About Florence County
Florence County is located in the Pee Dee region of northeastern South Carolina, acting as a vital commercial and healthcare hub for Florence County. Florence County Seat is the City of Florence, which is also the largest county in Florence County. Florence County includes approximately 804 square miles and has a population of around 137,000 residents according to recent census estimates. Established in 1888 from portions of Marion, Darlington, Williamsburg, and Clarendon counties, Florence County was named after Florence County Harllee, daughter of General W.W.
Harllee, who was instrumental in bringing the Wilmington and Manchester Railroad through Florence County. Major landmarks include Florence County National Cemetery, Florence County Museum, the Francis Marion University campus, and Florence County Regional Airport. Florence County is home to McLeod Health, one of the largest healthcare systems in Florence County, and is a major retail and medical center for the Pee Dee.
Florence Register of Deeds of Deeds maintains land records at the County Complex at 180 North Irby Street, Room 101, Florence, SC 29501. Florence County Clerk of Court operates from Florence County Judicial Center at 180 North Irby Street. Florence County Assessor's Office, responsible for property valuations, is located at 180 North Irby Street, Room 106.
Florence County's strategic location at the intersection of Interstate 95 and Interstate 20 has made it a significant transportation and distribution center for the Carolinas.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Florence County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Florence County. It oversees the operation of Florence County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is focused on public safety through patrols, investigations, and community engagement.
Police Departments
Florence County is served by multiple law enforcement agencies, including Florence County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Florence Police Department, Lake City Police Department, and Johnsonville Police Department. These agencies often collaborate on major investigations and share resources to enhance crime-fighting capabilities across Florence County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Florence County Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff TJ Joye, is the primary law enforcement agency serving the unincorporated areas of Florence County and operates from 180 North Irby Street, Suite 400, Florence, SC 29501. Florence County Detention Center, located at 3021 Lucas Street, Florence, SC 29501, houses county inmates and provides online inmate lookup services through the Sheriff's Office website, where citizens can search current inmates by name, booking date, or booking number.
- § 30-4-10 et seq.), which requires government agencies to provide access to public records upon written request.
- Booking photos and mugshots are generally available through the Sheriff's Office online inmate search portal, which displays current booking photographs.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of incident reports and arrest records.
- The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) also maintains statewide criminal history records that can be accessed through formal background check procedures.
Municipal police departments operating within Florence County include Florence Police Department serving the City of Florence, the Lake City Police Department, the Timmonsville Police Department, the Johnsonville Police Department, the Pamplico Police Department, the Coward Police Department, and the Quinby Police Department. Arrest records in Florence County are public records under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code Ann.
No tribal law enforcement agencies operate within Florence County, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands in Florence County.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Florence County includes various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. To conduct a background check, individuals can request records from the respective law enforcement agency or use the services provided by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), which offers statewide criminal history checks.
- The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division provides additional resources for residents seeking full background information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Florence County are maintained by Florence County Sheriff's Office and the local police departments within Florence County. These records are public information and can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal requests to the respective law enforcement agency. A Florence County arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and the arresting officer's name.
- The process for obtaining these records is governed by the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, which ensures public access to government documents while protecting individual privacy where applicable.
Jail & Inmate Records
Florence County Detention Center is the primary jail facility in Florence County, responsible for housing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or serving short sentences. The booking process at the detention center involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information of the detainees.
- The bond process in South Carolina allows for cash or surety bonds, which can be arranged through the detention center or a licensed bail bondsman.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Florence County are taken and retained by Florence County Sheriff's Office during the booking process at the detention center. These booking photos are part of the arrest record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a formal request. While South Carolina does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, individuals may petition for removal if the charges are dropped or if they are found not guilty. The availability of mugshots online is subject to the policies of the Sheriff's Office and any applicable state regulations.
Courts & Case Records
Florence County's judicial system is part of the South Carolina Unified Judicial System's Third Judicial Circuit. Florence County Judicial Center, located at 180 North Irby Street, Florence, SC 29501, houses the Circuit Court, which handles felony criminal cases, civil actions exceeding $7,500, and appeals from lower courts. The Clerk of Court can be contacted through the office’s website. Circuit Court judges rotate through the Third Judicial Circuit, which includes Florence, Clarendon, Williamsburg, and Marion counties.
- Florence County Magistrate Court system operates multiple locations throughout Florence County, handling misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases up to $7,500, landlord-tenant disputes, and preliminary hearings.
- Copies of court documents can be obtained from the Clerk of Court for $0.25 per page for standard copies and $1.00 per page for certified copies.
- Some records may require a formal written request and payment of search fees.
Florence County Family Court, also located in the Judicial Center, handles divorce, child custody, adoption, juvenile delinquency, and domestic violence cases. Florence County Probate Court, located at 180 North Irby Street, Room 302, handles estate administration, will probate, guardianships, and conservatorships. South Carolina courts provide online case search through the South Carolina Judicial Department's Public Index at www.sccourts.org/caseSearch, where users can search civil, criminal, family, and probate cases by party name, case number, or attorney.
Access to court records is governed by South Carolina Rule of Court 614, which establishes public access to judicial proceedings and records while protecting certain confidential information.
Property & Public Records
Florence County Register of Deeds (also known as the Recorder of Deeds) is located at 180 North Irby Street, Room 101, Florence, SC 29501 This office maintains all land records for Florence County, including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgage documents, deed of trust instruments, satisfaction of mortgages, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, easements, right-of-way documents, and recorded plat maps dating back to Florence County's establishment in 1888.
- Recording fees for deeds are $3.25 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus a $10.00 recording fee per document.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $1.00 per page.
- Property tax records and payment history are available through the Treasurer's Office online portal at www.florenceco.org/treasurer.
Florence County offers online property record search through Florence County website at www.florenceco.org, where users can search deed records, plat records, and document images free of charge through the Register of Deeds searchable database. Florence County Assessor's Office, located at 180 North Irby Street, Room 106, phone, maintains property assessment records, parcel maps, and property characteristic data used for tax purposes. Florence County Auditor's Office handles property tax billing and can be contacted through the office’s website. Florence County provides a free online GIS mapping system accessible through Florence County website, allowing users to search properties by owner name, address, parcel number, or map and lot number.
The GIS system displays property boundaries, ownership information, assessed values, tax information, deed references, and aerial photography.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates for Florence County are maintained by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Office of Vital Records, located at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Birth certificates cost $17.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, with processing times typically 2-3 weeks for mail requests. Death certificates cost $17.00 for the first certified copy and $3.00 for each additional copy.
- For expedited service, VitalChek, the state's authorized online vendor, offers online ordering at www.vitalchek.com with additional service fees and credit card processing fees.
- The marriage license fee is $50.00 if the couple completes a premarital counseling course or $100.00 without counseling.
- Certified copies of marriage certificates can be obtained from the Probate Court for $3.00 per copy or from DHEC's Office of Vital Records.
Authorized applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship or legal interest. South Carolina vital records law (S.C. Code Ann.
§ 44-63-10 et seq.) restricts access to birth and death certificates to the registrant (if of legal age), immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with a direct tangible interest. Birth records less than 100 years old and death records less than 10 years old are confidential. Marriage licenses in Florence County are issued by Florence County Probate Court, located at 180 North Irby Street, Room 302, Florence, SC 29501
Marriage license applications require both parties to appear in person with valid photo identification and Social Carolina social security numbers. There is a 24-hour waiting period after issuance. Divorce decrees and records are maintained by Florence County Clerk of Court's Family Court division.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Florence County operates at multiple levels. Florence County Clerk of Court, located at 180 North Irby Street, Florence, SC 29501, maintains business registration records but does not issue business licenses directly. Business licenses for enterprises operating within incorporated municipalities must be obtained from the respective city or town clerk's office, the City of Florence County Business License Division is located at 324 West Evans Street, Florence County, SC 29501
- This database includes entity status, registered agent information, filing dates, and principal office addresses.
Businesses in unincorporated Florence County should contact Florence County Building and Planning Department at regarding zoning and permitting requirements. Fictitious name registrations (Doing Business As filings) must be filed with Florence County Clerk of Court. For statewide business entity formation and registration, the South Carolina Secretary of State's Office maintains the official Business Entities Online system at www.scsos.com, where users can search corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other registered business entities free of charge.
Professional licenses (contractors, real estate agents, healthcare providers, etc.) are issued by various South Carolina state licensing boards. The South Carolina Department of Revenue handles sales tax permit registration and business tax registration at www.dor.sc.gov. Building permits for construction projects in unincorporated Florence County are issued by Florence County Building and Planning Department at 180 North Irby Street.
The Greater Florence County Chamber of Commerce, located at 610 West Palmetto Street, Florence, SC 29501, website www.flochamber.com, provides business resources, networking opportunities, and economic development information for Florence County business community.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Florence County are administered by Florence County Board of Voter Registration and Elections, located at 180 North Irby Street, Suite 135, Florence, SC 29501. The office can be contacted through the office’s website, and more information is available at www.florenceco.org/elections. Voter registration in Florence County can be completed online through the South Carolina Election Commission's Online Voter Registration system at www.scvotes.gov/OVR, in person at Florence County Voter Registration office, or by mail using the National Mail Voter Registration Form.
- South Carolina requires voters to register at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
- To register, applicants must be U.S.
- In the November 2024 general election, Florence County reported approximately 54% voter turnout among registered voters, consistent with South Carolina's statewide turnout patterns.
- Citizens can request election records under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, and precinct-level results are published by the State Election Commission following certification.
Citizens, at least 18 years old by the date of the election, residents of South Carolina and Florence County, and not currently serving a sentence for a felony conviction. Voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling location through the South Carolina Election Commission's voter information portal at www.scvotes.gov/voters. Florence County operates approximately 50 precincts throughout Florence County on Election Day.
Public election records available in Florence County include certified election results by precinct, voter registration statistics, absentee ballot statistics, and candidate filings. Campaign finance disclosure reports for county-level candidates are filed with the South Carolina Ethics Commission. The next major election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races (Florence County is in Congressional District 7), South Carolina state legislative seats, and various county offices. Absentee voting in Florence County is available for voters who will be absent from Florence County on Election Day, are physically disabled, are 65 years or older, work during all hours polls are open, or meet other statutory criteria. Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to Florence County Voter Registration and Elections office by 5:00 PM the Friday before Election Day.
Early voting (in-person absentee voting) is available at the Voter Registration office beginning 30 days before Election Day through the day before Election Day. South Carolina law (S.C. Code Ann.
§ 7-1-10 et seq.) governs election procedures and public access to election records.
Economy & Demographics
Florence County's economy is anchored by healthcare, manufacturing, retail, distribution, and agriculture, with a labor force of approximately 63,000 workers. McLeod Health is Florence County's largest employer with over 8,000 employees, operating McLeod Regional Medical Center, a 504-bed tertiary care facility, along with multiple outpatient facilities throughout Florence County.Honda of South Carolina Manufacturing, located in neighboring Timmonsville, employs approximately 1,300 workers producing all-terrain vehicles and is a significant economic driver for Florence County.
- The median household income in Florence County is approximately $48,000, below the state average, with a poverty rate around 18%.
General Electric maintains a gas turbine manufacturing facility in nearby Greenville with supply chain connections throughout Florence County. The retail sector thrives along Interstate 95, with Florence acting as a major shopping destination for Florence County, Magnolia Mall and surrounding commercial corridors generate substantial sales tax revenue. Major retailers including Walmart, Target, Lowes, and numerous hotels serve interstate travelers and regional residents.
The local community Regional Airport supports cargo operations and passenger service. Florence County unemployment rate has typically ranged between 3.5% and 5.5% in recent years, varying with national economic conditions. Agriculture remains economically significant, with row crops including soybeans, corn, cotton, and tobacco, plus livestock operations.
Florence County Economic Development Partnership actively recruits manufacturing, distribution, and logistics operations, using Florence County's strategic location at the intersection of I-95 and I-20. Recent economic development projects include expansion of distribution centers and continued healthcare facility growth. Francis Marion University, with approximately 3,500 students, contributes to the local economy and workforce development.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online | Vital Records: Limited: State Office/Online Vendor | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 8.5/10, Florence County provides excellent digital access to property records, court case searches, and inmate information through county and state portals, with GIS mapping and deed search capabilities available free online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Florence County, South Carolina?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Florence County, South Carolina?
How do I get a criminal background check in Florence County, South Carolina?
How can I look up sex offenders in Florence County, South Carolina?
How do I register to vote in Florence County, South Carolina?
How do I look up property records in Florence County, South Carolina?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Florence County, South Carolina?
How do I find business license records in Florence County, South Carolina?
Cities & Towns in Florence County
Explore public records for 9 cities and communities in Florence County, South Carolina.