FLDOC FAQ: Work Release

[Phil in Paris]

1-What is work release?

A-Work release is that portion of the Community Release Program that allows selected inmates to work at paid employment in the community during the last months of their confinement.

B-Inmates must return to the Department's custody at the end of each workday. Work Release provides:
Gradual reintegration back into the community.
Gainful employment.
Accumulation of savings from paid employment.
Preservation of family and community ties.
Participation in self-help programs.



2-What makes an inmate ineligible for work release?

These inmates are ineligible to participate in community release programs:


A-Inmates convicted of sexual battery pursuant to s.794.011 F.S.

B-Inmates serving their fourth or more commitment to prison, including commitments from any other state or federal correctional agency.

C-Any inmate found guilty of a Rule 33-601.314 4-1, violation for escape within the last five years.

D-Any inmate who has a detainer filed against him/her unless:

-The detaining authority, in writing, does not object to the inmate's placement and furlough participation.

-It can be established the detainer would be withdrawn upon payment of restitution, fines, or court costs. In addition, it appears likely the inmate will earn sufficient funds to pay the restitution, fines or court costs within the period the inmate is participating in the program.

-Inmates terminated from a community release program on their current commitment for a rule violation or disciplinary action.


3-When is an inmate eligible for work release program participation (paid employment)?

-Inmates with an advanceable release date sentence who are within the last 12 months of confinement are considered.

-Inmates serving an 85% sentence (a non-advanceable release date) or mandatory sentences are evaluated at the 7-month point.


4-How does the department account for the money earned while in work release?


The money inmates earn on work release is accounted for in this way:

A-45% of net pay goes to reimbursing the state for room and board.

B-10% of net pay goes toward restitution or court ordered payments.

C-10% of net pay goes to family assistance, including child support.

D-10% of net pay is mandatory for the inmate's savings account

E-The remaining amount goes into the inmate's savings account.

F-Fifty dollars ($50) per week goes toward the inmate's personal incidentals, etc.

[robnjessie]

what if you are doing 2 and a half year sentence when are you eligable

[GsGirl101]

Robn-The last 15 months of your sentence.

[sadprincekiss]

for the 85 % people does 7 month mark mean 7 months into the sentence or the last 7 months just like everybody else?

[GsGirl101]

Sad- Are you asking about work release? For the 85%, it's 15 months left on their sentence.

[michaels wifey]

the previous information is outdated in terms. 85% prisoners are eligible to apply for work release with 15 months on their sentence, but not eligible to go until they are at 12 months left on their sentence.

This is what Tom Sacardi head of Work Release in Tallahassee told me when I called to inquire about when he could apply.

My husband was approved for work release on February 12th - he had 15 months left --- He goes to work release in 3 weeks, and he is under less than a year left. The reason he hadn't gone before was because he hadn't met the 12 months left in order to go.

Now what I don't understand is that there are people posted on the work release population report who have like 18 months left?!?!?! Sometimes it seems like it's a per person basis!

[GsGirl101]

Originally Posted by michaels wifey

the previous information is outdated in terms. 85% prisoners are eligible to apply for work release with 15 months on their sentence, but not eligible to go until they are at 12 months left on their sentence.

This is what Tom Sacardi head of Work Release in Tallahassee told me when I called to inquire about when he could apply.

My husband was approved for work release on February 12th - he had 15 months left --- He goes to work release in 3 weeks, and he is under less than a year left. The reason he hadn't gone before was because he hadn't met the 12 months left in order to go.

Now what I don't understand is that there are people posted on the work release population report who have like 18 months left?!?!?! Sometimes it seems like it's a per person basis!

Hmmm. Well, my husband was approved in late Feb & went to WR in late March (took about a month after he was approved) & he has until Feb '09 to go.