Florida’s prison system faces a crisis of aging facilities, staffing shortages, and a growing inmate population that could overwhelm existing infrastructure within two decades, a report acquired through public record request by former Senator Jeff Brandes indicates.
In a conversation with The Capitolist, Brandes expressed concern over the absence of a comprehensive, long-term plan within the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC), stemming from a 20-year master plan within the report, compiled by KPMG, that outlines the necessity for extensive reform.
The report identifies four critical challenges confronting the state: an anticipated rise in the inmate population, urgent requirements for modernization, ongoing issues with staff vacancies and turnover, and security and safety concerns.