Florence County Court Records Search
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Florence County sits in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina and belongs to the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. The county’s court system includes the Circuit Court — divided into the Court of Common Pleas (civil) and the Court of General Sessions (criminal) — along with a Family Court, Probate Court, several Magistrate Courts, and multiple Municipal Courts. The Florence County Clerk of Court oversees record-keeping for the General Sessions, Common Pleas, Family Court, and Register of Deeds divisions, with the office located at the James Schofield Judicial Center at 181 N. Irby Street in Florence. The Probate Court operates its own records system for estates, wills, guardianships, and marriage licenses.
Residents and researchers looking for court records in South Carolina can access information through several official channels. The South Carolina Judicial Branch maintains a statewide case records search system that provides electronic access to trial court dockets, and the Public Index allows name-based and case number searches for Florence County specifically. Additional judicial resources, court forms, and court directories are available through SouthCarolinaCourts.us. Between these online tools, the local clerk’s offices, and public access terminals at the courthouse, most publicly available case information can be located without specialized assistance.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Florence County?
Florence County provides online, in-person, and mail-based methods for locating court records. The appropriate approach depends on the type of case and whether you need copies or simply want to review docket information.
Online Searches
Two primary online resources cover Florence County court records:
- South Carolina Public Index — The Public Index hosted by the South Carolina Judicial Department allows free searches of General Sessions, Common Pleas, Family Court, and some Magistrate and Municipal Court case records. Search by party name, case number, or other identifying details.
- SC Judicial Branch Case Records Search — The statewide case records search page provides a portal to Florence County records, organized by circuit and county number (Florence is Circuit 12, County 21).
- Probate Court Records — Probate case records, including marriage licenses, can be searched separately through the South Carolina Probate Search website using a case number or party name.
In-Person Requests
Walk-in visits can be made at the Clerk of Court’s office or at the specific courthouse where the case was filed. Researchers should bring as much identifying information as possible, including case numbers, party names, and approximate filing dates. A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request may be required for certain records.
Florence County Clerk of Court
Address: 181 N. Irby Street, Suite 1100, Florence, SC 29501
Phone: (843) 665-3031
Fax: (843) 665-3097
Mail Requests
Written record requests can be mailed to the Clerk of Court at the address above. Include full party names, case number if known, the type of record sought, and payment for applicable fees. Checks should be made payable to the Florence County Clerk of Court.
Are Court Records Public in Florence County?
The South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code § 30-4-10 et seq.) establishes the public’s right to inspect, copy, or receive electronic transmission of public records maintained by government bodies, including courts. Under this statute, court clerks are required to provide reasonable means for the public to access court documents.
Most case filings in the General Sessions, Common Pleas, and Probate courts are public records. Docket sheets, complaints, indictments, pleas, orders, decrees, and judgments are generally accessible to anyone upon request.
Records Restricted from Public Access
The FOIA carves out specific exemptions, and Florence County courts restrict access to the following categories:
- Adoption records
- Juvenile case records
- Sealed case records
- Dismissed warrants
- Records containing private personal information (Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, financial account details)
- Records whose disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Documents shielded by specific court order
Confidential details are redacted before records are placed on public databases. Accessing non-public records requires authorization from a court judge or other competent authority and is typically limited to case participants, their attorneys, and their authorized designees.
South Carolina law also prohibits the inclusion of Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, state identification numbers, and financial account numbers in documents prepared for filing in official court records.
Florence County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Florence County are adjudicated based on severity. The Court of General Sessions handles felonies such as murder, robbery, burglary, and drug trafficking, along with certain serious misdemeanors. The county’s Magistrate Courts handle lesser misdemeanors, including traffic violations and petty theft. The Florence County Clerk of Court maintains criminal case records for the General Sessions division.
Searching Criminal Case Records
Criminal case docket information can be searched online through the Public Index. Court dockets published by the Twelfth Circuit Solicitor’s Office also provide scheduling information for General Sessions cases. For copies of specific records, contact the Clerk of Court directly or visit the courthouse.
Clerk of Court — General Sessions Division
Address: 181 N. Irby Street, Suite 1100, Florence, SC 29501
Phone: (843) 665-3079
Florence County Sheriff’s Office
The Florence County Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency for the county and maintains arrest records, incident reports, sex offender data, and incarceration information. These records are separate from court records.
Florence County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 6719 Friendfield Road, Effingham, SC 29541
Phone: (843) 665-2121
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Statewide Criminal Background Checks
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) operates the Citizens Access to Criminal Histories (CATCH) system for statewide name-based criminal background checks. Each search costs $25.00, plus a $1.00 convenience fee for online requests. Payment can be made by credit card, money order, or check. Charitable organizations approved by SLED may qualify for a reduced fee of $8.00 per search.
Florence County Civil Court Records
Civil matters exceeding $7,500 in controversy are heard by the Court of Common Pleas, which is a division of the Florence County Circuit Court. Cases involving smaller amounts may fall under Magistrate Court jurisdiction. Civil case types include personal injury lawsuits, contract disputes, property disputes, evictions, and other non-criminal litigation.
Accessing Civil Court Records
Civil case records can be searched online through the Public Index. The Clerk of Court’s office also maintains physical files that can be inspected during business hours. To request copies, submit a FOIA request at the clerk’s office with sufficient identifying information about the case.
Clerk of Court — Common Pleas Division
Address: 181 N. Irby Street, Suite 1100, Florence, SC 29501
Phone: (843) 665-3031
Fax: (843) 665-3097
Magistrate Courts
Florence County operates seven Magistrate Courts across the county that handle civil claims within their monetary jurisdiction, as well as summary criminal offenses and landlord-tenant matters. Key locations include:
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Florence Magistrate | 180 N. Irby Street, MSC-W, Florence, SC 29501 | (843) 665-0031 |
| Effingham Magistrate | 6719 Friendfield Road, Effingham, SC 29541 | (843) 665-6690 |
| Lake City Magistrate | 345 Ron McNair Blvd., Lake City, SC 29560 | (843) 394-5461 |
| Johnsonville Magistrate | 114 W. Broadway St., Johnsonville, SC 29555 | (843) 380-9211 |
| Timmonsville Magistrate | 307 E. Smith Street, Timmonsville, SC 29161 | (843) 346-7472 |
| Pamplico Magistrate | 124 E. 3rd Avenue, Pamplico, SC 29583 | (843) 493-0072 |
| Olanta Magistrate | 220 E. Main Street, Olanta, SC 29114 | (843) 396-9056 |
Records for cases filed in Magistrate Courts should be requested directly from the court where the case was heard.
Property Records
Property records such as deeds, liens, mortgages, and plats are maintained by the Register of Deeds Division, which falls under the Clerk of Court’s office. A free property record search portal allows online searches by grantor or grantee name. Property tax information is available through the county’s Tax Inquiry system.
Florence County Family Court Records
The Florence County Family Court has exclusive jurisdiction over family law matters, including divorce, legal separation, child custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, adoption, guardianship, juvenile delinquency, name changes, and domestic violence protective orders. The court operates within the Florence County Judicial Center, and all associated records are kept by the Clerk of Court’s Family Court division.
Florence County Family Court
Address: 181 N. Irby Street, Suite 2700, Florence, SC 29501
Phone: (843) 665-3096
Fax: (843) 662-6165
Searching Family Court Records
Family court case records can be searched through the Public Index and through the South Carolina Judicial Branch’s family court records search. Contact the Clerk of Court’s office for copies or to inspect files in person.
Confidentiality Restrictions
Family court records carry heightened privacy protections compared to other case types. Adoption records, juvenile delinquency records, and domestic violence victim information are typically sealed or restricted from public access. A researcher seeking non-public family records must demonstrate proof of involvement in the case, a familial relationship with the parties, or other legitimate interest, and may need a court order.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses in Florence County are issued by the Florence County Probate Court. Both parties must appear together at the Probate Court’s marriage license office to file an application. Applications are accepted Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. A 24-hour waiting period applies after the application is filed before the license can be picked up.
Marriage License Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Marriage license — SC residents | $100.00 |
| Marriage license — out-of-state residents | $150.00 |
| Marriage license correction | $6.75 |
| Marriage license re-issuance | $6.75 |
| Marriage certificate (copy paper) | $10.00 |
| Marriage certificate (gold/silver certificate paper) | $20.00 |
| Marriage certificate (1991–present) | $10.00 (copy) or $20.00 (certificate) |
| Marriage certificate (1911–1990) | $25.00 research fee + $10.00 or $20.00 |
| Certified copy of marriage license | $25.00 research fee + $5.00 per copy |
| Proof of marriage affidavit | $100.00 |
| Single status letter | $50.00 |
Certified copies can also be ordered online through the South Carolina Probate Search website, or by contacting the marriage license clerk at (843) 665-3085 ext. 6.
Marriage License Office
Address: James Schofield Judicial Center, 181 N. Irby Street, Suite 1300, Florence, SC 29501
Divorce Records
Divorce records are maintained by the Family Court division of the Clerk of Court. The South Carolina Department of Public Health also holds marriage records for events from July 1950 through December 2023 and can provide certified copies. Requests can be directed to DHEC Vital Records, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201, or by phone at (803) 898-3630.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are maintained by the Vital Records Division of the South Carolina Department of Public Health — not the courts. Birth certificates are available to the record subject, parents named on the certificate, legal guardians, and authorized legal representatives. Death certificates are limited to immediate family members and legal representatives; third parties may obtain a statement confirming the death. Requests can be submitted online, by mail, by phone, or in person. Fees vary from approximately $3.00 to $17.00 depending on the request method and record type.
Florence County Probate Court Records
The Florence County Probate Court has jurisdiction over estates of deceased persons, wills, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, involuntary mental and chemical dependency commitments, and the issuance of marriage licenses. The Honorable Jesse S. Cartrette, Jr. serves as the Probate Judge.
Court Location
Florence County Probate Court
Address: James Schofield Judicial Center, 181 N. Irby Street, Suite 1300, Florence, SC 29501
Phone: (843) 665-3085
Fax: (843) 665-3068
Searching Probate Records
Probate case records are available online at no cost through the South Carolina Probate Search website. Users can search by case number, or by any combination of last name, first name, and middle name. A percent sign (%) can be used as a wildcard in front of search criteria for partial matches. The site provides access to case information, including estates, guardianships, and conservatorships filed in Florence County.
For physical copies or records not yet digitized, visit the Probate Court clerk’s office during regular business hours or contact them by phone. Searches at the clerk’s office may involve a fee.
Types of Probate Records
The Probate Court maintains records for decedent estates (both testate and intestate), wills lodged for safekeeping, trust administration cases, guardianship petitions and orders, conservatorship proceedings, involuntary commitment orders, and ancillary administration of estates originally probated in other jurisdictions. Statewide probate court forms published by the South Carolina Judicial Branch are available for filings related to estates, guardianships, and conservatorships.
Appeals from Probate Court
Decisions of the Probate Court may be appealed to the Florence County Circuit Court. Records of appealed cases will appear in both the Probate Court’s files and the Circuit Court’s docket system.