Florida Department of Corrections makes major strides in public safety through innovation and accountability in 2025

Tallahassee, Florida – The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) closed out 2025 with a series of ambitious initiatives and accomplishments that underscored its ongoing commitment to public safety, innovation, and accountability. Through strategic investments in staff, institutional security, technology, training, and rehabilitation programs, the agency strengthened both its operational effectiveness and its ability to serve the state’s correctional population safely and responsibly.

“I am immensely proud of the progress FDC made in 2025,” said Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon. “These accomplishments reflect the dedication of our staff and the strong support of Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature. Through strategic investments, innovation, and impact, Florida continues to lead the nation in correctional operations, public safety, and institutional excellence, and we remain committed to building on that momentum in the year ahead.”

Strengthening Institutional Security and Operations

FDC implemented several measures to enhance security and operational efficiency across the state’s correctional facilities. Efforts to strengthen inmate admissions and citizenship verification included ICE 287(g) certification and upgraded system access, ensuring that processing was both thorough and accurate. To further improve institutional integrity, unannounced audits and enhanced field training increased the accuracy and compliance of inmate classification systems.

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A significant emphasis was placed on contraband interdiction. Over 3,165 canine operations statewide removed substantial quantities of illicit items from institutions, demonstrating FDC’s commitment to maintaining safe and secure facilities. Additional technological upgrades included expanded deployment of body-worn cameras, inmate body scanners, and legal mail tracking systems. Officer uniforms were also updated to enhance professionalism and accountability, while biometric scanning, implemented in partnership with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), positioned Florida as a national leader in correctional identification technology.

Enhancing Officer Safety and Field Operations

The safety of Correctional Probation Officers was a key focus for FDC in 2025. The department rolled out a $2.1 million statewide firearms initiative, equipping all certified officers with department-issued weapons and essential safety equipment. Real-time officer safety was further strengthened with the statewide deployment of the Lone Worker Application, which allows for instant monitoring during field operations. Standardized field uniforms improved visibility, professionalism, and operational consistency, while a comprehensive Emergency Events Plan aligned with statewide emergency management standards ensured preparedness for unexpected incidents.

Recruitment, Retention, and Professional Development

FDC took proactive steps to address staffing challenges by increasing post-certification pay to $23.14 per hour for Correctional Officers and Correctional Probation Officers. Targeted $5,000 hiring and retention bonuses were offered at 15 high-vacancy institutions to stabilize staffing. A $1 million recruitment marketing campaign, backed by Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature, expanded the applicant pool statewide. Additionally, partnerships with educational organizations such as Kaplan provided employees and their families with access to career development and continuing education resources.

Advancements in Training and Technology

Training remained a priority, with FDC delivering 78 specialized courses and 46 instructor classes, certifying approximately 2,500 staff and training new Special Operations team members. The Correctional Officer Basic Recruit Training Program enrolled over 3,300 recruits, supported by modernized testing platforms and new training facilities.

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Technological modernization also advanced in 2025. The Offender Based Information System (OBIS) Modernization Program saw the launch of the Corrections Inmate Management System (CIMS), along with the completion of foundational data infrastructure and governance frameworks to support statewide analytics. Enterprise records modernization, using OnBase technology, digitized inmate and personnel records, enhancing security, accessibility, and compliance across the department.

Expanding Educational Opportunities and Reducing Recidivism

FDC continued to invest heavily in education and rehabilitation programs aimed at reducing recidivism and promoting workforce readiness. The department awarded 1,054 certificates and 6,400 Career and Technical Education (CTE) credentials, while enrolling 471 inmates in higher education programs ranging from associate’s to master’s degrees.

The Inmate Welfare Trust Fund (IWTF) supported workforce readiness classes, program start-ups, CTE equipment purchases, and higher education infrastructure. In 2025, IWTF-funded CTE programs trained up to 1,758 students across 106 cohorts, with 653 inmates actively enrolled through November. The department also administered 60,000 CASAS subtests, contributing to 1,700 GEDs earned this year.

Additional educational and therapeutic services expanded access for inmates, including 6,147 education program seats, digital and therapeutic services, z-learning lab access for 2,452 inmates, and over 2,500 individual art therapy sessions. These programs emphasize not only skill-building but also emotional and social well-being, helping inmates prepare for successful reentry into society.

Looking Ahead

With the accomplishments of 2025, FDC has set a high standard for public safety, institutional integrity, and innovation. By integrating technology, advancing staff training, and providing meaningful educational opportunities for inmates, the department continues to lead the nation in correctional operations. Secretary Dixon and his team have made clear that the momentum built in 2025 will serve as a foundation for continued improvements, stronger communities, and safer institutions throughout Florida in the years to come.

Through a combination of strategic investment, accountability, and forward-looking initiatives, the Florida Department of Corrections has demonstrated that public safety and rehabilitation can advance hand in hand, ensuring the department meets the evolving needs of Florida’s residents, staff, and incarcerated populations.