Florida has a bad reputation for its prisons. The reason why Florida has the worst reputations for its prisons is due to rampant and persistent issues such as violence, corruption, underpaid guards, understaffed guards, and poor living conditions. Now, let us talk a deep into the top 10 worst prisons in Florida.
Here is a list of the top 10 worst prisons in Florida:
1. Santa Rosa Correctional Institution
Santa Rosa Correctional Institution is one of the worst prisons in the state of Florida. The location of this prison is exactly in Milton, Santa Rosa County. It was opened in 1996 and has a capacity of 1,614 prisoners. Gang violence in the prison over the years has made this prison one of the worst prisons in Florida. Also, there are rampant murders in the prisons between different ethnic races. Besides becoming one of the worst prisons, it is also considered as one of the most dangerous prisons in Florida.
2. Dade Correctional Institution
Dade Correctional Institution is located only 40 miles south of central Miami. It was opened in September 1996 and is right next to Homestead Correctional Institution which houses female inmates. Dade Correctional Institution became one of the worst prisons in Florida due to reports of prisoners’ abuse and neglect, gang violence, as well inadequate health facilities. The saddest incident occurred in 2012, namely the death of Darren Rainey, a prisoner with mental disorders who was scalded to death in a hot shower by the warden.
3. Union Correctional Institution
Union Correctional Institution is a state prison located in unincorporated Union County, near Raiford. Formerly, it is also known as Florida State Prison, Raiford Prison and State Prison Farm. This prison was opened in 1913 with a maximum capacity of 2,172 prisoners. Union Correctional Institution has its own prison farm. The convicts were forced to work there during their routine duties. Although prisoners are paid for the work they do, but many report that the warders at the prison use excessive force against them. As a result of the beatings suffered by the prisoners, some prisoners are unable to work. This made the prison considered as one of the worst prisons in the state of Florida.
4. Lowell Correctional Institution
Lowell Correctional Institution is one of the worst female prisons in the state of Florida located in Marion County. It was opened in April 1956 and housed over 3,000 female prisoners. Over the years, there are many controversies occurred in the prison, such as violence, drug use, warders using excessive force, and sexual abuse of the prisoners. Aside from that, in 2004, the prison had to deal with a tuberculosis outbreak that infected several prisoners, worsening the conditions of the prisoners.
5. Martin Correctional Institution
Martin Correctional Institution is a men’s state prison located in Indiantown, Martin County, Florida. It was opened in 1985 and has a mix of security levels. The prison has a maximum capacity of 1,509 male prisoners. In 2019, there was a video that spread across the internet, which showed how horrible the prison is. The video shows violent scenes, drug use, overdoses, and improper medical care for prisoners needing attention. After seeing the video, then the Martin Correctional Institute was considered one of the worst prisons in the state of Florida.
6. Columbia Correctional Institution
Columbia Correctional Institution is a state prison located in Lake City Florida. It was opened in 1992 with some custody levels; Minimum, medium, and closed. The prison can house up to 1,430 prisoners. Columbia Correctional Institution is considered as one of the worst prisons in Florida due to several reasons such as inadequate health facilities, no maintenance and cleanliness, violence, drug use, and overdoses. Even in the prison, there are several prisoners who have been killed by other prisoners for unknown reasons. Most people believe that it is related to gang fights inside the prison or due to drug overdose.
7. Desoto Annex
Desoto Annex is a state prison operated by the Florida Department of Corrections. The location of the prison is in Arcadia, DeSoto County, Florida. It was opened in 1996, has a mix of security levels, and only houses male prisoners. Based on the research, the prison can house up to 1,453 male prisoners. It was reported that the prison housed prisoners in excess of capacity. The prisoners were placed in cells with several other prisoners, which hampers their access to the facility and makes them uncomfortable. Aside from that, there are also reports from prisoners that the guards of the prison use excessive force against prisoners. Thus, it is no wonder if the prison is called as one of the worst prisons in the state of Florida.
8. Walton Correctional Institution
Operated by the Florida Department of Corrections, Walton Correctional Institution is a state prison for men located in DeFuniak Springs, Walton County, Florida. It was opened in 1990 and has a maximum capacity of 1201 male prisoners. This prison has a mix of security levels; minimum, medium, and closed. Walton Correctional Institution is considered one of the worst prisons in Florida due to the prisoners often beaten severely by the guards and denied access to medical care. Aside from that, it is also reported that the living conditions inside the prison were very unhealthy.
9. Charlotte Correctional Institution
Charlotte Correctional Institution, operated by the Florida Department of Corrections, is a state prison for men located in Punta Gorda, Charlotte County, Florida. Historically, the prison was opened in 1989, has a maximum capacity of 1291 prisoners, and has a mix of security levels; minimum, medium, and closed. In 2015, the prison received a stern reprimand from the grand jury for the death of some prisoners including prisoner Matthew Walker (April 11, 2014), prisoner Robert Peterkin (June 4, 2015), and prisoner Quonta Howard (August 4, 2015). The authorities have yet to explain the reason behind these prisoners’ deaths.
10. Suwannee Correctional Institution
Suwannee Correctional Institution is a state prison for males located at Live Oak, Florida. The prison was established in 2009 and has a maximum capacity of 1,505 prisoners. As of April 13, 2014, the total staff of the facility is 724. Suwannee Correctional Institution is reported to have the most incidents of violence per 100 prisoners compared to other prisons in the state of Florida. Gang violence inside the prison worsening the conditions of the prison life. The authorities find it difficult to discipline prisoners, even the authorities have also involved the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to overcome some of the problems occurring inside the prison.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
