FPC Pensacola (minimum-security)
Note: FPC Pensacola was slated for permanent closure in 2025 due to infrastructure deterioration. Verify current status with the Bureau of Prisons before planning visits or transfers.
Federal Prison Camp, Pensacola (FPC Pensacola) is a minimum-security United States federal prison for male inmates located in unincorporated Escambia County, Florida, near Pensacola. It is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, a division of the United States Department of Justice.
Overview
FPC Pensacola was established in 1988 on the grounds of Naval Air Station Pensacola. The facility was originally created to provide prisoner labor for the Pensacola Naval Complex. As a minimum-security institution (Federal Prison Camp), it has dormitory housing, a relatively low staff-to-inmate ratio, and limited or no perimeter fencing. The facility is work- and program-oriented.
Inmates are housed in open dorms divided into two-person cubicles or eight-person rooms. The facility houses approximately 320 male inmates.
Closure Notice: FPC Pensacola was slated for permanent closure and demolition due to severe infrastructure deterioration and chronic maintenance deficiencies that rendered the facility unsafe and uneconomical to repair. Bureau officials projected full operational shutdown by September 2025.
Notable Inmates
FPC Pensacola has housed several high-profile inmates:
Recent:
- Todd Chrisley - Reality TV star from "Chrisley Knows Best," was serving a 12-year sentence for bank fraud and tax evasion at FPC Pensacola before receiving a presidential pardon from President Trump in May 2025.
Historical:
- Jamal Lewis - NFL running back, served 4 months for drug-related charges.
- Tim Donaghy - NBA referee convicted of gambling-related offenses, served 15 months.
- Robert Freeman - Goldman Sachs partner, served 4 months for insider trading.
Programs and Services
Drug Treatment Programs
FPC Pensacola offers comprehensive substance abuse treatment:
- Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP)
- Drug Abuse Treatment Program
- Drug Abuse Education Program
- Non-Residential Drug Abuse Treatment Program (NR-DAP)
Educational Programs
The facility provides:
- Literacy programs
- GED preparation
- English-as-a-Second Language (ESL)
- Parenting program
- Adult Continuing Education (ACE) programs
- High school diplomas through correspondence
- Post-secondary degrees through paid correspondence programs
Vocational Training
FPC Pensacola offers extensive vocational training:
Computer Programs:
- Computer Applications
- Microsoft Office 2003
- A+ Computer Technician certification
Apprenticeships:
- Cooking
- Baker
- Carpenter
- Electrician
- Greenskeeper II
- Horticulturist
- HVAC Technician
- Landscape Technician
- Marine Outboard Mechanic
- Plumber
- Small Engine Mechanic
- Welder
Notes from Alumni
- Defense attorney Alan Ellis, author of the Federal Prison Guidebook, told Buffalo News (2020): "If I had to do time, that's one of the places I'd want to be designated to."
- Prison consultant Sam Mangel described FPC Pensacola as "a pretty laid-back experience" where inmates can "really take advantage of the downtime and better themselves."
- Former NBA referee Tim Donaghy, who taught classes during his 15-month sentence, noted: "It has every dumbbell and barbell that you could imagine."
- One inmate review noted: "One of the best camps to go to, you work off base and a lot of the inmates work on a military base that is on the beach. Food was good and a lot of rec activities."
Please remember that experiences are unique and may not reflect today's experience.
Location & Visitation
Location
Physical address: 110 Raby Ave, Pensacola, FL 32509
Located on the grounds of Naval Air Station Pensacola.
Visitation
Visiting Hours: Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
All visitors are required to be approved by the facility in advance. A valid photo ID is necessary for all visitors above 16 years of age.
For full, current visiting rules and scheduling, always check the institution's official page on the Bureau of Prisons website: Official BOP Page.
See also
- Index of Federal Prison Facilities
- Bureau of Prisons Classification Methods
- Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP)