About Florence County
County Seat
the City of Florence
Established
1888
Named After
Florence County Harllee
Population
136,921 residents
Area
804 square miles
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 municipality 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 County Recorder 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.
180 North Irby Street, Room 101, Florence, SC 29501
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- § 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.
3021 Lucas Street, Florence, SC 29501
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
- The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division provides additional resources for residents seeking full background information.
Arrest Records
- 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 bond process in South Carolina allows for cash or surety bonds, which can be arranged through the detention center or a licensed bail bondsman.
Courts & Case Records
- 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.
180 North Irby Street, Florence, SC 29501
Property & Public Records
Property records for Florence County, South Carolina are maintained by the Florence County Register of Deeds. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Florence County.
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- 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.
2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201
180 North Irby Street, Room 302, Florence, SC 29501
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- This database includes entity status, registered agent information, filing dates, and principal office addresses.
180 North Irby Street, Florence, SC 29501
324 West Evans Street, Florence County, SC 29501
Official Government Resources
South Carolina Birth RecordsRequest copies of birth records from the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control.
South Carolina Business & Corporation SearchFind active and inactive corporations by name from the SC Secretary of State.
South Carolina Death RecordsRequest copies of death records from the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control.
South Carolina Death RowInformation from the SC Dept. of Corrections on death row inmates.
South Carolina Federal CasesSearch the US District Court of SC to find information and public records on federal case filings.
South Carolina Marriage SearchRequest a copy of a marriage certificates from the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control.
South Carolina Unclaimed PropertySearch property and claim status by individual name or business through the state treasurer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Florence County, South Carolina?
To search for someone recently arrested in Florence County, you can use the Florence County Detention Center's online inmate lookup tool. The Detention Center is located at 6719 Friendfield Road, Effingham, SC. You can also contact the facility directly at (843) 665-9944 for more information about recent arrests and inmate status.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Florence County, South Carolina?
Mugshots and booking photos in Florence County can be obtained from the Florence County Sheriff's Office. They may be available through the Sheriff's Office website or by visiting the office at 6719 Friendfield Road, Effingham, SC. For online access, check the county Sheriff's Office portal for any available public records or contact them at (843) 665-2121.
How do I get a criminal background check in Florence County, South Carolina?
To obtain a criminal background check in Florence County, you can request a check through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). You can apply online via the SLED CATCH portal or visit the Florence County Sheriff's Office for assistance. Ensure you have the necessary identification and any applicable fees ready when making your request.
How can I look up sex offenders in Florence County, South Carolina?
You can look up sex offenders in Florence County by accessing the South Carolina Sex Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and provides an online search tool. You can search by name, address, or geographic area to find registered sex offenders in Florence County.
How do I register to vote in Florence County, South Carolina?
You can register to vote in Florence County through the South Carolina Election Commission's online registration system at www.scvotes.gov/OVR, in person at the Florence County Board of Voter Registration and Elections at 180 North Irby Street, Suite 135, Florence, SC 29501, or by mail. You must register at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. Absentee ballot applications are available through the Voter Registration office and must be submitted by the Friday before Election Day, with early in-person absentee voting available 30 days before Election Day.
How do I look up property records in Florence County, South Carolina?
Property records in Florence County can be searched through the Florence County Register of Deeds at www.florenceco.org, which offers free online access to recorded deeds, mortgages, plat maps, and liens dating back to 1888. The this county Assessor's Office provides a free GIS mapping system searchable by owner name, address, or parcel number, displaying property boundaries, assessed values, tax information, and ownership history. For certified copies of documents or in-person assistance, visit the Register of Deeds office at 180 North Irby Street, Room 101, Florence, SC 29501, phone (843) 665-3035.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Florence County, South Carolina?
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Florence County are issued by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Office of Vital Records, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Certified copies cost $17.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for additional copies ordered simultaneously, with processing times typically 2-3 weeks by mail. You can order online through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com for expedited service with additional fees. Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of eligibility under South Carolina law, which restricts access to immediate family members and those with a direct legal interest.
How do I find business license records in Florence County, South Carolina?
Business licenses in Florence County are issued by individual municipalities, the City of Florence Business License Division at 324 West Evans Street handles licenses for businesses within city limits, phone (843) 665-3113. Fictitious name (DBA) registrations are filed with the Florence County Clerk of Court at 180 North Irby Street. For business entity information including corporations and LLCs, search the South Carolina Secretary of State's Business Entities Online database at www.scsos.com, which provides free access to registered business names, registered agents, filing dates, and entity status for all businesses registered in South Carolina.