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Florence County, South Carolina State Court Records

Court records contain details collected and recorded throughout a legal case. The clerk’s office is responsible for organizing and preserving these materials. Members of the public request court records for various purposes, such as personal use or to track the progress of a case.

Access to court records is regulated by specific laws. Established court rules serve as the primary legal authority, outlining how these records are created, managed, and made available. Other statutes, like the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), also apply. In general, court records, like other government documents (e.g., arrest and criminal records), are open to the public, though access may be subject to certain legal limits.

Are Florence County Court Records Public?

Yes. The judiciary in Florence County is generally covered by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). As a general rule, court records may be inspected and copied by members of the public. This reflects the principle that court proceedings should remain open and subject to public oversight.

That said, access is not without restriction. Records may be withheld where a court rule, court order, or law bars their release, or where disclosure could threaten a person’s safety or privacy.

For example, pursuant to Rule 41-2, certain personal details must be removed from court filings before they are made available. This includes the names of minors, passport numbers, driver’s license numbers, personal identification numbers, and any confidential access codes or passwords.

Rule 41-1, on the other hand, states the conditions under which a court record may be sealed. A record is not sealed as a matter of course; there must be a clear and lawful basis. Typically, the court must be satisfied that restricting access is necessary to protect compelling interests.

What Information is Available in Florence County Court Records?

When conducting a Florence court records search, the level of detail available depends on the channel through which the record is reviewed or obtained. Online searches usually provide case summaries, while in-person requests may allow access to full case files.

Court records typically include details such as the names of the parties, the case classification, case number, filing date, status, disposition date, record type, the court handling the matter, case category, assigned judge, and key hearing dates. The records also include all related filings, including pleadings, motions, and judgments.

Florence County Court Records Search

Court records in Florence can be obtained through official channels of the judiciary. These channels enable the public to search for or review case information as needed.

  • Online Access: The state judiciary provides a public case search system that allows users to look up court records. To narrow results, users can select criteria such as court type, court agency, case type, subtype, or action type, then enter identifying details, such as a name or case number. Online results typically show basic case information rather than full documents.
  • In-Person Access: Individuals who prefer direct access can visit the Clerk of Court or the courthouse where the case was handled. For matters under specialized courts, such as Family Court or Probate Court, requests should be made at the specific court location.

At the courthouse, a search can be requested using details such as a party’s name, case number, or an approximate filing date. The provision of more information helps individuals locate records faster. On-site access may include documents not available online, and staff can assist if needed. Viewing records in person is usually free, but copies may require a fee.

  • Mail Requests: Written requests may be sent to the Clerk of Court or the relevant courthouse. The request should bear key details such as the parties’ names, the case number (if known), and any other identifying information. A properly addressed and stamped return envelope should also be included. Fees usually apply for copies, so the request should be accompanied by the required payment.

Fees for Court Records in Florence County

Fees for court records in Florence vary based on the type of record requested and the office handling the request. Common charges include

  • $20 for an exemplified or authenticated copy
  • $5 per document for a certified copy
  • $2 for a record search (per name, per year)
  • 10 cents per page for standard (uncertified) copies

Actual costs differ depending on the request and the department involved.

Florence County Courthouse Locations

Florence County’s court system is divided into courts with general authority and those with more specific, limited powers. The level of authority determines the types of cases each court can hear.

The Circuit Court operates as a court of general jurisdiction. It includes the Court of Common Pleas, which deals with civil disputes, and the Court of General Sessions, which handles criminal matters. These divisions preside over major civil and criminal cases and also review decisions from lower courts.

Courts of limited jurisdiction handle more specialized matters. The Family Court addresses domestic issues such as divorce and child support. The Probate Court manages matters related to estates, including wills and the administration of a deceased person’s property. The Magistrate Court hears minor civil disputes, traffic offenses, and certain criminal cases. The Municipal Court deals with misdemeanors, traffic violations, and violations of local ordinances.

Court locations in Florence County include

Circuit Court

Florence County Circuit Court

City-County Complex

181 North Irby Street

Florence, SC 29501

Phone: (843) 665-3031

Fax: (843) 665-3097

Family Court

Florence County Family Court

City-County Complex

181 North Irby Street

Florence, SC 29501

Phone: (843) 665-3096

Fax: (843) 662-6165

Probate Court

Florence County Probate Court

City-County Complex

181 North Irby Street

Suite 1300

Florence, SC 29501

Phone: (843) 665-3085

Fax: (843) 665-3068

Magistrate Courts in Florence County

Florence County Magistrate Court - Effingham

6719 Friendfield Road

Effingham, SC 29541

Phone: (843) 665-6690

Fax: (843) 629-9970

Florence County Magistrate Court - Florence

180 North Irby StreetMSC-W

Florence, SC 29501

Phone: (843) 665-0031

Fax: (843) 661-7800

Florence County Magistrate Court - Johnsonville

114 West Broadway Street

Johnsonville, SC 29555

Phone: (843) 380-9211

Fax: (843) 380-9411

Florence County Magistrate Court - Lake City

345 Ron McNair Boulevard

Lake City, SC 29560

Phone: (843) 394-5461

Fax: (843) 394-3865

Florence County Magistrate Court - Olanta

220 East Main Street

Olanta, SC 29114

Phone: (843) 396-9056

Fax: (843) 369-9406

Florence County Magistrate Court - Pamplico

124 East 3rd Avenue

Pamplico, SC 29583

Phone: (843) 493-0072

Fax: (843) 493-5391

Florence County Magistrate Court - Timmonsville

307 East Smith Street

Timmonsville, SC 29161

Phone: (843) 346-7472

Fax: (843) 346-0660

Municipal Courts

Coward Municipal Court

3720 US Highway 52

Coward, SC 29530

Phone: (843) 389-2585

Fax: (843) 389-1981

Florence Municipal Court

City Center

324 West Evans Street

Florence, SC 29501

Phone: (843) 665-3148

Fax: (843) 665-3251

Johnsonville Municipal Court

111 West Broadway Street

Johnsonville, SC 29555

Phone: (843) 386-3500

Fax: (843) 386-3423

Lake City Municipal Court

202 Kelley Street

Lake City, SC 29560

Phone: (843) 394-5421

Fax: (843) 394-5742

Olanta Municipal Court

365 North Magnolia Street

Olanta, SC 29114

Phone: (843) 396-4301

Fax: (843) 396-4414

Pamplico Municipal Court

201 River Road

Pamplico, SC 29583

Phone: (843) 493-5551

Fax: (843) 493-5013

Quinby Municipal Court

611 East Ashby Road

Quinby, SC 29506

Phone: (843) 669-3820

Fax: (843) 669-1004

Scranton Municipal Court

Highway 52

Scranton, SC 29591

Phone: (843) 389-2222

Timmonsville Municipal Court

117 East Main Street

Timmonsville, SC 29161

Phone: (843) 346-7492

Fax: (843) 346-7965

Criminal Records Access in Florence County

Members of the public may request access to an individual’s criminal history, including information on arrests, charges, and prosecutions. These records are not maintained by the courts. Instead, they are handled by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), which serves as the central agency for collecting and releasing statewide criminal history information. Requests typically require basic identifying details about the individual and may involve a processing fee.

If the request is for court case records, such as filings, motions, hearings, and final judgments related to a specific criminal case, the appropriate point of contact is the clerk of the court where the case was filed. Court clerks manage and preserve these records and can provide sought-after records to requesters. Requests may be submitted by mail or in person at the courthouse. In-person visits are often advised when one is searching for older or more detailed files that may not be available digitally.

For those who prefer not to visit a courthouse, many records can be searched online through the state’s judiciary’s case management system. This platform allows users to look up cases by entering details such as a party’s name.

Florence County Probate Records

Florence County probate records trace what happened in court when a deceased person’s estate was administered. These files show how an estate was handled, who was responsible for managing it, and how property or assets were distributed. In Florence, all probate proceedings are heard by the Probate Court. The same court handles marriage licenses, certain trust matters, guardianships/conservatorships, and involuntary commitment cases tied to mental health or substance use.

While many probate records are available to the general public, some are withheld, especially when they include sensitive personal or medical details.

Using the court’s case managementsystem, one can locate estate records and marriage licenses. Nevertheless, visiting the courthouse provides access to more detailed documents, including records that do not appear online or are subject to viewing restrictions.

Florence County Family Court Records

Florence County operates a dedicated Family Court that handles domestic matters. Documents produced and filed during these proceedings constitute family court records. While some of these records are restricted, others are available to the public through approved access methods.

Online: The South Carolina Department of Social Services provides an online database for viewing family case information, separate from the judiciary’s general case management system. This platform allows users to look up certain family law matters, including divorce, child support, annulment, paternity, name changes, domestic violence, and child visitation.

In Person: Records may also be obtained by visiting the courthouse during business hours. This option is often useful for older files, certified copies, or documents with limited access. Requesters are typically required to provide specific details to locate the records.

By Mail: Requests can also be submitted by mail. Written applications should include relevant case information, along with any required fees, and be sent directly to the Family Court.

Federal Court Records in Florence County

Federal cases in Florence County fall under the authority of the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. This court hears such matters and keeps the official case records. These records can be accessed in person at the federal clerk’s office, by mail, or through remote services.

Records held by the district court clerk are typically located using a case number. If the number is unknown, a name-based search of the party index can be used to find it. This type of search carries a fee.

There are a few ways to obtain federal court records:

  • Online: The Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system provides access to civil cases filed from 1990 onward and criminal cases from 1992 onward.
  • Clerk’s Office: Records dating from 1982 to the present can be reviewed at the clerk’s office.
  • Archived Records: Older files are stored at the Federal Records Center and can be requested from the facility.