Applying to volunteer just got easier: FDC moves to an online application
Until now, becoming a cleared DOC volunteer meant paper forms and a lot of waiting in the dark. The Florida Department of Corrections has replaced that with FLVMS — an online Volunteer Management System where you apply, complete training, and get your clearance, all in one place.
Apply online now — Form DCS-601A
The process, start to finish
- 1. Apply online. The application (Form DCS-601A) takes a few minutes: name, email, and identification for the background check.
- 2. Phase 1 training. Immediately after submitting, you're prompted into Basic Volunteer Training. It's mandatory before your application moves forward — but you can stop and resume any time, and the system sends reminders.
- 3. Get fingerprinted. You'll get an email with instructions. Find your nearest FDC facility on the statewide fingerprinting schedule (searchable by county), show up during designated hours — no appointment needed — with your printed Livescan form, driver's license, and Social Security card.
- 4. Background screening. Staff review your results; when approved, you're emailed instructions for the next phase.
- 5. Phase 2 training (CJIS). Credentials and instructions arrive by email.
- 6. Receive your Volunteer PIN. Required for volunteer access at any FDC facility.
- 7. Contact the facility chaplain to schedule your first visit — bring your PIN.
Keep the official checklist handy:
Becoming a Volunteer
Checklist (PDF). Questions about the DOC side go to
OPR-VolunteerServices@fdc.myflorida.com.
Carrying NA meetings inside
DOC clearance is step one. To carry the NA message with the Corrections Workgroup you'll also need a minimum of one year clean, and entry is gender-matched — men into male facilities, women into female facilities. Start your clearance now, then tell the Workgroup you're coming — there's a facility on the map waiting for you.