch. 91-280; s. 6, ch. 96-106; ss. 1854, 1855, ch. 97-102; s. 14, ch. 2000-161.

¹Note.--Section 2, ch. 91-280, purported to reenact subsection (1) but did not include the version as amended by s. 6, ch. 89-531. In the absence of affirmative evidence that the Legislature intended to nullify the amendment by s. 6, ch. 89-531, subsection (1) as amended by s. 6, ch. 89-531, and by s. 1854, ch. 97-102, is set out in the text. Subsection (1) is set out below as reenacted by s. 2, ch. 91-280, and amended by s. 1855, ch. 97-102, pending clarification by the Legislature.

(1)  If a prisoner is convicted of escape, or if the clemency, conditional release as described in chapter 947, probation or community control as described in s. 948.01, provisional release as described in ²s. 944.277, or parole granted to the prisoner is revoked, the department may, without notice or hearing, declare a forfeiture of all gain-time earned according to the provisions of law by such prisoner prior to such escape or his or her release under such clemency, conditional release, probation, community control, provisional release, or parole.

²Note.--Repealed by s. 32, ch. 93-406.

944.281  Ineligibility to earn gain-time due to disciplinary action.--The department may declare that a prisoner who commits a violation of any law of the state or rule or regulation of the department or institution on or after January 1, 1996, and who is found guilty pursuant to s. 944.28(2), shall not be eligible to earn incentive gain-time for up to 6 months following the month in which the violation occurred. The department shall adopt rules to administer the provisions of this section.

History.--s. 3, ch. 95-294.

944.282  Rules governing inmate use of weight training equipment.--In the interests of safety, security, and order of the state correctional system, the Department of Corrections shall immediately adopt rules governing and limiting access to weights and other weight training equipment by inmates within the state correctional system. It is the intent of the Legislature to restrict the use of weight training equipment for those inmates who have committed disciplinary infractions within the previous 120 days or have not completed work assignments as determined by the department.

History.--s. 60, ch. 96-312.

944.291  Prisoner released by reason of gain-time allowances or attainment of provisional release date.--

(1)  Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a prisoner who has served his or her term or terms, less allowable gain-time deductions as provided by law, or who has attained his or her provisional release date shall, upon release, be placed under further supervision and control of the department. Any released prisoner who is not under further supervision and control of the department or who is not subject to any statute relating to parole shall be eligible, on a voluntary basis, for any assistance available to him or her through any parole or probation office under the department.

(2)  Any prisoner who is convicted of a crime committed on or after October 1, 1988, which crime is contained in category 1, category 2, category 3, or category 4 of Rule 3.701 and Rule 3.988, Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure, and who has served at least one prior felony commitment at a state or federal correctional institution, or is sentenced as a habitual or violent habitual offender pursuant to s. 775.084, may only be released under conditional release supervision as described in chapter 947. Not fewer than 90 days prior to the tentative release date or provisional release date, whichever is earlier, the department shall provide the commission with the name and inmate identification number for each eligible inmate.

History.--s. 1, ch. 67-421; s. 21, ch. 74-112; s. 50, ch. 77-120; s. 1, ch. 78-223; s. 59, ch. 79-3; s. 1, ch. 81-229; s. 10, ch. 88-122; s. 7, ch. 89-531; s. 1645, ch. 97-102.

944.292  Suspension of civil rights.--

(1)  Upon conviction of a felony as defined in s. 10, Art. X of the State Constitution, the civil rights of the person convicted shall be suspended in Florida until such rights are restored by a full pardon, conditional pardon, or restoration of civil rights granted pursuant to s. 8, Art. IV of the State Constitution.

(2)  This section shall not be construed to deny a convicted felon access to the courts, as guaranteed by s. 21, Art. I of the State Constitution, until restoration of her or his civil rights.

History.--s. 28, ch. 74-112; s. 1, ch. 76-139; s. 1, ch. 88-138; s. 1646, ch. 97-102.

944.293  Initiation of restoration of civil rights.--With respect to those persons convicted of a felony, the following procedure shall apply: Prior to the time an offender is discharged from supervision, an authorized agent of the department shall obtain from the Governor the necessary application and other forms required for the restoration of civil rights. The authorized agent shall assist the offender in completing these forms and shall ensure that the application and all necessary material are forwarded to the Governor before the offender is discharged from supervision.

History.--s. 29, ch. 74-112; s. 1, ch. 76-139; s. 60, ch. 79-3.

944.31  Inspector general; inspectors; power and duties.--The inspector general shall be responsible for prison inspection and investigation, internal affairs investigations, and management reviews. The office of the inspector general shall be charged with the duty of inspecting the penal and correctional systems of the state. The office of the inspector general shall inspect each correctional institution or any place in which state prisoners are housed, worked, or kept within the state, with reference to its physical conditions, cleanliness, sanitation, safety, and comfort; the quality and supply of all bedding; the quality, quantity, and diversity of food served and the manner in which it is served; the number and condition of the prisoners confined therein; and the general conditions of each institution. The office of inspector general shall see that all the rules and regulations issued by the department are strictly observed and followed by all persons connected with the correctional systems of the state. The office of the inspector general shall coordinate and supervise the work of inspectors throughout the state. The inspector general and inspectors may enter any place where prisoners in this state are kept and shall be immediately admitted to such place as they desire and may consult and confer with any prisoner privately and without molestation. The inspector general and inspectors shall be responsible for criminal and administrative investigation of matters relating to the Department of Corrections. The secretary may designate persons within the office of the inspector general as law enforcement officers to conduct any criminal investigation that occurs on property owned or leased by the department or involves matters over which the department has jurisdiction. A person designated as a law enforcement officer must be certified pursuant to s. 943.1395 and must have a minimum of 3 years' experience as an inspector in the inspector general's office or as a law enforcement officer. The department shall maintain a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Law Enforcement for the notification and investigation of mutually agreed-upon predicate events that shall include, but are not limited to, suspicious deaths and organized criminal activity. During investigations, the inspector general and inspectors may consult and confer with any prisoner or staff member privately and without molestation and persons designated as law enforcement officers under this section shall have the authority to arrest, with or without a warrant, any prisoner of or visitor to a state correctional institution for a violation of the criminal laws of the state involving an offense classified as a felony that occurs on property owned or leased by the department and may arrest offenders who have escaped or absconded from custody. Persons designated as law enforcement officers have the authority to arrest with or without a warrant a staff member of the department, including any contract employee, for a violation of the criminal laws of the state involving an offense classified as a felony under this chapter or chapter 893 on property owned or leased by the department. A person designated as a law enforcement officer under this section may make arrests of persons against whom arrest warrants have been issued, including arrests of offenders who have escaped or absconded from custody. The arrested person shall be surrendered without delay to the sheriff of the county in which the arrest is made, with a formal complaint subsequently made against her or him in accordance with law.

History.--s. 29, ch. 57-121; s. 6, ch. 61-192; s. 18, ch. 61-530; ss. 19, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 52, ch. 77-120; s. 62, ch. 79-3; s. 2, ch. 85-330; s. 75, ch. 87-226; s. 18, ch. 95-325; s. 26, ch. 96-312; s. 1856, ch. 97-102; s. 2, ch. 99-271; s. 1, ch. 2002-75.

944.32  Reports of prison inspectors; recordation; inspection.--Upon completing an inspection of a correctional institution the inspector shall make a full and complete report on such forms as shall be provided by the department. One copy of each report shall be filed with the department, one copy shall be sent to the officer in charge of the correctional institution, and as many other copies as the department shall require; these reports shall be matters of public record and subject to inspection by the public at any time.

History.--s. 30, ch. 57-121; s. 18, ch. 61-530; s. 53, ch. 77-120; s. 63, ch. 79-3; s. 19, ch. 91-225; s. 19, ch. 95-325; s. 27, ch. 96-312.

944.33  Failure of inspector to make report; false report; penalty.--If any prison inspector shall fail to make a report of his or her findings, he or she shall be immediately discharged and shall not be again employed in such capacity. If any prison inspector shall knowingly make a false report of his or her findings, he or she shall be guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

History.--s. 31, ch. 57-121; s. 1166, ch. 71-136; s. 1647, ch. 97-102.

944.331  Inmate grievance procedure.--The department shall establish by rule an inmate grievance procedure that must conform to the Minimum Standards for Inmate Grievance Procedures as promulgated by the United States Department of Justice pursuant to 42 U.S.C. s. 1997e. The department's office of general counsel shall oversee the grievance procedures established by the department.

History.--s. 3, ch. 85-288; s. 3, ch. 99-271.

944.35  Authorized use of force; malicious battery and sexual misconduct prohibited; reporting required; penalties.--

(1)(a)  An employee of the department is authorized to apply physical force upon an inmate only when and to the extent that it reasonably appears necessary:

1.  To defend himself or herself or another against such other imminent use of unlawful force;

2.  To prevent a person from escaping from a state correctional institution when the officer reasonably believes that person is lawfully detained in such institution;

3.  To prevent damage to property;

4.  To quell a disturbance;

5.  To overcome physical resistance to a lawful command; or

6.  To administer medical treatment only by or under the supervision of a physician or his or her designee and only:

a.  When treatment is necessary to protect the health of other persons, as in the case of contagious or venereal diseases; or

b.  When treatment is offered in satisfaction of a duty to protect the inmate against self-inflicted injury or death.

As part of the correctional officer training program, the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission shall develop a course specifically designed to explain the parameters of this subsection and to teach the proper methods and techniques in applying authorized physical force upon an inmate.

(b)  Following any use of force, a qualified health care provider shall examine any person physically involved to determine the extent of injury, if any, and shall prepare a report which shall include, but not be limited to, a statement of whether further examination by a physician is necessary. Any noticeable physical injury shall be examined by a physician, and the physician shall prepare a report documenting the extent and probable cause of the injury and the treatment prescribed. Such report shall be completed within 5 working days of the incident and shall be submitted to the warden for appropriate investigation.

(2)  Each employee of the department who either applies physical force or was responsible for making the decision to apply physical force upon an inmate or an offender supervised by the department in the community pursuant to this subsection shall prepare, date, and sign an independent report within 1 working day of the incident. The report shall be delivered to the warden or the circuit administrator, who shall forward the report with all appropriate documentation to the office of the inspector general. The inspector general shall conduct a review and make recommendations regarding the appropriateness or inappropriateness of the use of force. If the inspector general finds that the use of force was appropriate, the employee's report, together with the inspector general's written determination of the appropriateness of the force used and the reasons therefor, shall be forwarded to the circuit administrator or warden upon completion of the review. If the inspector general finds that the use of force was inappropriate, the inspector general shall conduct a complete investigation into the incident and forward the findings of fact to the appropriate regional director for further action. Copies of the employee's report and the inspector general's review shall be kept in the files of the inmate or the offender supervised by the department in the community. A notation of each incident involving use of force and the outcome based on the inspector general's evaluation shall be kept in the employee's file.

(3)(a)1.  Any employee of the department who, with malicious intent, commits a battery upon an inmate or an offender supervised by the department in the community, commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

2.  Any employee of the department who, with malicious intent, commits a battery or inflicts cruel or inhuman treatment by neglect or otherwise, and in so doing causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to an inmate or an offender supervised by the department in the community, commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(b)1.  As used in this paragraph, the term "sexual misconduct" means the oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by, or union with, the sexual organ of another or the anal or vaginal penetration of another by any other object, but does not include an act done for a bona fide medical purpose or an internal search conducted in the lawful performance of the employee's duty.

2.  Any employee of the department who engages in sexual misconduct with an inmate or an offender supervised by the department in the community, without committing the crime of sexual battery, commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

3.  The consent of the inmate or offender supervised by the department in the community to any act of sexual misconduct may not be raised as a defense to a prosecution under this paragraph.

4.  This paragraph does not apply to any employee of the department who is legally married to an inmate or an offender supervised by the department in the community, nor does it apply to any employee who has no knowledge, and would have no reason to believe, that the person with whom the employee has engaged in sexual misconduct is an inmate or an offender under community supervision of the department.

(c)  Notwithstanding prosecution, any violation of the provisions of this subsection, as determined by the Public Employees Relations Commission, shall constitute sufficient cause under s. 110.227 for dismissal from employment with the department, and such person shall not again be employed in any capacity in connection with the correctional system.

(d)  Each employee who witnesses, or has reasonable cause to suspect, that an inmate or an offender under the supervision of the department in the community has been unlawfully abused or is the subject of sexual misconduct pursuant to this subsection shall immediately prepare, date, and sign an independent report specifically describing the nature of the force used or the nature of the sexual misconduct, the location and time of the incident, and the persons involved. The report shall be delivered to the inspector general of the department with a copy to be delivered to the warden of the institution or the regional administrator. The inspector general shall immediately conduct an appropriate investigation, and, if probable cause is determined that a violation of this subsection has occurred, the respective state attorney in the circuit in which the incident occurred shall be notified.

(4)(a)  Any employee required to report pursuant to this section who knowingly or willfully fails to do so, or who knowingly or willfully prevents another person from doing so, commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(b)  Any person who knowingly or willfully submits inaccurate, incomplete, or untruthful information with regard to reports required in this section commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(c)  Any person who knowingly or willfully coerces or threatens any other person with the intent to alter either testimony or a written report regarding an incident where force was used or an incident of sexual misconduct commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

As part of the correctional officer training program, the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission shall develop course materials for inclusion in the appropriate required course specifically designed to explain the parameters of this subsection and to teach sexual assault identification and prevention methods and techniques.

History.--s. 33, ch. 57-121; s. 5, ch. 85-288; s. 85, ch. 86-163; s. 228, ch. 91-224; s. 6, ch. 96-312; s. 15, ch. 97-78; s. 15, ch. 2000-161; s. 2, ch. 2001-92; s. 2, ch. 2002-75.

944.36  Permitting inmates to escape.--Any agent, employee, or officer of the department having supervision over state inmates being worked under the provisions of law who willfully permits any prisoner to escape shall be guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

History.--s. 34, ch. 57-121; s. 18, ch. 61-530; s. 1167, ch. 71-136; s. 54, ch. 77-120; s. 64, ch. 79-3; s. 6, ch. 85-288.

944.37  Acceptance of unauthorized compensation; penalty.--No officer or employee of the department shall receive, directly or indirectly, from any prisoner or from anyone on behalf of such prisoner, any gift, reward, or any compensation whatsoever for his or her services or supplies other than that prescribed or authorized by law or the department. Whoever violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.083.

History.--s. 35, ch. 57-121; s. 18, ch. 61-530; s. 1168, ch. 71-136; s. 55, ch. 77-120; s. 65, ch. 79-3; s. 1648, ch. 97-102.

944.38  Acceptance of remuneration from contractor; dealing or barter with prisoners; interest in contract; penalty.--

(1)(a)  An officer or employee of the department may not receive any compensation whatsoever, directly or indirectly, for any act or service that she or he may do or perform for or on behalf of any officer or employee or agent, or employee of a contractor. An officer or employee of the department or the state may not have an interest, directly or indirectly, in any contract or purchase made, or authorized to be made, by anyone for or on behalf of the department.

(b)  This subsection does not prevent an officer or employee of the department from accepting other employment or following any pursuit that does not interfere with the full and faithful discharge by the officer or employee of his or her duties to the department. This subsection does not prevent an officer or employee of the department from accepting secondary employment with an entity contracting with the department if the officer or employee does not have responsibilities or involvement with the department's award or management of the contract or with the process of making referrals to or evaluating the contracting entity.

(2)  An officer or employee of the department or of the state, or any contractor, or employee of a contractor, may not, without permission of the department, make any gift or present to a prisoner, receive a gift or present from any prisoner, or have any barter or dealings with any prisoner.

(3)  For any violation of the provisions of this section the officer or employee of the state shall be discharged from her or his office or service; and every contractor, or employee, or agent of a contractor engaged therein, and a party thereto, shall be expelled from the institutional grounds, and not again permitted within the same as a contractor, agent, or employee.

History.--s. 36, ch. 57-121; s. 18, ch. 61-530; ss. 19, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 56, ch. 77-120; s. 66, ch. 79-3; s. 1649, ch. 97-102; s. 1, ch. 2004-51.

944.39  Interference with prisoners; penalty.--Any person who, without authority, interferes with or in any way interrupts the work of any prisoner under the custody of the department or who in any way interferes with the discipline or good conduct of any prisoner shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. No person shall, by disguise, misrepresentation of identity or other illicit means, attempt to gain admission to or enter upon the grounds of any state correctional institution for the purpose of visiting any prisoner in violation of the general visiting policy adopted by the department. A person, upon conviction of an offense as outlined in this section, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. Any peace officer or any correctional officer of the department or any prison inspector or any employee of the department may arrest without warrant any person violating the provisions of this section.

History.--s. 37, ch. 57-121; s. 7, ch. 61-192; s. 18, ch. 61-530; ss. 19, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1169, ch. 71-136; s. 57, ch. 77-120; s. 67, ch. 79-3; s. 16, ch. 95-283.

944.40  Escapes; penalty.--Any prisoner confined in any prison, jail, private correctional facility, road camp, or other penal institution, whether operated by the state, a county, or a municipality, or operated under a contract with the state, a county, or a municipality, working upon the public roads, or being transported to or from a place of confinement who escapes or attempts to escape from such confinement commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. The punishment of imprisonment imposed under this section shall run consecutive to any former sentence imposed upon any prisoner.

History.--s. 38, ch. 57-121; s. 1, ch. 65-224; s. 1, ch. 69-332; s. 1170, ch. 71-136; s. 5, ch. 99-271.

944.402  Reward for capture of escapee from correctional institution.--The warden of a state correctional institution may pay a reward in an amount not greater than $100 from institutional funds to each person who is directly responsible for the capture of an inmate who has escaped from the institution. The warden of the institution from which the inmate escaped shall determine the amount of the reward. Employees of state, county, and municipal law enforcement or correctional agencies who are engaged in the apprehension, detection, or detention of prisoners are not eligible to receive such rewards.

History.--s. 1, ch. 88-169; s. 16, ch. 2000-161.

944.405  Warrant for retaking offender who has escaped from custody or absconded from rehabilitative community reentry program, or who is ineligible for release.--

(1)  If there is reasonable justification to believe that an offender has escaped from the custody of the department or has absconded from a rehabilitativ