FCI Coleman Low

Coleman Low at a glance

Coleman Low is a low-security federal prison (FCI) for men, with a satellite camp next to it. It is one of several prisons in the Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) in Sumterville, Florida, about 50 miles northwest of Orlando. The 2012 handbook says the prison has three general population buildings, A, B and C. Each building has two units, one on each floor, and each floor has two wings.

How many people

1,622 in the FCI and 504 at the camp (BOP, October 29, 2026).

Medical care level 2

Stable outpatients who need to see a clinician anywhere from monthly to every 6 months. Examples the BOP gives: diabetes controlled with medication, epilepsy, emphysema. Click here to read the source: BOP "Institution Care Levels for Medical Assignment," February 13, 2024 (released under FOIA 2024-03455) ↗

Mental health care level 2

Routine outpatient mental health care, or short crisis care such as suicide watch. The mental health list also gives the camp ("COL SCP") care level 2. The BOP does not post care levels on its website. This list is dated February 13, 2024 and came out through a public records request. Click here to read the source: BOP "Institution Care Levels for Medical Assignment," February 13, 2024 (released under FOIA 2024-03455) ↗

Who is there

Men. On the first day of the 2026 audit of the whole complex, ages ran from 20 to 87. Average stay was 22 months. (These numbers are for the complex, not this prison alone.) Click here to read the source: PREA audit report, FCC Coleman complex (onsite July 14 to 16, 2026) ↗

Counts

On weekdays, official counts are at 12:01 a.m., 3:00 a.m., 5:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. On weekends and holidays there is also a 10:00 a.m. count. The 4:00 p.m. count (and the 10:00 a.m. weekend count) is a standing count. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

Tobacco

"FCC, Coleman-Low, is a tobacco free institution and it is not authorized on the compound." Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

Unit team

Each unit has a Unit Manager, Case Manager, Counselor, Secretary and Unit Officer. Staff reply to written requests ("cop-outs") normally within five working days. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

The BOP's own page for FCI Coleman Low.

Visiting hours and days

Visitors are not admitted to the visiting room after 2:00 p.m. (unless the Operations Lieutenant or Duty Officer approves). Visits end at 3:00 p.m. On weekends and federal holidays, processing stops at 9:30 a.m. for the official count. You can still be processed, but you wait until the count clears. Once you are in the visiting room, if you leave, the visit is over.

No regular visiting Tuesday through Friday. Special visits on those days must be approved appointments through the Warden's Office. Monday is for SHU visits only. Click here to read the source: COC 5267.09E, Visiting Regulations, FCC Coleman (October 1, 2024) ↗

The BOP's own papers disagree. The Coleman Low handbook (last updated November 2012) says visiting hours are 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and federal holidays, and 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Thursdays. It also says each person gets nine points a month. The visiting rules (October 1, 2024) say Saturday, Sunday and federal holidays, with Monday for SHU only, and six points a month. Go by the newer rules and call the prison at (352) 689-4000 before you drive.

The BOP beats to its own drum. The front desk has the final say. Keep a spare outfit in the car.

Inmate mailing address

JOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONES
Reg. No. 12345-678
FCI Coleman Low
P.O. Box 1031
Coleman, Fl 33521

Put their name and register number on the envelope. The handbook (2012) gives the mailing address as Federal Correctional Complex, P.O. Box 1031, Coleman, FL 33521-1031. The BOP facility listing shows P.O. Box 1031 for Coleman Low and a separate box, P.O. Box 1027, for the camp. Use the address your loved one gives you. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

Use the P.O. Box only. Never mail to the street address (846 Ne 54th Terrace, Sumterville, Fl 33521).

Mail days

Mail is processed Monday through Friday, not on weekends or holidays. Mail a private carrier brings on a weekend or holiday is held until the next working day. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

Opened and checked

Staff open and check all incoming mail for contraband. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

Their letters to you

At the low security level they may seal outgoing mail. It must have a return address with their name and register number, or it is not processed and is sent back. The handbook says they print address labels through the TRULINCS computer system. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

Legal mail

Opened in front of them if the front says "Special Mail - Open only in the presence of the inmate" (or similar) and the sender is clearly identified. Mail from a judge's chambers or from a member of Congress does not need the marking. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

Books and magazines

Hardcover books and newspapers only from the publisher, a book club or a bookstore. Softcover books, magazines and newspaper clippings can come from any source. They may keep no more than 5 books, 3 magazines or 1 newspaper. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

Packages

Mail that weighs 16 ounces or more and holds more than paper counts as a package and needs approval before it arrives. A package whose contents are approved under another BOP policy does not need advance approval, but must be marked "Authorized by Bureau Policy" or clearly describe what is inside. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

Rejected mail

Mail can be rejected for things like threats, talk of criminal activity, codes, or obscene material. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

Money

Never put money in a letter. The mail room returns it. It goes to the BOP lockbox in Des Moines, Iowa (see the Money tab). The 2012 handbook also describes Western Union Quick Collect. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

Books and magazines: at a low security prison, soft-cover books and magazines can come from anyone. Hardcovers only from a publisher or bookstore.

How to send money to an inmate here

Money never goes to Coleman Low. It goes to the BOP, and the BOP puts it on their account. There are 3 ways. Each one below shows you the actual form and exactly what to write in each box, already filled in with their name and number.

First, they must sign the power-of-attorney form (BP-A0407) when they arrive. Until they do, MoneyGram and Western Union money cannot post. Click here to read the source: Program Statement 4500.13, Trust Fund/Deposit Fund Manual (May 7, 2026) ↗

1. Postal money order Our pick

"Postal" means the U.S. Post Office. A postal money order is one you buy at the counter of a U.S. Post Office, from the United States Postal Service. Money orders sold at Walmart, a grocery store, a bank, Western Union, MoneyGram or a check-cashing store are not postal money orders.

Why it matters: a postal money order has no hold. Once the BOP's lockbox in Des Moines gets it, it goes on their account. Every other money order and every personal or company check is put on a 15-day hold first, and the 15 days only start when the lockbox receives the envelope. Add the days it spends in the mail, and it can be close to three weeks before they can spend it.Click here to read the source: BOP, Sending money by U.S. mail ↗ Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗ Foreign money orders and checks are held 45 days. The postal money order is also the cheapest way.

The Post Office's own steps

1. Decide the amount. Up to $1,000 in one money order.
2. Go to any Post Office.
3. Bring cash or a debit card. The Post Office does not take credit cards for money orders.
4. Fill it out at the counter with the clerk. Use the boxes below.
5. Pay the amount plus the fee: $2.65 for up to $500, $3.75 for $500.01 to $1,000.
6. Keep your receipt. You need it to track the money order or replace it if it is lost.Click here to read the source: U.S. Postal Service, Money Orders ↗

1. Pay toJOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONEStheir committed name, exactly as the BOP Inmate Locator shows it
2. Address (under Pay to)Federal Bureau of Prisons, P.O. Box 474701, Des Moines, IA 50947-0001
3. FromMARIA SMITH-JONESyour name
4. Address (under From)123 Main Street, Trenton, NJ 08608your address
5. MemoReg. No. 12345678their 8-digit register number, no dash

Unconfirmed: the BOP does not say in writing what goes on the "Pay to" line. Their name is what families use. The name and number on the envelope are what the BOP requires.

Maria Smith-Jones
123 Main Street
Trenton, NJ 08608

STAMP

Federal Bureau of Prisons
JOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONES
12345678
Post Office Box 474701
Des Moines, Iowa 50947-0001

Lost it? Tracking and replacing a money order

• Keep the receipt. You need the serial number, post office number and amount to track it at tools.usps.com/money-orders.htm.
• Lost or stolen: take the receipt to any post office and ask for a Money Order Inquiry. It costs $23 and can take up to 60 days.

2. MoneyGram

Posts in about 2 to 4 hours if sent 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern, any day. Up to $300 per payment. In a store, you fill out the blue ExpressPayment form. This is the BOP's own filled-in sample:

1. Company NameFederal Bureau of Prisons
2. City & StateWashington, DC
3. Receive Code7932always the same
4. Account Number of the Bill to Pay12345678SMITHJONESone letter or number per box
5. Amount to Payup to $300
6. Message to Biller or Beneficiary NameJOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONES

Top section: your own name, address, phone and signature. Pay cash. Keep the receipt with the reference number.

Unconfirmed: some stores now type it into a screen instead of using the paper form. The boxes are the same.

Doing it online or in the MoneyGram app instead

1. Go to moneygram.com (Pay Bills) or the MoneyGram app and log in or sign up.
2. Search the biller 7932 or "Federal Bureau of Prisons."
3. Enter the amount (up to $300) and the account number 12345678SMITHJONES.
4. Pay with a debit or credit card. A credit card can charge a cash-advance fee.

3. Western Union

Posts in about 2 to 4 hours. In a store, ask for the Quick Collect form ("To Send Money Form for Bill Payments"). Do not ask for a regular money transfer. This is a real Quick Collect form filled in with the BOP's values:

1. Dollar Amountyour amount
2. Pay toFederal Bureau of Prisons
3. Code CityFBOP, DC
4. AttentionJOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONES
5. Account # with Company (in the SENDER section: this is where people get lost)12345678SMITHJONES

Leave Promo Code blank. Put your own name, phone and address in the rest of the Sender section and sign at 3. Pay cash (some stores take debit). You get a 10-digit tracking number (MTCN). Keep it.

Unconfirmed: some stores have the blue Quick Collect form, some a "Pay a Bill" section, and some a phone to an agent.

Doing it online (Send2Corrections), screen by screen

You need a photo ID to set up the account: your name must match your ID exactly.

1. Go to send2corrections.com or the Send2Corrections app. Log in or register.
2. "Who are you sending to?" Choose the facility Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP DC).
3. Receiver first name, middle name (optional), last name: exactly as the BOP has it.
4. Commissary number: type only the 8 digits, 12345678. No dash, no name. The site adds the last name itself and shows the full account number in a grey box you cannot type in.
5. Ignore the pop-up that says "BOP number will not work." That text shows for every prison. The register number is what works.
6. Amount: $1 to $300. Pay by card, or choose "Pay Cash (in-store)" and pay at a Western Union counter within 12 hours, or it cancels.

Hyphenated last name? The site drops the hyphen: Smith-Jones becomes 12345678SMITHJONES.

Money sent to the wrong person is not returned by Western Union. Western Union payments cannot be changed after they are sent.

Commissary list: what they can buy and what it costs

The Coleman Low handbook (last updated November 2012) says the spending limit is $290 a month, and $25 a month for people who refuse the Financial Responsibility Program (FRP). National BOP policy (PS 4500.13, May 7, 2026) is $460 a month, plus $50 more in November and December. The handbook has not caught up. The commissary list says stamps, copy cards and over-the-counter medicine do not count toward the limit. The handbook says people with an odd last digit start a new month on the 1st, and FRP refusers start a new month on the 15th. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗ Click here to read the source: Program Statement 4500.13, Trust Fund/Deposit Fund Manual (May 7, 2026) ↗

(K) kosher, (H) halal. A number like "max 3" is the most they can buy at once. From the official list approved in a list marked "Updated November 2021" (no approval date is printed). The list is headed "FCC Coleman Commissary List (Low / Medium)".. Prices change without notice. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Commissary List, Low / Medium ("Updated November 2021") ↗

Phone calls and email

Calls

Each call is limited to 15 minutes, with a tone at 14 minutes. There is a 30 minute wait between calls. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

Monthly limit

The handbook says 300 minutes a month of collect and direct calls, with at most 15 minutes per call. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

When

Phones are available from 6:00 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. every day, except during counts. Phone use may not interfere with work. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

Contacts

Up to 30 numbers can be on their phone list. The list is built through the TRULINCS system and can be changed once a month. New numbers are processed within five working days. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

Phone code

They get a nine-digit Phone Access Code (PAC). A replacement costs $5.00 if it was their fault. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

Paying

They buy phone credits through TRULINCS and move money from their commissary account to their phone account. They cannot place a call without enough money for at least a three-minute call. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

Not allowed

No three-way calls, no call forwarding, and no 800, 900, 976 or 888 numbers. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

Lawyer calls

Calls to a lawyer are collect only, unless the Unit Manager approves an unmonitored call after a written request. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

They have to add your number and email to their list first. Emails come through CorrLinks: you get an invitation by email once they add you.

Health care at Coleman Low

Medical care level 2 and mental health care level 2 (of 4). Stable outpatients who need to see a clinician anywhere from monthly to every 6 months. Examples the BOP gives: diabetes controlled with medication, epilepsy, emphysema. Click here to read the source: BOP "Institution Care Levels for Medical Assignment," February 13, 2024 (released under FOIA 2024-03455) ↗

Sick call

Sign-up is 6:30 to 7:00 a.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, not on holidays. They must bring their ID card and fill in a sick-call triage form. They get an appointment based on how urgent it is. If they are ill or hurt at any other time, they must tell the officer or work supervisor right away. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

Pill lines

Insulin and restricted medication: 6:00 to 6:30 a.m., and the insulin line again at the 4:30 p.m. count. Prescription pick-up: 11:15 a.m. to noon, and 3:00 to 3:40 p.m. Restricted medication pick-up: 7:45 to 8:30 p.m. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

Dental

Dental sick-call sign-up is held at the same time as medical sick call. Cleanings and routine care need a written Inmate Request to Staff to the Dental Clinic and a place on the waiting list. A dental emergency goes to the unit officer or work supervisor. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

New arrivals

A health staff member interviews them on arrival. A physical exam is normally done within 7 to 14 days. New arrivals get a routine dental exam on arrival unless they transferred from another prison. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

Co-pay

$2.00 for care they ask for themselves. Care that staff refer, follow-up for a chronic condition, preventive care, emergencies, mental health care and substance abuse treatment are free. Anyone whose account has not held $6.00 for 30 days is "indigent" and is not charged. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

Glasses

An eye exam is set up through sick call. A physician assistant screens them first, then they go on a waiting list for the optometrist. They can order BOP glasses or their own from outside (with a package permit). Reading glasses are sold at the commissary. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

Write a sick call request →

Programs

RDAP (residential drug program)

The BOP's RDAP list (updated 6/4/2026) names FCI Coleman - L. The 2012 handbook says RDAP is a 9 to 12 month intensive program and that everyone in it lives in the C2 Unit. Click here to read the source: First Step Act Approved Programs Guide (May 2026) ↗

Other drug programs

The handbook lists non-residential drug treatment groups, the Freedom from Drugs course (formerly Drug Education) and Transitional Services for RDAP graduates. It says the course can be mandatory or voluntary. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

Mental health

Psychology Services offers individual counseling, group counseling, assessment, crisis intervention and more. They ask for an appointment with an Inmate Request to Staff to Psychology Services. In a crisis, they ask any staff member to call the Psychology Department. A part-time psychiatrist is contracted. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

Cognitive therapy for late-life depression

The First Step Act guide lists this program for the whole Coleman complex. Click here to read the source: First Step Act Approved Programs Guide (May 2026) ↗

Education

Anyone without a high school diploma or GED must be enrolled in GED class for 240 hours. English as a second language continues until they pass the CASAS test. Other programs: post-secondary courses by correspondence, adult continuing education and parenting. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

Vocational training

Culinary Arts, HVAC, Electric, Microsoft 07, apprenticeship programs and the Mavis Beacon Typing program. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

Law library

Monday to Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; closed Sunday. Copies cost ten cents each. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

UNICOR (prison factory)

The handbook says the factory at the complex makes furniture. Hiring is from a waiting list, updated monthly, through the Unit Team. People who refuse the Financial Responsibility Program may not be assigned. Pay runs from $.23 to $1.15 an hour by grade. A GED or high school diploma is needed for first grade pay. The BOP guide lists Coleman Low for the Federal Prison Industries program. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

Release preparation

The Education Department offers the employment and personal finance parts of the Release Preparation Program. Click here to read the source: FCC Coleman Low Admission and Orientation Handbook (last updated November 2012) ↗

The BOP's First Step Act guide (May 2026) names Coleman Low for RDAP and for the Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) program. The handbook is from 2012, so ask what is running now. Click here to read the source: First Step Act Approved Programs Guide (May 2026) ↗

Safety record

Criminal cases at Coleman Low

Deaths announced by the BOP

• August 3, 2020A 36-year-old person at the satellite camp next to this prison tested positive for COVID-19 in July 2020 and died in a hospital. The BOP release says they had long-term medical conditions that are COVID-19 risk factors. At that time the release said the camp held 210 women. Click here to read the source: BOP press release, "Inmate Death at FCI Coleman's Satellite Camp," August 3, 2020 ↗

These are deaths the BOP announced in a press release that names this prison. We found no BOP release since 2020 that names it. Releases about other prisons in the complex are not listed here. The BOP does not publish a full count of deaths at each prison, so this is not a total.

Sexual abuse audit (PREA)

The last federal sexual-abuse (PREA) audit covered the whole Coleman complex, not only this prison. It visited July 14 to 16, 2026. Result: 4 standards exceeded, 41 met, 0 not met. In the 12 months before the audit, the complex recorded 32 sexual-abuse allegations (25 against other inmates, 7 against staff) and 17 sexual-harassment allegations (9 against other inmates, 8 against staff). The report does not split these by prison. Click here to read the source: PREA audit report, FCC Coleman complex (onsite July 14 to 16, 2026) ↗

An allegation is a report, not a finding. The audit counts reports made, not what investigators concluded.

News about Coleman Low

No news stories found yet. We check every day. Last checked Nov 3, 2026, 8:30 pm ET.

Intel from the Inside

Intel last checked: November 3, 2026

Reports from people inside, in their own words. It is how the place really runs, not official policy, and it can change. We never publish names.

No Intel reported for Coleman Low yet.

Know something about Coleman Low that families should know? Tell Scooter. Our team checks every report before it goes up, and we never publish names.