Bay C.F. Visiting Hours and Rules

Step 1: Get Approved as a Visitor

Every visitor 16 and older must complete a Visitation Application before their first visit. Download DC6-111A and the accompanying visitor information document DC6-111B from official FDOC sources. All visitors 12 and older must submit their own application. Children under 12 do not need to submit a form but must be accompanied by an approved adult visitor.

Fill out every field on the form. If something does not apply to you, write “NA.” Do not leave any field blank, since an incomplete application can be denied. Mail the completed form to the Classification Department at Bay Correctional Facility, or submit it by email using the facility mailbox listed in the official VisitApp/Mailbox List PDF.

Only apply after the inmate has arrived at Bay CF as their permanent facility. Do not submit the application while they are still in county jail or in transit.

Waiting for Approval

FDOC typically processes visitation applications in about 30 days. The inmate is notified of the decision, not the visitor. The inmate will then pass along the outcome by phone or letter. Once approved, you remain on the visitor list for future visits unless someone removes you.

Step 2: Schedule Your Weekly Visit

Even after you are approved, you must schedule each individual visit through the FDOC Offender Search portal. Bay CF does not allow walk-up visits. Find the inmate’s profile, look for the visitation scheduling option, and submit your request during the scheduling window for that week. Approval for a specific scheduled visit is subject to available seating, so submit as early in the window as you can.

Visiting Hours and Arrival

Regular visiting at Bay Correctional Facility runs 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. CST. Arrive early to allow time for security processing before the visiting period ends. Specific parking details, exact registration cutoff times, and holiday schedule changes were not published on the official facility page, so call (850) 769-1455 to confirm these details before your first visit.

What to Bring and Wear

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID for every visitor. A driver’s license, state ID card, or passport all work. If you do not have one of these, call the facility at (850) 769-1455 before making the trip to confirm what will be accepted.

Review the FDOC visitor information document before your visit. In general, avoid clothing that resembles inmate uniforms (typically blue or orange solid colors), revealing clothing, and any clothing with metal components that could interfere with security screening. Closed-toe shoes are required. Do not wear hats or sunglasses indoors.

Security Screening

All visitors go through a security screening process before entering the visiting area. This includes a walk-through metal detector, and staff may conduct a clothed pat search. Do not bring prohibited items into the facility, since anything not allowed will be turned away and could affect your visitor status going forward.

Children and Minor Visitors

Children under 12 do not need to submit their own Visitation Application but must come with an approved adult visitor. Children 12 and older must complete their own application. Bring proof of relationship, such as a birth certificate, especially if the accompanying adult is not the child’s parent or legal guardian.

What Happens If a Visit Is Denied on Arrival

An approved visitor can still be turned away on the day of a scheduled visit. Reasons include the inmate being on disciplinary restriction, a medical or mental health hold, a facility lockdown, or a lack of available seating. If this happens, your approved visitor status stays in place. Reschedule for the next available date through the FDOC portal.

Medical Accommodations and Accessibility

If a visitor needs a medical or accessibility accommodation, call Bay CF at (850) 769-1455 before the visit to request it. Give the facility enough advance notice to arrange wheelchair access or any other assistance you need.

Video Visitation

Video visitation availability for Bay CF was not confirmed during research. Call (850) 769-1455 or check with ConnectNetwork at (866) 732-9098 to ask about current remote video visitation options.