PRI Enterprises highlights nearly half a century of helping Florida prisoners transition into employees

Prison Rehabilitative Industries Enterprises (PRI Enterprises) is marking 45 years of working with the state of Florida helping prison inmates become productive workers.

The company started its operations in 1981 under various company names including Prison Rehabilitative Industries to create training programs to help inmates transition into employment once they’re released. They have programs associated with 18 Florida correctional facilities.

The company’s objective is to reduce recidivism and help those convicted of crimes in Florida return to civilian life after being incarcerated.

“This is a significant and meaningful milestone for PRI Enterprises,” said Blake Brown, President of PRI Enterprises. “With this anniversary, we recognize our long-standing partnership with the state, one that has allowed us to grow and expand so that we can offer more employment pathways for inmates.”

PRI Enterprises was founded nearly a half century ago. Current programs include diesel mechanic training at Palm Beach State College. Inmates who go through the program get college-level certifications.

The company also instituted a tiny homes program initiated two years ago that involves construction of smaller homes. The initial pilot home was completed in 2025. The program equips inmates with job-ready skills that allow them to enter the construction workforce once they’re released while also building tiny homes to address affordable housing needs in the state.

That program is growing with the help of training at Pensacola State College and is being supported by Triumph Gulf Coast. That organization provides grants to reimburse PRI Enterprises for training and certification of the inmates.

“Job training, education and meaningful work have the power to rebuild lives,” said Randy Fisher, Executive Vice President of PRI Enterprises. “As we enter this next chapter, our focus remains on people — on creating opportunity, restoring dignity, and transforming reentry.”

Brown added that PRI Enterprises will find additional avenues for inmates to get inmates trained in skills that transform their lives.

“As Florida’s job market and environment has changed, so too has PRI Enterprises’ programs,” Brown said. “We have continuously advanced our equipment, processes, and systems so that participants are being trained in current industries, up-to-date methods and on tools that are comparable to those being used in today’s workplaces.”