Florida § 946.40 - Use of prisoners in public works.

§ 946.40. Use of prisoners in public works.

(1) The Department of Corrections shall, subject to the availability of funds appropriated for that purpose, and, in the absence of such funds, may, enter into agreements with such political subdivisions in the state, as defined by s. 1.01(8), including municipalities; with such agencies and institutions of the state; and with such nonprofit corporations as might use the services of inmates of correctional institutions and camps when it is determined by the department that such services will not be detrimental to the welfare of such inmates or the interests of the state in a program of rehabilitation. An agreement for use of fewer than 15 minimum custody inmates and medium custody inmates may provide that supervision will be either by the department or by the political subdivision, institution, nonprofit corporation, or agency using the inmates. The department is authorized to adopt rules governing work and supervision of inmates used in public works projects, which rules shall include, but shall not be limited to, the proper screening and supervision of such inmates. Inmates may be used for these purposes without being accompanied by a correctional officer, provided the political subdivision, municipality, or agency of the state or the nonprofit corporation provides proper supervision pursuant to the rules of the Department of Corrections. (2) The budget of the department may be reimbursed from the budget of any state agency or state institution for the services of inmates and personnel of the department in such amounts as may be determined by agreement between the department and the head of such agency or institution. However, no political subdivision of the state shall be required to reimburse the department for such services. (3) The department shall not be required to provide supervision for minimum custody inmates or medium custody inmates unless there is adequate notice of the need for the services of at least 15 such inmates. (4) No person convicted of sexual battery pursuant to s. 794.011 is eligible for any program under the provisions of this section.