FPC Pensacola is a minimum-security federal prison operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Located on the grounds of the Naval Air Station Pensacola, the camp houses around 300-400 inmates who are considered to pose little to no risk to the community. Inmates at FPC Pensacola are typically white-collar offenders, first-time nonviolent criminals, and individuals serving shorter sentences.

Unlike traditional prisons with high walls and barbed wire, FPC Pensacola has no perimeter fencing, allowing for more freedom of movement within the facility. However, inmates must adhere to strict rules, and any attempt to escape results in immediate transfer to a higher-security prison with harsher conditions.

Not all federal inmates qualify for a prison camp like FPC Pensacola. The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) uses a point-based system to determine an inmate’s security level. To be eligible for a minimum-security camp like Pensacola, an inmate must:

• Have a sentence of less than 10 years remaining
• Pose little or no flight risk
• Have a clean disciplinary record
• Be convicted of a non-violent offense
• Have no history of escape attempts
• Not be convicted of a sexual offense or a crime involving minors
• Have a low likelihood of recidivism

Many inmates at FPC Pensacola are serving time for white-collar crimes, tax evasion, fraud, and drug offenses without violence. The prison camp is considered a relatively comfortable place compared to higher-security federal prisons, which is why some inmates request transfers to a camp if they qualify.

FPC Pensacola has dormitory-style housing, with multiple inmates sharing open spaces rather than cells. Each dorm is equipped with bunk beds, communal bathrooms, and shared living spaces. Unlike higher-security prisons, inmates at the camp have more freedom of movement and do not experience the same level of isolation.

A typical day at FPC Pensacola follows a strict schedule, with early wake-up calls, work assignments, and mandatory meals. Inmates must participate in work programs such as landscaping, maintenance, food service, or facility cleaning. Some may also be assigned to off-site jobs, such as working at the nearby naval base.

One of the biggest benefits of FPC Pensacola is the variety of recreational activities available to inmates. These include:

• Outdoor sports (basketball, soccer, softball, and volleyball)
• Gym facilities and weightlifting
• Educational classes and vocational training
• Religious services and self-improvement programs
• Library access with books and legal resources

Many former inmates describe FPC Pensacola as a “stress-free” prison compared to higher-security institutions. However, it is still a prison, and freedom is limited.

Reality TV star Todd Chrisley, known for his show Chrisley Knows Best, began serving a 12-year prison sentence at FPC Pensacola in early 2023. He and his wife, Julie Chrisley, were convicted of bank fraud, tax evasion, and conspiracy to defraud the United States.

Chrisley’s time at FPC Pensacola has been a topic of media attention, with reports suggesting that he has struggled to adjust to prison life. Despite the prison’s relatively comfortable conditions, sources indicate that Chrisley has had a difficult time adapting to the strict routine and lack of privileges he once enjoyed.

Inmates and sources close to Chrisley have suggested that he has taken advantage of religious services and self-improvement programs, while also staying physically active to cope with incarceration. His legal team has also been actively appealing his conviction, hoping for a sentence reduction.

Many people refer to federal prison camps as “Club Fed” due to their relatively relaxed environment compared to traditional prisons. However, while FPC Pensacola is certainly less restrictive than medium- and high-security institutions, it is still a prison. Inmates experience loss of freedom, strict schedules, and mandatory work assignments, making it far from a vacation.

For those sentenced to federal time, FPC Pensacola is one of the better options available, especially for white-collar offenders. However, being housed in a prison camp is still a serious consequence of criminal behavior, and inmates must adhere to all rules to avoid being sent to a harsher facility.

Whether it’s someone like Todd Chrisley or an average nonviolent offender, the reality of FPC Pensacola is clear: It may be minimum security, but it is still a prison.