Mailing Guidelines
Review mailing guidelines before sending letters, cards, or photos. Following Florida DOC policies ensures your correspondence is accepted and delivered. See rules on approved items, addressing, photo limits, and other tips.
Mailing Address
All letters, cards, and photos must be mailed to Florida Department of Corrections' mail processing center using the address below:
Wilson, Wade N26450
P.O. Box 23608
Tampa, FL 33623
Please Note:
If prohibited items are included with your correspondence, the entire mailing may be rejected and returned to the sender.
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To comply with Florida Department of Corrections regulations, please keep the following guidelines in mind when sending letters or cards:
Letters are limited to 15 pages or fewer.
Pages may be written on both sides.
Paper must be no larger than 8½" × 11".
Flat greeting cards are permitted.
Cards with electronic components, sound devices, pop-up features, or other non-paper attachments are not permitted.
Do not use staples, tape, glue, stickers, labels, or other items attached to the paper.
All mail must be sent in a standard envelope and include a valid return address.
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Sending Photos
Photos are a great way to share memories, everyday moments, and pieces of your life. When sending photos to Wade, it is important to follow Florida Department of Corrections mail guidelines to help ensure they are accepted and delivered.
Photos should be printed on standard white printer paper. Multiple photos may be printed on a single sheet of paper, which can help save space and postage. Both color and black-and-white photos are acceptable.
Please do not send glossy photo prints, Polaroids, or photos with stickers, decorations, or attachments, as these may be rejected during mail processing.
Before mailing photos, review the photo guidelines below for approved and non-approved examples
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Even small mistakes can result in mail being delayed, returned, or rejected. Common issues include missing return addresses, incorrect inmate information, sending photos that do not meet mailing requirements, exceeding page limits, or including prohibited items.
To help ensure your correspondence reaches Wade, double-check all mailing information, follow current Florida Department of Corrections guidelines, and review the examples provided below. Taking a few extra moments before mailing can help prevent unnecessary delays and ensure your letter or photos are successfully delivered.
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Stickers
Glitter
Pop-up cards
Musical cards
Laminated items
Polaroids
Staples, tape, glue
Blank greeting cards
Padded envelopes
Packages
International Support Hub
Many of Wade's supporters live outside the United States. If you are mailing from another country, you are welcome to send letters and photos, but there are a few additional things to keep in mind.
Letters should be written in English so Wade can read and understand them.
Be sure to include your full return address, including your country.
Check with your local postal service for the correct international postage before mailing.
Photos should still be printed on standard white printer paper.
Mail delivery times from other countries may take several weeks longer than domestic mail.
International Mailing Examples
Helpful Resources
For a quick and easy reference, we've created downloadable infographics covering many of the most common mailing questions. These visual guides simplify Florida DOC mail requirements and can be especially helpful when preparing letters, cards, or photos. Feel free to download, save, or share them for future use.
Learn more about sending Wade Reading Materials