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Florence County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Florence County?

Public records in Florence County are defined according to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically under § 30-4-20(c), as "all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, films, sound recordings, magnetic or other tapes, electronic data-processing records, data processing software, and other material prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by a public body." These records document the activities and operations of government agencies serving Florence County residents.

Florence County maintains numerous categories of public records, including:

  • Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases accessible through the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index
  • Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, and property assessments
  • Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
  • Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business name registrations
  • Tax Records: Property tax information and assessment records
  • Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data and election results
  • Meeting Minutes and Agendas: County commission and board proceedings
  • Budget and Financial Documents: County expenditures and financial reports
  • Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs and incident reports (with statutory limitations)
  • Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, zoning maps, and building permits

The Florence County Clerk of Court maintains court records, while the Register of Deeds handles property records. Vital records are primarily maintained by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). The Florence County Treasurer's Office manages tax records, and the Florence County Election Commission oversees voting records.

Is Florence County an Open Records County?

Florence County fully complies with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified under § 30-4-10 through § 30-4-165 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. This comprehensive statute establishes the public's right to access government records throughout the state, including Florence County.

The law explicitly states in § 30-4-15 that "it is vital in a democratic society that public business be performed in an open and public manner so that citizens shall be advised of the performance of public officials and of the decisions that are reached in public activity and in the formulation of public policy."

Florence County adheres to these transparency principles by maintaining accessible public records and following established procedures for record requests. The county also complies with South Carolina's open meetings laws, often referred to as "sunshine laws," which require that most government meetings be conducted openly with proper public notice.

Florence County has implemented specific policies to facilitate public access to records while maintaining compliance with state law. These policies are designed to balance the public's right to information with privacy protections and practical considerations regarding record maintenance and retrieval.

How to Find Public Records in Florence County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Florence County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they require:

  1. Visit the appropriate county office in person:

    • Identify which department maintains the records you seek
    • Bring identification and any relevant information to help locate specific records
    • Be prepared to complete a records request form

  2. Submit a written request:

    • Address your request to the specific department holding the records
    • Clearly describe the records sought with as much detail as possible
    • Include your contact information for follow-up communications

  3. Access online resources:

  4. Submit a FOIA request:

    • Prepare a written request citing the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act
    • Be specific about the records you seek
    • Submit to the Florence County Clerk's Office or the specific department custodian

For court records, contact:

Florence County Clerk of Court
180 N. Irby Street, MSC-E
Florence, SC 29501
843-665-3031
Florence County Clerk of Court

For property records, contact:

Florence County Register of Deeds
180 N. Irby Street, MSC-E
Florence, SC 29501
843-665-3031
Florence County Register of Deeds

For vital records, contact:

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
803-898-3432
South Carolina Vital Records

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Florence County?

Florence County assesses fees for public records in accordance with § 30-4-30(B) of the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, which permits agencies to charge "reasonable fees" for the search, retrieval, and redaction of records, as well as for providing copies.

Current standard fees in Florence County include:

  • Copy fees: $0.25 per page for standard black and white copies
  • Search and retrieval fees: $15.00 per hour after the first hour (first hour is typically free)
  • Electronic records: $10.00 per CD/DVD or USB drive provided by the county
  • Certified copies: Additional $5.00 per document for certification

Specific record types may have statutorily defined fees:

  • Birth certificates: $12.00 for the first copy, $3.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
  • Death certificates: $12.00 for the first copy, $3.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
  • Marriage licenses: $35.00 application fee plus $6.00 for certified copies
  • Deed recordings: $10.00 for the first page, $5.00 for each additional page

Florence County accepts payment by cash, check, money order, and in some departments, credit/debit cards. Checks should be made payable to "Florence County Treasurer" unless otherwise specified.

The South Carolina FOIA provides that agencies may require a deposit not exceeding 25% of the total anticipated cost for reproduction of records if the anticipated cost exceeds $100.00. Fee waivers may be granted when the county determines that furnishing the information primarily benefits the general public.

Does Florence County Have Free Public Records?

Florence County provides free inspection of non-exempt public records during normal business hours at the office where such records are maintained, as required by § 30-4-30(A) of the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. While physical copies typically incur fees, several free options exist for accessing public information:

  • In-person inspection: Members of the public may examine records at no cost by visiting the appropriate county office during regular business hours

  • Online resources: Florence County and the State of South Carolina provide several free online record access points:

  • Public terminals: Computer terminals are available at the Florence County Courthouse and public libraries for accessing certain digital records at no charge

  • Public notices: Legal notices, meeting announcements, and certain government proceedings are published in local newspapers and on official bulletin boards at no cost to the viewer

While inspection is free, requestors should note that fees may still apply for copies, certified documents, or extensive search and retrieval services as outlined in the county's fee schedule.

Who Can Request Public Records in Florence County?

Under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act § 30-4-30(A), "any person has a right to inspect, copy, or receive an electronic transmission of any public record of a public body" subject to the provisions of the law. This broad eligibility extends to:

  • South Carolina residents
  • Non-residents of South Carolina
  • Business entities
  • Media organizations
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Government agencies

For most public records in Florence County, requestors:

  • Are not required to state the purpose of their request
  • Do not need to demonstrate a "need to know" or special interest
  • Are not required to identify themselves, though providing contact information is necessary for record delivery
  • May make anonymous requests for in-person inspection, though identification may be required for certain restricted records

Certain record types have specific eligibility restrictions:

  • Vital records (birth, death certificates): Only the person named in the record, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a demonstrable legal interest may obtain copies, per § 44-63-84
  • Criminal history information: Complete criminal histories are restricted to authorized agencies and the subject of the record
  • Juvenile records: Generally confidential with access limited to the juvenile, parents/guardians, and authorized officials
  • Medical records: Protected under HIPAA and state privacy laws

When requesting your own records versus those of others, different identification requirements may apply. For personal records, government-issued photo identification is typically required to verify identity and prevent unauthorized disclosure of private information.

What Records Are Confidential in Florence County?

While Florence County strives for transparency, certain records are exempt from disclosure under § 30-4-40 of the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. These confidential records include:

  • Personal privacy information: Social Security numbers, personal financial information, medical records, and other personally identifying information that would constitute an unreasonable invasion of privacy
  • Law enforcement records: Information that would interfere with a prospective law enforcement proceeding, deprive a person of a right to a fair trial, constitute an unreasonable invasion of privacy, or reveal confidential informants
  • Juvenile records: Records related to juvenile offenders, except as specifically authorized by the court
  • Sealed court records: Records sealed by judicial order, including certain expunged criminal records and sealed adoption proceedings
  • Attorney-client privileged communications: Legal advice and communications between county officials and their attorneys
  • Trade secrets and proprietary information: Confidential business information submitted to government agencies
  • Security information: Details about security systems, emergency response plans, and critical infrastructure
  • Personnel records: Employee personnel files, including performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and personal information (with limited exceptions for certain salary information)
  • Tax return information: Individual and business tax returns and related documents
  • Ongoing procurement documents: Information related to ongoing competitive bidding until final award
  • Test questions and answers: Examination data used for employment or academic testing

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services maintains certain confidential environmental records, though many environmental documents are publicly accessible.

When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, § 30-4-40(B) requires that the exempt material be redacted and the remainder of the record be released. Florence County applies a balancing test when considering discretionary exemptions, weighing the public interest in disclosure against privacy interests and potential harm from release.

Florence County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Florence County Register of Deeds
180 N. Irby Street, MSC-E
Florence, SC 29501
843-665-3031
Florence County Register of Deeds

Regular Office Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
County Holidays: Closed

The Florence County Register of Deeds serves as the official custodian of land records for Florence County. This office is responsible for recording, indexing, and maintaining documents related to real property transactions within the county, including:

  • Deeds
  • Mortgages
  • Liens
  • Plats
  • Easements
  • Rights-of-way
  • Military discharge papers (DD-214)
  • Business name registrations (DBA/Fictitious Names)

The Register of Deeds maintains records dating back to the county's formation and provides public access to these documents in accordance with state law. Staff members are available during regular business hours to assist with record searches and to provide certified copies of recorded documents.

Researchers may conduct searches in person using the public access terminals available in the office. Many recent records are also available through the office's online search portal, though some older records may only be accessible in person.

For questions regarding specific recording requirements or document preparation, contact the office directly during regular business hours.

Lookup Public Records in Florence County

South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index

South Carolina Public Sex Offender Registry

Vital Records | South Carolina Department of Public Health

United States District Court for the District of South Carolina

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division

South Carolina Department of Environmental Services: Home

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