Press Release:

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The American Correctional Association (ACA) reaccredited eight Florida Department of Corrections’ (FDC) correctional institutions during the ACA’s 2020 Summer Conference panel hearings.

“Each reaccreditation is further affirmation that Florida’s correctional institutions are operated safely, professionally, humanely and in compliance with the U.S. Constitution,” said FDC Secretary Mark Inch. “Our staff ensure FDC facilities meet and exceed professional standards while exemplifying our core values of respect, integrity, courage, selfless service and compassion. I am extremely proud of their achievement and look forward to remaining among the top accredited correctional departments in the country.”

Over the last year, ACA audit teams from across the country visited Avon Park, Dade, DeSoto, Hernando, Homestead, Lake, Okaloosa and Walton Correctional Institutions and conducted comprehensive on-site audits of all aspects of prison operations. These institutions were 100 percent compliant in mandatory standards and exceeded 98 percent for non-mandatory.

FDC began the process of seeking nationally recognized accreditation from the ACA in 1968. All 50 of Florida’s major institutions are accredited by the ACA.

For more than 149 years, the ACA has been the recognized worldwide authority in corrections, and its Commission on Accreditation for Corrections certifies correctional facilities.

In the coming months, Apalachee, Baker, Calhoun, Columbia, Liberty, Hamilton, Holmes and Okeechobee Correctional Institutions are scheduled to go through the reaccreditation process. Learn more about the American Correctional Association.