FDC-Columbia Correctional Institution

State Prison

Last Updated: March 09, 2024
Address
216 SE Corrections Way, Lake City, FL 32025-2013
Beds
1427
County
Columbia
Phone
386-754-7600
Fax
386-754-1632
Email
columbiaci@fdc.myflorida.com
Mailing Address
PO Box 23608, Tampa, FL 33623

Columbia CI is for State Prison offenders sentenced anywhere from one year to life by the State Court in the county where the charges were filed

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for State - medium facility.

The phone carrier is Global Tel Link (GTL) - ConnectNetwork, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Satellite View of FDC-Columbia Correctional Institution

You can support your loved ones at Columbia CI on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 386-754-7600.

Located at 216 SE Corrections Way in Lake City, FL, Columbia CI carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. Columbia CI offers diverse educational and vocational programs aimed at equipping offenders for successful reintegration into society and reducing recidivism. Through these initiatives, inmates gain skills and confidence, fostering personal growth and resilience.

When someone you care about ends up in a state prison, it can be tough to navigate the ins and outs of the system. From figuring out how to stay in touch to understanding what you can do to make their time easier, it can feel overwhelming. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get the lowdown on FDC-Columbia Correctional Institution so you can stay connected and support your loved one during their time inside.

Communication is important, the prison offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

While incarcerated, reading is often the best use of time. Please note that books and magazines, puzzles, and word searches ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. Prisons and jails enforce this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Columbia Correctional Institution, with a capacity of 1,427 adult male inmates, is dedicated to providing various programs and services created by the FDC aimed at rehabilitation and personal development. The institution offers Academic Programs such as Adult Basic Education, General Educational Development (GED), Literacy Program, and Special Education Services. Vocational Programs include Applied Information Technology and Masonry Brick and Block.

In terms of Substance Abuse Programs, the institution provides Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient services along with Living in Balance sessions. Chaplaincy Services cater to diverse religious needs, offering Alcoholics Anonymous groups, Catholic services, Celebrate Recovery, Hebrew Israelite studies, Islamic study, Jehovah's Witness services, Jewish Sabbath observances, and more.

The Institutional Betterment Programs include Alcoholics Anonymous, Art Therapy, Compass 100, Law Library Program, Library Program, Music/Band, Peer 2 Peer initiatives, a Veterans Dorm, and Wellness Education initiatives. These programs collectively aim to support inmates in their personal growth, education, and rehabilitation journeys, fostering a conducive environment for positive change and successful reintegration into society upon release.

The state prison is designed with "pods," featuring a large common area with affixed tables and attached seats, and individual cells typically on two levels. Inmates spend certain times in their cells and other times congregating in the pod for activities like playing cards, games, reading, or watching television. Movement outside the pod, such as trips to the commissary, library, or recreation area, occurs under the constant supervision of unarmed correctional officers. 

Connect with your inmate

The prison offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. The Jail enforces this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Inmate workers are chosen based on conduct and cooperation with staff. Participation in the community service program can sometimes reduce sentences. Commissary is available weekly, with orders submitted via kiosk two days in advance. On holidays, there may be increased spending limits. Upon receiving commissary items, inmates must present their ID, check their order, and sign for it in the presence of the commissary employee. Indigent inmates are provided with all essential basic hygiene items including USPS stamps and writing materials.

The state prison is designed with "pods," featuring a large common area with affixed tables and attached seats, and individual cells typically on two levels. Inmates spend certain times in their cells and other times congregating in the pod for activities like playing cards, games, reading, or watching television. Movement outside the pod, such as trips to the commissary, library, or recreation area, occurs under the constant supervision of unarmed correctional officers. 

Connect with your inmate

The prison offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. The Jail enforces this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Inmate workers are chosen based on conduct and cooperation with staff. Participation in the community service program can sometimes reduce sentences. Commissary is available weekly, with orders submitted via kiosk two days in advance. On holidays, there may be increased spending limits. Upon receiving commissary items, inmates must present their ID, check their order, and sign for it in the presence of the commissary employee. Indigent inmates are provided with all essential basic hygiene items including USPS stamps and writing materials.

Inmate Locator

Columbia CI maintains a database of current inmates and their locations within the system. To locate an inmate, begin by using the DOC locator tool, which requires entering the first three letters of the inmate's first and last name, allowing for variations in spelling.

If unable to locate the desired information through free resources, users may opt to use the Arrest Record Search, which requires payment. While this option incurs a small fee, it provides access to the most up-to-date data available.

Get an Arrest Record immediately.

Visitation Information

FDC Visitation Information

Regular visiting is held on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (8:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. Central Standard Time). Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. (7:15 a.m. CST) on both days. Visitors will not be processed after 2:00 p.m. (1:00 p.m. CST) unless authorized by the duty warden. Visitors will be allowed to park in designated spaces no earlier than 7:30 a.m. EST and 6:30 a.m. CST on visiting days.

Regular visiting is permitted on the following holidays:

  • New Year's Day
  • Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (third Monday in January)
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Veteran's Day (November 11th)
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Friday after Thanksgiving; and
  • Christmas Day

If any of the holidays listed above falls on Saturday, the preceding Friday will be observed as a holiday. If any of these holidays fall on Sunday, then the following Monday will be observed as the holiday

Visitation Application

Ask The Inmate

Connect directly with former inmates and get your questions answered for free. Gain valuable insights from individuals with firsthand experience in the federal prison system, state and county jails, and GEO and CoreCivic-run private prisons. Whether you're seeking advice, clarification, or just curious about life behind bars, this unique opportunity allows you to ask questions or explore answers to previous inquiries from the InmateAid community. Engage in meaningful discussions and get informed perspectives from those who truly understand the system.