Corrections officials say inmates in faith- and character-based prisons are less likely to re-offend.
That's important to lawmakers in Florida, where one-third of ex-offenders go back behind bars within three years.
A Senate panel this week heard Alex Taylor of the Department of Corrections describe a 10% drop in recidivism for males in a faith-based prison for at least six months.
Republican Senator Alan Hays of Umatilla praised the approach.
"It's somewhat akin to the story about the little boy throwing the starfish back into the ocean. For every one you can save, it helps him. That's what makes a difference", said Hays.
Taylor said the drop in recidivism for women in faith-based prisons was higher still, at 20 percent.