About Florence County
Florence County is located in the Pee Dee region of northeastern South Carolina, serving as a vital commercial and healthcare hub for the area. The county seat is the City of Florence, which is also the largest county in the county. Florence County encompasses 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, the area was named after Florence County Harllee, daughter of General W.W.
Harllee, who was instrumental in bringing the Wilmington and Manchester Railroad through the area. Major landmarks include the Florence County National Cemetery, the Florence County Museum, the Francis Marion University campus, and the county Regional Airport. The county is home to McLeod Health, one of the largest healthcare systems in the region, and serves as a major retail and medical center for the Pee Dee.
The this jurisdiction Recorder of Deeds maintains land records at the County Complex at 180 North Irby Street, Room 101, the local community, SC 29501. The the county Clerk of Court operates from the area Judicial Center at 180 North Irby Street. The this county Assessor's Office, responsible for property valuations, is located at 180 North Irby Street, Room 106.
The 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
The Florence County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of the county. It oversees the operation of the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is dedicated to ensuring public safety through patrols, investigations, and community engagement. The Sheriff's Office also operates specialized divisions such as narcotics, K-9, and a SWAT team, which address specific law enforcement needs within the county.
Police Departments
Florence County is served by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Florence County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Florence Police Department, Lake City Police Department, and Johnsonville Police Department. The Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in unincorporated areas, while the city police departments manage public safety within their respective municipalities. These agencies often collaborate on major investigations and share resources to enhance crime-fighting capabilities across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The 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. The Sheriff's Office website is www.florenceso.org and can be reached at (843) 665-2121.
- § 30-4-10 et seq.), which requires government agencies to provide access to public records upon written request.
- Citizens can request arrest records by submitting a written FOIA request to the this jurisdiction Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department.
- 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.
The Florence County Detention Center, located at 3021 Lucas Street, the local community, 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. Municipal police departments operating within this county include the local community Police Department serving the City of the local community, 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 the area are public records under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (S.C.
Code Ann. No tribal law enforcement agencies operate within this county, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands in the county.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Florence County encompasses various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Florence County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. To conduct a background check, individuals can request records from the respective law enforcement agency or utilize the services provided by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), which offers statewide criminal history checks.
- The South Carolina Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for residents seeking comprehensive background information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Florence County are maintained by the Florence County Sheriff's Office and the local police departments within the county. These records are public information and can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal requests to the respective law enforcement agency. A this jurisdiction 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
The Florence County Detention Center is the primary jail facility in the 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. Inmate information, including charges and bond amounts, can be accessed through the Florence County Sheriff's Office website or by contacting the detention center directly.
- 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 the 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. The 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 reached at (843) 665-3084. Circuit Court judges rotate through the Third Judicial Circuit, which includes the local community, Clarendon, Williamsburg, and Marion counties.
- The this jurisdiction Magistrate Court system operates multiple locations throughout the 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.
The this jurisdiction Family Court, also located in the Judicial Center, handles divorce, child custody, adoption, juvenile delinquency, and domestic violence cases. The this jurisdiction 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
The Florence County Register of Deeds (also known as the Recorder of Deeds) is located at 180 North Irby Street, Room 101, Florence, SC 29501, phone (843) 665-3035. 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 the 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.
- the region provides a free online GIS mapping system accessible through the county website, allowing users to search properties by owner name, address, parcel number, or map and lot number.
- Property tax records and payment history are available through the Treasurer's Office online portal at www.florenceco.org/treasurer.
this county offers online property record search through the 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. The this jurisdiction Assessor's Office, located at 180 North Irby Street, Room 106, phone (843) 665-3018, maintains property assessment records, parcel maps, and property characteristic data used for tax purposes. The the region Auditor's Office handles property tax billing and can be reached at (843) 665-3006.
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 the region Probate Court, located at 180 North Irby Street, Room 302, Florence, SC 29501, phone (843) 665-3056.
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 the region Clerk of Court's Family Court division.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Florence County operates at multiple levels. The 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, phone (843) 665-3113.
- This database includes entity status, registered agent information, filing dates, and principal office addresses.
Businesses in unincorporated Florence County should contact the region Building and Planning Department at (843) 665-3018 regarding zoning and permitting requirements. Fictitious name registrations (Doing Business As filings) must be filed with the this jurisdiction 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 the county are issued by the 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 area, SC 29501, website www.flochamber.com, provides business resources, networking opportunities, and economic development information for the Florence County business community.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Florence County are administered by the Florence County Board of Voter Registration and Elections, located at 180 North Irby Street, Suite 135, Florence, SC 29501. The office can be reached at (843) 665-3083, and more information is available at www.florenceco.org/elections. Voter registration in this jurisdiction can be completed online through the South Carolina Election Commission's Online Voter Registration system at www.scvotes.gov/OVR, in person at the this jurisdiction 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, this 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 the area, 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. this jurisdiction operates approximately 50 precincts throughout the county on Election Day.
Public election records available in this jurisdiction 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 (this jurisdiction 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 the 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 the region 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 the 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 the region. The healthcare sector generates an estimated economic impact exceeding $1 billion annually for the Pee Dee region.
- The median household income in this jurisdiction is approximately $48,000, below the state average, with a poverty rate around 18%.
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. General Electric maintains a gas turbine manufacturing facility in nearby Greenville with supply chain connections throughout this area. The retail sector thrives along Interstate 95, with Florence serving as a major shopping destination for the region—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. The 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. The the area Economic Development Partnership actively recruits manufacturing, distribution, and logistics operations, leveraging the 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 comprehensive GIS mapping and deed search capabilities available free online.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Florence County
Explore public records for 9 cities and communities in Florence County, South Carolina.