Court records in Florence County, South Carolina, can be searched through several channels. FlorenceCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also search records through the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index, visit the Clerk of Court's office in person, or use public terminals at the Florence County Courthouse. Each method offers access to different record types depending on the court and case involved.
Florence Court System & Jurisdictions
Florence County has several courts, each handling specific case types. Knowing which court manages your case is the first step to finding the right docket.
- Circuit Court (Court of General Sessions & Court of Common Pleas) — General Sessions handles felony criminal cases. Common Pleas covers civil matters where the amount in controversy exceeds the magistrate court's jurisdictional limit, including contract disputes, personal injury claims, and real property actions.
- Family Court — Handles divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence cases. Many Family Court records are restricted from public access to protect minors and families.
- Probate Court — Manages estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health commitments. The Probate Court also issues marriage licenses.
- Magistrate Court — Hears criminal cases involving misdemeanors punishable by up to 30 days in jail or a $500 fine, civil cases up to $7,500, and preliminary hearings. Also handles minor traffic offenses.
- Municipal Court (City of Florence) — The City of Florence Municipal Court handles ordinance violations and traffic tickets issued within city limits by city police. Tickets issued by sheriff's deputies or Highway Patrol are directed to the Florence County Magistrate's Office.
Federal cases in the Florence area are handled by the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, which maintains a divisional office in Florence.
Florence Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find scheduled hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week in Florence County:
- Visit the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index and select Florence County.
- Search by party name or case number to locate a specific case and view any scheduled court dates.
- For General Sessions and Common Pleas calendars, the Florence County Clerk of Court's office publishes term rosters. Contact the office directly for the most current schedule.
Family Court and Probate Court calendars are typically available by contacting each court's office. Magistrate court schedules can be confirmed by calling the magistrate's office at the location where the case was filed.
Florence County Clerk of Court
For traffic ticket court dates and online payments, the State of South Carolina maintains a portal where you can select Florence County and look up your ticket.
How to Get a Copy of a Florence Court Document
The Florence County Clerk of Court is the custodian of Circuit Court records (both General Sessions and Common Pleas) and maintains the official case files. Here is how to obtain copies:
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies — Suitable for personal reference. Available at a lower cost.
- Certified copies — Bear the Clerk's official seal and signature. Required for legal proceedings, background checks, or filings in other courts.
How to Request
- In person — Visit the Clerk of Court at the Florence County Courthouse. Bring the case number or full party names to help staff locate the file.
- By mail — Send a written request with the case number, party names, the specific documents needed, and a check or money order for applicable fees to:
- Online — Basic case information can be viewed through the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index. However, certified copies generally must be obtained through the Clerk's office directly.
Other Record Types
- Probate records — Request through the Florence County Probate Court.
- Marriage and divorce certificates — Certified copies of marriage licenses may be obtained from the Probate Court. Divorce decrees are available from the Clerk of Court. Statewide vital records can also be requested through South Carolina Vital Records.
- Criminal background checks — For a statewide criminal history, submit a request through SLED CATCH (a $25 non-refundable fee applies).
Some records are restricted. Juvenile cases, sealed records, and certain Family Court files are not available to the general public. Ask the clerk whether a specific record is accessible before submitting a request.
Florence Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court documents in Florence County are set by South Carolina statute and Clerk of Court fee schedules. The following table reflects commonly applicable charges. Confirm current fees with the Clerk's office, as they may be updated periodically.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Search fee (per name) | $5.00 |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $1.00 per page plus certification fee |
| Certification / seal | $2.00 per document |
| SLED criminal background check | $25.00 (non-refundable) |
| Marriage license (Probate Court) | Contact Probate Court for current fee |
Accepted payment methods: The Clerk's office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders. For traffic tickets and certain court payments, online payment may be available through the state's online payment portal. Credit card acceptance may vary by office — call ahead to confirm.
Retention schedules for Florence County court records follow guidelines established by the SC Department of Archives and History. Older records may have been transferred to archives or microfilm, which can affect retrieval time and cost. If you need a record from a case filed many years ago, contact the Clerk's office to ask about availability before submitting payment.