Future inmates of Florida may take an unexpected road trip after incarceration. According to a new bill signed by Governor Charlie Crist, prisoners may be shipped out of state to serve their time. The legislation comes during a moment of crisis convergence between a devastated economy and a burgeoning prison population, and while unfamiliar terrain may make escape more difficult for the Floridian exiles, the measure is a compromise that few seem comfortable about.

With over 100,000 current inmates, Florida’s prison bill is the latest in a number of cost-cutting measures. Last March, officials even began housing inmates in tents. With the recently signed legislation, Florida will become the fifteenth state to export prisoners. It will allow corrections officers to send inmates to other state, local, and private prisons outside Florida borders.

The prison diversion program (SB 1722) represents the state’s response to both the recession and its large inmate population. “We were looking for how we could not have to build any new prison beds if we could help it," said State Sen. Victor Crist, who supervises criminal justice spending. “This was an option at our disposal.” Crist sponsored the bill after a faltering economy spoiled plans to build three new prison facilities within the state.

While the bill passed unanimously in both the state House and Senate, it does not enjoy universal support. Critics object to the profits of privatized prison companies and worry about potential effects on recidivism. "Removing prisoners further from their families and communities undermines the goal of reducing recidivism,” stated Department of Corrections Secretary Walt McNeil. While proponents claim they will target prisoners with few community ties, the legislation only requires correctional officers to “consider” an inmate’s familial or communal bonds.

Additionally, the state will only save money on construction costs while still covering housing and operations bills. According to the Florida Police Benevolent Association, this unfairly benefits the private prison industry. “When you start sending prisoners to other states, you're asking for trouble,” said PBA representative David Murrell.

Despite objections, the legislation becomes effective July 1. In the meantime, proponents stress that the plan exists only as a last resort. “It’s a safety valve,” said Sen. Crist. “It’s a passive safety net.”

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