1900-1998 

Prior to 1901, Florida had leased convicted prisoners to work for private individuals for firms.  In 1901, the state prohibited using leased convicts to work in phosphate mines but continued to allow other uses.  During this time, it was common practice to lease convicts to private businesses or individuals for work.  Many businesses of the time found this to be cheap labor or used convicts for menial tasks which needed little or no training.  From the documents shown, the normal charge was apparently $28.65 per prisoner for 30 days.

The Florida Naval Stores and Commission Company was a large user of rented convicts. The company built a convict farm east of Ocala to house leased convicts. The site later became the Florida Industrial School for Girls and is now the Marion County Governmental Complex located on SE 25th Avenue in Ocala.

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