How to Send Mail to Sumter Work Camp

The Correct Mailing Address

All personal mail for inmates at Sumter Work Camp must use the FDOC centralized mailing address, not the facility’s street address:

[Inmate Full Legal Name, DC#] PO Box 23608 Tampa, FL 33623

Put the inmate’s full legal name and DC number together on the first line. Include your return name and address on the front of each envelope. Since Sumter Work Camp operates as a satellite of Sumter Correctional Institution, confirm the DC number and current facility on the FDOC Offender Search before mailing, in case the person has transferred between the two.

How Florida’s Centralized Mail System Works

Florida processes all personal inmate mail through a centralized Tampa address. Staff open, inspect, and scan each letter. The inmate receives a digital copy on a tablet or kiosk. The original physical letter is not forwarded to the facility, so keep a copy of anything important you send if you want a physical record.

Sending Method: USPS Only

Use only the U.S. Postal Service. Non-USPS carriers, including FedEx and UPS, will be rejected and returned to sender. Standard first-class mail is the most reliable option for personal letters.

Envelope and Packaging Rules

Use a standard plain envelope. FDOC rejects mail sent in padded envelopes, boxes, plastic bags, card-stock envelopes, multi-layer packaging, envelopes with metal clasps, or bubble wrap. Do not decorate the outside with stickers, glitter, or scented products, since these can trigger rejection during screening.

Language Rules

Write in English, Spanish, or Creole. Other languages need prior written approval from the warden before you send the letter, so plan ahead if you write in a different language regularly.

What FDOC Reviews

All personal mail is opened, inspected, and read before scanning. Staff check for contraband, prohibited content, and coded communications. Legal mail from attorneys is handled differently. It is opened in front of the inmate, not pre-screened at the centralized facility.

Do not include items inside the envelope other than written correspondence. Do not tape inserts to the letter, as this can cause automatic rejection during the scanning process.

Photos

Photos mailed to the centralized Tampa address are scanned like any other letter. The inmate sees them on a tablet or kiosk. Digital photo delivery options may also be available through approved messaging platforms as a faster alternative to mailing printed photos.

Package Restrictions

Personal mail is limited to letters and photos processed through the centralized scanning system. Packages with physical items are generally not accepted through this channel. Books, magazines, and other publications typically must come from approved vendors. FDOC restricts direct-mail packages for security reasons.

Books and Publications

Books or publications sent to Florida state inmates usually need to come from approved vendors that ship directly to the facility. Family members generally cannot wrap and mail books themselves. Confirm current approved-vendor rules before ordering, since requirements can change.

Legal and Certified Mail

Legal mail from attorneys may be sent directly to the facility instead of the Tampa PO Box. It is opened in the inmate’s presence, not pre-screened. If you are unsure whether mail qualifies as legal mail, call the facility at 352-569-6114.

What Happens to Rejected Mail

Rejected mail is returned to the sender at the return address on the envelope. If mail keeps being returned, check the envelope format, carrier, and contents against the rules above. Common rejection reasons include using a non-USPS carrier, padded envelopes, or writing in an unapproved language without prior authorization.

Send Photos and Letters with Pigeonly

The easiest way to send photos and letters to someone at Sumter Work Camp is through Pigeonly. Upload your photos or write your letter online, and Pigeonly prints and mails everything to the facility for you, following the mail rules listed above.