Prison Professors
Aerial view of FPC Pensacola
Minimum SecurityFPCMale

FPC Pensacola

Pensacola, FL· SER Region

BOP RegionSER

About FPC Pensacola

FPC Pensacola is a Federal Prison Camp located in Pensacola, Florida, serving as a minimum-security facility for male inmates. Operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons within the Southeast Region, this facility is currently reporting zero population, which may indicate temporary closure, renovation, or transitional status.

Despite the current population status, FPC Pensacola offers the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), a comprehensive 9-month treatment program that provides intensive substance abuse treatment and the potential for up to 12 months of sentence reduction for successful participants. As a minimum-security facility, Pensacola typically focuses on rehabilitation and preparing inmates for successful reintegration into society through various programming opportunities.

Located in Escambia County, Florida, FPC Pensacola provides a more open environment typical of federal prison camps. The facility's location in the Florida Panhandle offers accessibility for families visiting from across the Southeast region. Prison Professors can help individuals and their families prepare for their experience at FPC Pensacola, providing guidance on everything from self-surrender procedures to maximizing programming opportunities during incarceration.

Contact & Location

Mailing Address (Inmates)

INMATE NAME & REGISTER NUMBERPensacolaP.O. BOX 3949Pensacola, FL 32516

Mailing Address (Staff)

PensacolaP.O. BOX 3933Pensacola, FL 32516

Do NOT send money to an inmate using this facility's address. All funds must be sent to the processing center in Des Moines, Iowa.

GPS: 30.463596, -87.343159

Population & Housing

Total population: 0

Programs & Education

Program information for this facility is being compiled.

Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP)

RDAP Available

FPC Pensacola offers the Residential Drug Abuse Program.

Program Details

A voluntary, intensive 9-month (500-hour) residential treatment program for inmates with substance use disorders. Successful completion may result in up to a 12-month sentence reduction.

The Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) is the Bureau of Prisons' most intensive substance-abuse treatment program. It is a 500-hour, unit-based program lasting 9 to 12 months, followed by community-based transitional treatment. Participants who successfully complete RDAP may be eligible for up to a 12-month reduction in their sentence under 18 U.S.C. § 3621(e).

Facilities that do not offer RDAP may still provide the Non-Residential Drug Abuse Program (NR-DAP), a less intensive outpatient-style treatment, or the Drug Abuse Education (DAE) course, a shorter psychoeducational program. Both can help demonstrate progress toward rehabilitation but do not qualify for the same sentence reduction as RDAP.

Medical Care

Medical care level information is being compiled.

Standard BOP Medical Services

Sick Call Process

Inmates request medical attention by submitting a cop-out (Inmate Request to Staff) or a sick call form, typically available in each housing unit. Sick call is held on scheduled mornings — a staff member triages requests and inmates are seen by mid-level providers or physicians based on need.

Emergency Care

All BOP facilities provide 24/7 emergency medical coverage. In a medical emergency, staff will initiate on-site treatment and arrange outside hospital transport if necessary. Inmates should notify any staff member immediately for emergencies.

Dental Services

Routine dental exams are provided on an annual basis, including cleanings and necessary X-rays. Emergency dental care — such as treatment for pain, infection, or trauma — is available on a priority basis. Elective procedures are limited and subject to approval.

Mental Health Services

Each facility has psychology staff who provide individual counseling, group therapy, crisis intervention, and mental health evaluations. Inmates can self-refer by submitting a cop-out to the Psychology Department. Inmates on psychiatric medications are monitored regularly.

Medications

Chronic care medications (e.g., blood pressure, insulin, psychiatric meds) are dispensed through a scheduled "pill line." Inmates must report at designated times to receive their medications. Over-the-counter medications are available through commissary; some may be prescribed at no cost.

Co-Pay Information

The BOP charges a $2.00 co-pay for inmate-initiated health care visits. Exemptions apply to follow-up visits requested by medical staff, emergency care, chronic care appointments, mental health contacts, preventive services, and prenatal care. Inmates with insufficient funds are not denied care.

Good to Know

Medical care quality and wait times vary by facility. Inmates with pre-existing conditions should bring documentation of their medical history, current medications, and treating physicians to assist with continuity of care during intake processing.

Have questions about medical care at FPC Pensacola? Share your experience on your Prison Professors profile to help others prepare.

Share Your Experience

Self-Surrender Guide for FPC Pensacola

Minimum security · Federal Prison Camp · Pensacola, FL

If you've been designated to self-surrender, it's natural to feel anxious. This guide walks you through exactly what to expect so you can arrive prepared and focused. Thousands of people have been through this process — and the more prepared you are, the smoother your transition will be.

Self-Surrender Day Preparation
Arrive at FPC Pensacola during the designated reporting time specified in your surrender paperwork, typically between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM on weekdays. Bring your surrender documents, valid government-issued photo ID, and any court-ordered paperwork. Dress conservatively in business casual attire - avoid clothing that could be mistaken for inmate uniforms (khaki, orange, or institutional colors).

What to Bring and What NOT to Bring
You may bring limited personal items including a wedding ring (no stones), religious medallion on a chain, and up to $300 in cash. DO NOT bring: cell phones, electronics, jewelry (except wedding ring), medications in original containers (these will be handled by medical staff), tobacco products, or any food items. All personal clothing will be stored or mailed home at your expense.

First 24-48 Hours Process
Upon arrival, you'll undergo initial processing including fingerprinting, photographing, and medical screening. You'll receive facility orientation materials and be assigned to temporary housing while permanent housing is determined. During this period, you'll complete intake interviews, receive your inmate handbook, and begin the process of getting your commissary account established.

Prison Professors' Preparation Tips
Prison Professors recommends arriving mentally prepared for the intake process, which can take several hours. Notify family members not to attempt contact for the first 48-72 hours while you complete initial processing. Use this preparation time to familiarize yourself with BOP policies and begin planning your programming goals, especially if you're interested in RDAP participation.

Emotional Preparation for You and Your Family
Self-surrender day is emotionally challenging for everyone involved. Prepare your family for limited communication initially and reassure them that this is normal processing procedure. Focus on viewing this as the beginning of your rehabilitation journey rather than just the start of your sentence. Consider having family members connect with Prison Professors' support resources to help them navigate this transition period.

Before You Surrender

  • Get your affairs in order: power of attorney, finances, family arrangements.
  • Confirm your surrender date and time with your attorney.
  • The facility may send a surrender letter with specific instructions — follow them exactly.
  • Bring valid government-issued photo ID.
  • Arrive on time — arriving late can result in a warrant for your arrest.
  • Consider having someone drive you. Your vehicle cannot remain at the facility.

What to Bring

Most facilities allow very little on surrender day. Wear simple, comfortable clothing — you'll change into facility-issued clothing upon arrival.

Generally Allowed

  • Valid government-issued photo ID
  • Legal documents related to your case
  • Prescription medications in original pharmacy containers with a valid prescription
  • A small amount of cash (typically $20–$50, deposited to your commissary account)
  • Plain wedding band (no stones)
  • Religious medallion

Do NOT Bring

  • Cell phone or electronics
  • Excess clothing or luggage
  • Food or beverages
  • Jewelry beyond a plain wedding band
  • Weapons of any kind

What to Expect on Arrival

1

Processing: fingerprints, photographs, medical screening, and intake interview.

2

You'll receive facility-issued clothing, bedding, and hygiene items.

3

Orientation program (typically 1–2 weeks) covering facility rules, daily schedule, and expectations.

4

You'll be assigned a housing unit, a counselor, and a register number if you don't already have one.

5

The first few days are the hardest — this is completely normal.

First Week Tips

  • Be respectful and observe before acting. Take time to learn the culture.
  • Learn the daily schedule immediately — meals, count times, recreation, work call.
  • Set up your commissary account and phone list as soon as possible.
  • Reach out to your counselor for questions about programs, visiting, and mail.
  • Start thinking about programming: education, vocational training, RDAP if applicable.

Preparing to surrender at FPC Pensacola? Create your free Prison Professors profile to start documenting your journey and access resources from others who've been through this process.

Recreation

Standard BOP recreation information for a minimum-security facility. Actual offerings at FPC Pensacola may vary.

Outdoor Recreation

Federal Prison Camps offer the most open recreation environment in the BOP. Men at camps generally have access to large outdoor recreation areas throughout the day during non-work hours, with minimal restrictions on movement between recreation spaces.

  • Walking and jogging track
  • Basketball courts
  • Handball/racquetball courts
  • Bocce ball
  • Horseshoe pits
  • Softball field
  • Soccer field

Indoor Recreation

Fitness Equipment

  • Cable weight machines and resistance equipment
  • Stationary bikes and elliptical trainers
  • Stair-steppers

Note on free weights: The BOP removed free weights from most federal facilities in the mid-1990s. Today, the vast majority of facilities offer only cable machines, resistance bands, and bodyweight exercise stations — not free weights.

Activities

  • Table tennis
  • Card and board games
  • Pick-up basketball
  • Music room (instruments available at some facilities)

Leisure Activities

  • Arts and crafts workshops
  • Hobby craft programs (leatherwork, painting, drawing, crochet)
  • Intramural sports leagues and tournaments
  • Holiday and special-event tournaments
  • Movie nights (typically weekends)
  • Outdoor cookouts during holiday weekends (at some camps)

Library

All federal facilities are required to provide access to a law library so that inmates can research legal matters and prepare court filings. Most facilities also maintain a leisure library with fiction, non-fiction, and reference materials.

  • Law library with legal reference materials
  • Access to electronic legal research tools
  • Leisure library (fiction, non-fiction, self-help)
  • Newspapers and magazine subscriptions
  • Interlibrary loan requests (at some facilities)
  • Typewriter or computer access for legal work

Recreation schedules are posted at each facility and vary by season, staffing levels, and institutional operations. Weekend and holiday schedules often differ from weekday routines. Check with FPC Pensacola's Recreation Department for the current schedule.

Work Assignments & UNICOR

Work Assignments

All medically able inmates at FPC Pensacola are required to work unless participating in a full-time education or vocational training program. Work assignments are made by the Unit Team based on institutional need, the inmate's skills and background, and current program participation.

Camp Work Details

As a minimum-security camp, FPC Pensacola may assign inmates to work details outside the facility boundary, including grounds maintenance on an adjacent military base, community service projects, and other off-site details not available at higher-security institutions.

Common Work Assignments

Food Service
Facilities Maintenance (Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC)
Landscaping & Grounds
Orderly / Janitorial
Laundry
Education Tutor
Recreation Aide
Commissary
Chapel Orderly
Library Aide
Institutional Pay

Standard institutional work assignments pay between $0.12 and $0.40 per hour. Pay grades are determined by position and performance.

Work Performance

Good work performance is factored into program reviews and can positively affect custody classification, housing placement, and eligibility for preferred assignments.

UNICOR (Federal Prison Industries)

UNICOR, also known as Federal Prison Industries (FPI), is a wholly owned government corporation that operates manufacturing and service operations inside federal prisons. UNICOR provides inmates with job training and work experience in real-world industries while producing goods and services for federal agencies.

$0.23 – $1.15 per hour

UNICOR pays significantly more than standard institutional work assignments, making it one of the most sought-after jobs in the federal system.

Products & Services UNICOR May Produce

Furniture & cabinetry
Textiles & clothing
Electronics & cable assemblies
Fleet management & vehicular components
Call center services
Printing & bindery

Application & Waitlist

Inmates must apply for UNICOR positions and there is often a waitlist. Priority is generally given to inmates with court-ordered financial obligations and those nearing release.

Benefits of UNICOR Participation

UNICOR participation is viewed favorably by staff and can positively impact time credits under the First Step Act, custody level reviews, and halfway house recommendations.

UNICOR Availability

Not all federal facilities have UNICOR operations. Contact FPC Pensacola to confirm current UNICOR availability and operations.

First Step Act Time Credits

The First Step Act (FSA) allows eligible inmates to earn time credits toward early release or transfer to supervised release (halfway house or home confinement) through productive work assignments, educational programs, and vocational training.

10 – 15 days of credit per 30 days

Eligible inmates earn 10 days of time credits for every 30 days of successful participation in Evidence-Based Recidivism Reduction (EBRR) programs or productive activities. Inmates assessed as minimum or low risk earn an enhanced rate of 15 days per 30-day period.

Work assignments — including institutional jobs and UNICOR — count as productive activities under the FSA. Combined with program participation, these credits can meaningfully reduce time served. Eligibility depends on factors including offense type, risk assessment score, and disciplinary record.

Commissary

Monthly Spending Limit

$360.00

Commissary Notes

Over-the-counter medications and postage stamps do not count against the monthly spending limit.

Good to Know

Over-the-counter medications and postage stamps do not count against the monthly spending limit. These items are tracked separately by the Bureau of Prisons.

How to Send Money

Friends and family can deposit funds into an inmate's commissary account through several methods:

  • MoneyGram — Available at retail locations nationwide. Use BOP Inmate Deposit code 7932.
  • Western Union — Send via online, phone, or in-person. Use BOP city code FBOP, DC.
  • U.S. Postal Money Order — Mail to the National Finance Center. Personal checks are not accepted.
  • Online via Trust Fund — Use the BOP's authorized deposit service at bop.gov.

All deposits are processed through the Federal Bureau of Prisons' Des Moines Finance Center. Allow 3–5 business days for funds to appear in the inmate's account.

Communication

Staying connected with a loved one at FPC Pensacola is important. The Bureau of Prisons offers several ways for inmates and their families to communicate, including email, telephone, traditional mail, and video visiting. Each method has its own rules, costs, and limitations — here is what you need to know.

TRULINCS Email

TRULINCS (Trust Fund Limited Inmate Computer System) is the BOP's electronic messaging system. It is the primary way inmates at FPC Pensacola send and receive email. Messages are text-only — no attachments, images, or formatted text.

Cost

~$0.05/min

Format

Text only

Inmates purchase email credits (stamps or units) using funds from their commissary account. They are charged per minute of usage while composing or reading messages. Incoming messages from family members are free for the inmate to receive, but the inmate pays to read and reply.

Getting Set Up

  • The inmate must add you to their approved contact list from inside the facility — family members cannot initiate the connection.
  • Once added, you will receive an email invitation from CorrLinks, the external-facing system that connects to TRULINCS.
  • Create a free CorrLinks account at corrlinks.com and accept the inmate's contact request.

Limitations

  • Text only — no photos, PDFs, or attachments of any kind
  • All messages are monitored and may be read by facility staff
  • Contact list must be approved before messaging can begin
  • Messages may be delayed during facility lockdowns or system maintenance

Telephone

Inmates at FPC Pensacola can make outgoing phone calls to approved contacts. Calls are placed from designated phones within the housing units during scheduled hours.

300

Minutes / Month

15

Min Per Call

Monitored

& Recorded

  • Most inmates receive 300 minutes per month. Inmates on certain disciplinary statuses may have reduced allotments.
  • Each call is limited to approximately 15 minutes. A warning tone sounds before the call disconnects.
  • All calls are monitored and recorded except those designated as attorney-client privileged communications.
  • Inmates use their commissary account balance to pay for calls. Families can also set up prepaid phone accounts through the BOP's approved telephone provider to reduce per-minute costs.
  • International calls are available but cost significantly more than domestic calls.

Tip for Families

Setting up a prepaid account in advance ensures your loved one can call you as soon as they arrive at the facility. Contact the BOP's telephone provider to establish an account using the inmate's register number.

Mail

Traditional mail remains one of the most reliable ways to stay in touch with someone at FPC Pensacola. All correspondence must include the inmate's full legal name and register number on the envelope and letter.

Inmate Mailing Address

INMATE FULL NAME, REGISTER NUMBERP.O. BOX 3949Pensacola, FL 32516

What You Can Send

  • Letters and cards
  • Photographs (standard prints — no Polaroids or instant photos)
  • Newspaper and magazine clippings
  • Books and magazines sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.)
  • Religious materials

What You Cannot Send

  • Packages (unless pre-approved by staff)
  • Cash, checks, or money orders to the facility
  • Stamps or stamped envelopes
  • Stickers, glitter, or glued items
  • Crayon or marker drawings
  • Perfumed or scented paper

Important

All incoming and outgoing mail is inspected by facility staff. Mail that violates BOP policy will be rejected and returned to the sender. Always include a return address on your envelope.

Video Visiting

The Bureau of Prisons has rolled out video visiting capabilities at many federal facilities, including institutions like FPC Pensacola. Video visits allow families to see and speak with their loved one face-to-face without traveling to the facility.

  • Conducted through facility-issued tablets or designated video visiting stations within the housing unit.
  • Must be scheduled in advance through the BOP's approved scheduling system.
  • Subject to institutional availability — sessions may be limited during lockdowns, counts, or high-demand periods.
  • Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visiting list to participate in video visits.
  • Video visits are monitored and recorded, similar to phone calls.

Availability Note

Video visiting availability varies by facility and may change based on institutional needs. Contact FPC Pensacola directly to confirm whether video visiting is currently offered and how to schedule a session.

Stories from FPC Pensacola

No journal entries yet from FPC Pensacola. Have you been here? Start your profile and share your experience.

Create Your Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

Visiting information should be obtained directly from the facility or the BOP website, as schedules can change. Generally, federal prison camps offer more liberal visiting schedules than higher-security facilities, often including weekend and holiday visits. All visitors must be approved through the facility's visiting list application process before their first visit.
Families can send money through the BOP's approved methods: online at www.moneygram.com, by phone, or via MoneyGram locations. All deposits go into the inmate's commissary account. There are limits on how much money can be deposited monthly, and all transactions must include the inmate's full name and registration number.
Inmates can communicate through monitored phone calls, the BOP's email system (TRULINCS), and traditional mail. Phone calls are typically limited in duration and frequency. All communications except legal mail are subject to monitoring. Inmates must maintain an approved contact list for phone and email communications.
The Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) is a 9-month intensive treatment program requiring 500 hours of programming. Successful completion can result in up to 12 months of sentence reduction plus up to 6 months in a halfway house. Inmates must apply and be accepted into the program, and spaces are limited.
FPC Pensacola is currently reporting zero population, which may indicate temporary closure, renovation, or transitional status. Families should verify current operational status with the facility directly at 850-457-1911 or through their loved one's case manager if they have been designated to this facility.
The commissary typically sells food items, hygiene products, clothing, electronics like radios and tablets, and recreational items. Shopping is usually done weekly on assigned days. Inmates need money in their account to make purchases, and there are monthly spending limits established by the BOP.
As a Federal Prison Camp, daily life includes more freedom of movement within the facility, less restrictive housing conditions, and greater access to programming and recreational activities. Inmates typically have work assignments and may participate in various educational and vocational programs. The environment is more open than higher-security facilities.
Medical care is provided through BOP medical staff and contracted services when necessary. Inmates can request medical attention through sick call procedures. Emergency medical care is available 24/7, and chronic conditions are managed through regular medical appointments and medication distribution.
Most inmates at federal prison camps are assigned work details as part of their daily routine. Jobs may include facility maintenance, food service, landscaping, or administrative support. Work assignments typically pay between $0.12 and $0.40 per hour, and having a work assignment is generally mandatory unless medically excused.
While specific program details aren't specified for FPC Pensacola, federal prison camps typically offer GED classes, adult continuing education, vocational training, and sometimes college courses. Educational programming varies by facility and inmate interest. Contact the facility directly for current educational offerings.
Transfers can occur for various reasons including medical needs, programming requirements, or security concerns. Inmates are typically given advance notice when possible, and families are notified of transfer destinations. All transfers must be approved through the BOP's designation and computation center.
Inmates approaching release typically meet with case managers to discuss release planning, including halfway house placement if applicable. The final months involve completing required programming, updating release addresses, and ensuring all administrative requirements are met. Release preparation programming helps with reentry planning.
Generally, federal inmates cannot receive packages from family members except in special circumstances like approved religious items or legal materials. Most items must be purchased through the commissary or approved vendors. Publications like books and magazines can typically be sent directly from publishers.
Prison Professors provides comprehensive preparation services including self-surrender coaching, family support resources, and guidance on maximizing your time through programming and preparation strategies. Their experience helping individuals navigate the federal prison system can be invaluable for both inmates and their families throughout the incarceration period.

Have more questions about FPC Pensacola? Contact us and we'll do our best to help.