Lowell CI Visiting Hours and Rules

Step 1: Get Approved as a Visitor

Before your first visit, you need approval from FDOC. This is a one-time process per inmate.

Download the Visitation Application Form at fdc.myflorida.com/ci/visit/000.pdf. The form is available in English and Spanish. Every visitor 12 years or older who wants to visit must complete their own form. Children under 12 do not need to submit a form but must be accompanied by an approved adult visitor.

Fill out the form completely. If a field does not apply to you, write “NA”. Do not leave it blank, or the application will be denied.

You can submit the form two ways. Mail it to the Classification Department at Lowell Correctional Institution, 11120 NW Gainesville Rd, Ocala, FL 34482. Or email it as an attachment. The email addresses for each FDOC facility are listed at fdc.myflorida.com/ci/docs/VisitApp-Mailbox-List.pdf.

Only apply after the inmate has arrived at their permanent facility. Do not submit the form while the person is still in county jail or in transit.

Waiting for Approval

After you submit the application, FDOC processes it in about 30 days. The inmate is notified of the decision, not you. The inmate will then let you know by phone or letter. Once you are on the approved list, you stay approved for all future visits until someone removes you.

If you are denied, the inmate can tell you the reason. Denials can happen for criminal history, an active protective order, or incomplete paperwork.

Step 2: Schedule Your Weekly Visit

Even after you are approved, you must schedule each individual visit in advance. FDOC does not allow walk-up visits.

Go to the FDOC Offender Search at fdc.myflorida.com/OffenderSearch/Search.aspx. Find the inmate’s profile. If they are eligible for visits, you will see a “Schedule a Visit” button under their Visitation Status section. Click it to submit a Visitation Scheduling Form.

The Visitation Scheduling Form is only available Monday 5:00 AM through Wednesday 5:00 PM EST. You are scheduling for that same weekend. If you miss the Wednesday 5:00 PM cutoff, you cannot visit that weekend.

Approval for scheduled visits is subject to available seating. Apply for any or all available days.

Visiting Hours and Arrival

Regular visiting at Lowell CI runs Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM EST. Registration at the facility starts at 8:15 AM. Visitors will not be processed after 2:00 PM unless the duty warden grants an exception.

Parking is available starting at 7:30 AM on visiting days. Arrive early to allow time for security processing.

If Lowell CI is designated as an Incentivized Prison, Thursday and Friday visits may also be offered. Check the current designation when you schedule, as this changes.

What to Bring and Wear

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. A driver’s license, state ID card, or passport all work. If you do not have one, call the facility at 352-690-8900 before making the trip.

In general, do not wear clothing that resembles inmate clothing (typically blue or orange solid colors), revealing clothing, or anything with metal components that could interfere with screening. Flip-flops and open-toe shoes are typically not allowed.

Do not bring personal items into the visiting area beyond what the facility allows. Most facilities permit a small amount of cash for vending machines. Check the FDOC rules document for the current list of permitted items.

Children and Minor Visitors

Children under 12 do not need to submit a Visitation Application, but they must be accompanied by an approved adult visitor. Children 12 and older must submit their own application.

Bring proof of relationship for children. A birth certificate is standard. The facility may ask for documentation, especially if the adult visitor is not the child’s parent or legal guardian.

Security Screening

All visitors go through security before entering the visiting area. This includes walking through a metal detector or magnetometer. Corrections officers may also conduct a pat search or use a handheld wand.

Do not bring prohibited items to the facility. Items that cannot be brought in will be turned away, and depending on the item, could result in removal from the approved visitor list.

What Happens If a Visit Is Denied on Arrival

An approved visitor can still be denied on the day of the visit. Reasons include: the inmate is on disciplinary restriction, the inmate is in a medical or mental health hold, the facility is on lockdown, or there is no available seating.

If this happens, the inmate’s approved visitor status remains in place. You can reschedule for the next available weekend through the FDOC portal.

Video Visitation

Lowell CI participates in FDOC’s remote video visitation program. Check with the facility for current availability and how to schedule a remote video visit. ConnectNetwork/AdvancePay may offer video options through web.ConnectNetwork.com/Get-Started-FDC or call (866) 732-9098 for setup.