Statement of Agency Organization and Operation

Agency Organization

The organization of the Department of Corrections is established in accordance with Sections 20.315 and 20.04, Florida Statutes. According to Section 20.315, Florida Statutes, the head of the Department of Corrections is the Secretary of Corrections. The Secretary is appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The Secretary is responsible for: planning, coordinating, and managing the corrections system of the state. The duties and responsibilities of the Department are primarily located in chapters 944, 945, 946, 947, 948 and 949 Florida Statutes. The Department is organized pursuant to chapter 20, Florida Statutes, in a manner to ensure its statutory responsibilities are carried out in the most economically and functionally efficient manner. There are currently four divisions within the Department that are overseen by the following:

  • Deputy Secretary - provides oversight of correctional institutions, community corrections, programs, health services, facilities and finances.
  • Chief of Staff - provides oversight of agency support functions, which include human resources, communications, legislative affairs, strategic initiatives, information technology and administration.
  • General Counsel - provides legal representation for the department.
  • Inspector General - provides internal auditing functions and administrative and criminal investigation functions for the department.

Agency Clerk

The Agency Clerk is designated by the General Counsel and is located in the Office of the General Counsel. The Agency Clerk receives, dockets and maintains all final orders, pleadings and other legal documents filed with the Department; responds to requests for information or copies of documents from the files of the clerk's office; prepares the record on appeal when the agency acts as the lower tribunal; prepares orders of indigence when directed by the court; and bills and collects payment for records on appeal and reproduced documents.

Agency Clerk, Department of Corrections
Office of the General Counsel
501 South Calhoun Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500
850-717-3605 (phone)
850 - 922-4355 (fax)
[email protected]

Filings

Documents shall be filed with the Agency Clerk at the above address during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Documents may be hand delivered to the Agency Clerk by bringing them to the Department of Corrections building at 501 South Calhoun Street, entering at the Calhoun Street entrance and asking the person at the Security Desk to call the Agency Clerk to come down to the Security Desk. Documents left at the Security Desk will not be considered filed until received by the Agency Clerk. It is the filing party's responsibility to meet all filing deadlines. Documents received after hours will be filed the next business day. Documents may be filed by FAX during normal business hours at (850) 922-4355. Documents may be filed by email at [email protected]

Rules

The rules of the Department of Corrections are contained in Chapter 33, Florida Administrative Code. Pursuant to s. 120.54(5), F.S., the uniform rules of procedure adopted by the administration commission (Chapter 28-101 through 28-112, F.A.C.), are the rules of administrative procedure for the Department of Corrections.

Variances From Waivers of Agency Rules

Information concerning waivers of or variances to agency rules, pursuant to 120.542, F.S. can be obtained from Rule 28-104.002, F.A.C. and Rule 28-104.004, F.A.C.. Petitions for variances or waivers must be submitted to the Florida Department of Corrections, Attn: Agency Clerk, 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2500.

Information may also be obtained by contacting:

Agency Clerk
Office of the General Counsel
501 S. Calhoun Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-2500

E-Mail: [email protected]

The Office of the General Counsel is unable to provide legal assistance or advice to private citizens.