Calls go through ConnectNetwork/AdvancePay. The inmate calls you. Set up a prepaid account at web.ConnectNetwork.com/Get-Started-FDC or call (866) 732-9098.
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Apalachee Correctional Institution, West Unit uses ConnectNetwork/AdvancePay for all inmate phone calls. The inmate initiates calls from phones in their housing unit. You cannot call the inmate directly. Set up a prepaid account before the inmate calls. Phone hours run Monday through Thursday 8 AM to 11 PM EST, Friday and Saturday until 1 AM, and Sunday until 11 PM. All calls are monitored and recorded.
The inmate initiates calls from phones in their housing unit. You cannot call the inmate directly, and calling the facility’s main number will not connect you to an incarcerated person. The inmate dials your number from the facility phone.
When the inmate calls, you will hear a recorded announcement identifying the call as coming from a Florida correctional facility. You can accept or decline. Your number must be on the inmate’s approved contact list before they can call you.
Monday through Thursday: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM EST Friday and Saturday: 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM EST Sunday: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM EST
These hours reflect the statewide FDOC schedule used for ConnectNetwork/AdvancePay calls. Apalachee-specific deviation from this schedule was not found during research.
Go to web.ConnectNetwork.com/Get-Started-FDC and create a free account. This is the recommended setup before the inmate places their first call.
Once registered, add the inmate using their DC number and facility. Add a payment method to fund the account. When the inmate calls your number, the cost comes out of your prepaid balance.
For setup by phone, call (866) 732-9098.
Advance Pay: You deposit money into your Friends and Family account. When the inmate calls, charges come out of your prepaid balance. You control the spending and can set up low-balance alerts. This is the most cost-effective option for most families.
AdvancePay PIN Debit: You fund the inmate’s personal calling account. The inmate uses this balance to call multiple numbers. This option gives the inmate more control over who they call, which can be useful if they need to reach several family members from a single funded account.
Collect: Charges go to your landline phone bill. Most cell phones do not accept collect calls. Collect calls are usually more expensive than prepaid options and are becoming less common as fewer households keep a landline.
There are several ways to fund a ConnectNetwork account:
If a family member lives outside the United States or in a different area code, standard ConnectNetwork/AdvancePay rates and hours still apply, but international call availability and pricing can differ from domestic calls. Confirm current international call support directly with ConnectNetwork before assuming a number will connect.
Some FDOC facilities offer supplemental video visitation or messaging options through the same statewide provider network. Ask the inmate or check with ConnectNetwork customer service whether video calling is currently available as a supplement to phone calls at Apalachee C.I.
All calls are monitored and recorded by FDOC, except calls to an attorney. Do not discuss pending legal matters, court dates, or case strategy during a call. Those conversations can be used in court.
If a call drops or the inmate cannot reach you, there may be a long line for facility phones, a lockdown, or a unit disruption. Keep a regular schedule so the inmate knows when you are available.
Do not share your ConnectNetwork login with the inmate. The account is for the person on the outside.
If calls are not connecting, check that your number is still on the inmate’s approved contact list, your prepaid balance has funds, and your phone carrier is not blocking calls from unfamiliar or blocked numbers, which can sometimes happen with spam-call filtering apps. If the issue continues, call (866) 732-9098 for account-specific troubleshooting.
6 of 12 questions
Calls go through ConnectNetwork/AdvancePay. The inmate calls you from facility phones. Set up a prepaid Advance Pay account at web.ConnectNetwork.com/Get-Started-FDC or call (866) 732-9098. Hours are Mon-Thu 8AM-11PM EST, Fri-Sat 8AM-1AM EST, and Sun 8AM-11PM EST.
Phone CallsGo to web.ConnectNetwork.com/Get-Started-FDC, create a free account, add the inmate by DC number and facility, and fund the account. For phone setup, call (866) 732-9098.
Phone CallsNo. The inmate calls you. You cannot call the facility to speak with an inmate directly.
Phone CallsYes. All calls through ConnectNetwork/AdvancePay are monitored and recorded. Attorney-client calls are the only common exception.
Phone CallsPossible causes include lockdowns, phone-unit maintenance, programs or appointments, or your number not being on the approved contact list. Keep a regular schedule.
Phone CallsAdvance Pay funds your Friends and Family account. You pay when the inmate calls your number. PIN Debit funds the inmate's personal calling account, which they can use to call multiple numbers. Advance Pay gives you more spending control.
Phone CallsMost cell phones cannot accept collect calls. Use a prepaid Advance Pay account for lower rates and reliable delivery.
Phone CallsStandard rates and hours apply, but international call availability and pricing can differ from domestic calls. Confirm current support directly with ConnectNetwork before assuming a number will connect.
Phone CallsSome FDOC facilities offer supplemental video visitation through the statewide provider network. Ask the inmate or check with ConnectNetwork customer service whether it is currently available at Apalachee C.I.
Phone CallsCheck that your number is on the approved contact list, your prepaid balance has funds, and your phone carrier is not blocking the calls. Call (866) 732-9098 for account-specific help.
Phone CallsYes. ConnectNetwork accounts allow you to manage which numbers are associated with your account. Contact ConnectNetwork customer service at (866) 732-9098 to adjust your contact settings.
Phone CallsCall Apalachee Correctional Institution, West Unit directly at (850) 593-9501 for questions the phone provider cannot answer.
Phone CallsSearch FDOC Offender Search to confirm custody and get the DC number.
View ArticleFDOC statewide rules apply. Apply first, then schedule through FDOC.
View ArticleUse Correct Pay at CorrectPay.com/Florida or call (855) 836-3364.
View ArticleAll FDOC personal mail goes to PO Box 23608, Tampa, FL 33623.
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All information on this page comes directly from official government and facility sources. How we verify information › Last verified July 4, 2026.