Florence Federal Correctional Complex Overview

The Florence Federal Correctional Complex (FCC Florence), located in Florence, Colorado, is one of the most secure federal prison complexes in the United States. The complex includes several facilities: the United States Penitentiary Administrative Maximum Facility (USP ADX Florence), also known as the Supermax, which is reserved for the most dangerous male inmates, and two additional facilities: a high-security prison and a medium-security prison. FCC Florence houses notorious criminals, including those convicted of terrorism, organized crime, and other high-profile offenses. Its infamous reputation has earned it the nickname “Alcatraz of the Rockies.”

The prison is designed to isolate inmates in strict conditions, often confined to their cells for 23 hours a day. FCC Florence is known for housing well-known criminals such as Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, Ted Kaczynski (the Unabomber), and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the Boston Marathon bomber.

Florence Federal Correctional Complex

Contact Information for Florence Federal Correctional Complex

If you need to contact the Florence Federal Correctional Complex, here are the main details:

Address:
5880 Highway 67 South
Florence, Colorado 81226

Phone:
Main line: (719) 784-9100

Email:
FLX-ExecAssistant-S@bop.gov

Mailing Address for Inmates:
Inmate Name and ID Number
Florence Federal Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 6000
Florence, Colorado 81226

For the satellite camp:
Inmate Name and ID Number
FCI Florence Satellite Camp
P.O. Box 5000
Florence, Colorado 81226

Visiting Information for Florence Federal Correctional Complex

Visitors at FCC Florence must adhere to strict guidelines, and all visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visiting list.

Visiting Days and Hours:

  • Friday: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
  • Saturday, Sunday, and Federal Holidays: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Visitors are required to arrive at least an hour before visiting hours end to allow for processing. Inmates in Special Housing Units may have video visitation only, with visits lasting around two hours. The maximum number of visitors per inmate is five at any given time, excluding children under 15.

What to Bring:

  • A clear plastic bag with no more than $30 for vending machines.
  • Medication if required (with proper documentation).
  • ID is mandatory for anyone over the age of 16. Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

How to Book a Visit at Florence Federal Correctional Complex

To book a visit, you must be an approved visitor, as arranged by the inmate. Only individuals on the inmate’s visiting list can schedule a visit. To be added to the list, visitors need to submit their details for approval.

Steps to Book a Visit:

  1. Contact the prison to verify visiting times and procedures.
  2. Confirm that you are on the inmate’s approved list.
  3. Ensure you have valid identification on the day of your visit.

How to Get to Florence Federal Correctional Complex

FCC Florence is located in Fremont County, Colorado. It is accessible via Highway 67 South.

Directions:

  • From Denver: Take I-25 South, exit at 140A to merge onto CO-115 South toward Florence.
  • Continue on CO-115, and take a right turn onto Highway 67 South to reach the facility.

Parking:
Parking is available on-site for visitors, and the facility is accessible by car only, with no public transport directly available to the prison.

What is Florence Federal Correctional Complex Like for Inmates?

Life inside FCC Florence is highly controlled and regimented. The Supermax facility, in particular, is known for its extreme isolation practices, where inmates may spend up to 23 hours a day in their cells. This environment is meant for high-risk prisoners, many of whom have limited interaction with others, including fellow inmates and guards.

Facilities like FCI Florence (medium-security) and USP Florence (high-security) offer slightly less restrictive environments but still maintain a strict level of supervision.

In recent news, concerns have been raised about mental health conditions within the complex, especially given the facility’s high level of isolation. There have also been incidents involving inmate violence, leading to heightened security measures.

 

Famous Prisoners at Florence Federal Correctional Complex

FCC Florence has housed several high-profile criminals, including:

  • Ted Kaczynski: Known as the Unabomber, Kaczynski waged a mail bombing campaign that killed three people.
  • Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán: The notorious drug lord from Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel, sentenced to life in prison.
  • Dzhokhar Tsarnaev: The perpetrator of the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013.
  • Zacarias Moussaoui: Linked to the 9/11 attacks, sentenced to life imprisonment for conspiracy.

FAQs About Florence Federal Correctional Complex

  1. Where is Florence Federal Correctional Complex located?
    Florence Federal Correctional Complex is located in Florence, Colorado, at 5880 Highway 67 South.

  2. What type of prisoners does FCC Florence hold?
    FCC Florence holds male inmates of varying security levels, from medium to the highest level of security in the ADX facility.

  3. How do I contact an inmate at Florence Federal Correctional Complex?
    Inmates can be contacted via mail using the prison’s mailing address. Ensure that the inmate’s name and ID number are included.

  4. How can I visit an inmate at FCC Florence?
    Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved list and follow the strict visiting hours and regulations.

  5. Who are some notorious inmates held at FCC Florence?
    Some of the most infamous inmates include Ted Kaczynski, El Chapo, and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.

  6. What security measures are in place at FCC Florence?
    FCC Florence is known for its extreme security, especially within the ADX Supermax facility where inmates have minimal contact with others.

  7. What should I bring when visiting FCC Florence?
    You should bring a valid ID, some cash for vending machines, and any necessary medications.

  8. What are the visiting hours at FCC Florence?
    Visits are held on Fridays from 5 PM to 8 PM and on weekends and holidays from 8 AM to 3 PM.

  9. How can I book a visit to FCC Florence?
    Approved visitors can call the prison to confirm visitation and ensure they meet all requirements.

  10. What is life like inside FCC Florence for inmates?
    Life is highly restrictive, especially for those in the ADX Supermax facility, where inmates spend most of their time in solitary confinement.

Summary and Conclusion

The Florence Federal Correctional Complex is one of the most secure prison complexes in the U.S., known for housing some of the most notorious criminals in history. Visitors must follow strict procedures to visit inmates, and life inside the facility is highly structured. The prison continues to play a key role in the federal prison system, with ongoing developments regarding prisoner conditions and security.

For more information, visit the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Visit Florence Correctional Institution