Abstract
The tragedy of the commons occurs when a resource is held in common and there is no mechanism to discourage overconsumption. This study tests for the existence of a commons problem in the Florida Correctional System by comparing county prison bed use with county prison beds purchased through sales tax across all 67 counties in Florida from 1989 through 1995. County crime measures and other prison use considerations are tested to determine if there is justification for county overuse of prison space. The data indicate that the tragedy of the commons does exist in the Florida Correctional System. Several counties are consuming a disproportionate number of prison beds, and this overconsumption is largely unjustified by their crime rates. This study suggests that the commons problem within the Florida Correctional System could be avoided or at least reduced.