Florence County Public Records /Florence County Inmate Search

Florence County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Florence County?

Inmate records in Florence County are official government documents maintained by the Florence County Detention Center and Sheriff's Office that document the custody status and personal information of individuals who have been arrested, booked, and detained within the county's correctional system. These records constitute an administrative history of an individual's time in custody, from initial booking through release.

Pursuant to South Carolina Code § 24-21-5, correctional facilities must maintain comprehensive records on all persons committed to their custody. These records differ from court records in several important ways:

Court records document judicial proceedings, charges, and case dispositions
Inmate records document physical custody, housing assignments, and institutional behavior
Court records are maintained by the Clerk of Court
Inmate records are maintained by detention facility administrators

The creation of inmate records begins at booking, when an individual is processed into the Florence County Detention Center. During this intake process, detention staff collect:

Biographical information
Photographs (mugshots)
Fingerprints
Medical screening information
Personal property inventory
Criminal charges

These records are continuously updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration to document housing assignments, disciplinary actions, medical treatments, court appearances, and other significant events. Upon release, the inmate record is completed with discharge information but remains on file with the Florence County Sheriff's Office.

Are Inmate Records Public In Florence County?

Inmate records in Florence County are partially public under South Carolina law. The South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) establishes the public's right to access government records, including certain information about individuals in custody. However, this access is limited by South Carolina Code § 30-4-40, which exempts personal privacy information and security-sensitive details from disclosure.

The following inmate record information is generally available to the public:

Full name and age of current inmates
Booking photographs (mugshots)
Current charges
Bond/bail amounts
Facility location
Booking date
Expected release date (if sentenced)
Court dates

Information that is typically restricted from public access includes:

Social Security numbers
Medical and mental health records
Disciplinary records
Detailed housing assignments
Personal contact information
Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)

The Florence County Detention Center maintains a publicly accessible inmate roster that provides basic information about currently incarcerated individuals. This roster is updated regularly and serves as the primary public interface for inmate status information.

What's Included Inmate Records in Florence County

Florence County inmate records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the county detention system. These records typically include:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Height, weight, and identifying marks
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints
State identification number
Booking number/inmate ID

Custody Information:

Date and time of booking
Arresting agency
Arresting officer
Reason for arrest
Housing assignment
Classification status
Disciplinary incidents
Visitation logs

Charge Information:

Current charges (misdemeanor or felony)
Warrant numbers
Case numbers
Charge status (pending, dismissed, convicted)
Charge severity

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (personal recognizance, surety, cash)
Bond amount
Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
Bondsman information (if applicable)

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Judge assigned
Scheduled court appearances
Court outcomes

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction date
Sentence length
Projected release date
Good time/work credits earned
Probation/parole eligibility dates

Release Information:

Release date and time
Release type (bond, time served, transfer)
Conditions of release (if applicable)
Post-release supervision requirements

Florence County Prison System

The Florence County correctional system operates under the authority of the Florence County Sheriff's Office, which maintains the Florence County Detention Center as the primary facility for housing pre-trial detainees and sentenced offenders serving terms of less than one year. This system functions as part of the broader South Carolina correctional framework established under South Carolina Code § 24-3-20.

The Florence County Detention Center primarily houses:

Individuals awaiting trial who have not posted bail
Persons serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions (up to 1 year)
Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
Persons held on probation/parole violations
Individuals detained on behalf of other jurisdictions

It is important to distinguish between the county detention system and the state prison system:

County detention centers house pre-trial detainees and those serving shorter sentences
State prisons house individuals convicted of felonies serving sentences longer than one year
County facilities are operated by the Sheriff's Office
State facilities are operated by the South Carolina Department of Corrections

Florence County Sheriff's Office
6719 Friendfield Road
Effingham, SC 29541
Phone: (843) 665-2121
Florence County Sheriff's Office

Types of Correctional Facilities In Florence County

Florence County maintains several types of correctional facilities to house individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process:

Florence County Detention Center
3891 E. Radio Drive
Florence, SC 29506
Phone: (843) 665-9944
Florence County Detention Center

The Florence County Detention Center serves as the main incarceration facility for the county, housing both male and female inmates. This medium-security facility has a capacity of approximately 700 inmates and provides:

Intake and booking services
Pre-trial detention
Sentenced inmate housing
Medical services
Commissary services
Visitation facilities
Educational programs
Religious services

Florence County Work Release Center
3841 E. Radio Drive
Florence, SC 29506
Phone: (843) 665-9944
Florence County Work Release Center

The Work Release Center houses minimum-security inmates who qualify for work release programs. These individuals:

Have been convicted of non-violent offenses
Are serving the final portion of their sentences
Maintain employment in the community during daytime hours
Return to secure custody during non-working hours

Florence County Juvenile Detention Center
181 N. Irby Street
Florence, SC 29501
Phone: (843) 665-3088
Florence County Juvenile Detention Center

This specialized facility houses juvenile offenders (under 17 years of age) who are awaiting adjudication or have been adjudicated for criminal offenses. The facility provides:

Secure detention
Educational services
Counseling
Family visitation
Coordination with Family Court services

Who's in Prison In Florence County

The Florence County Detention Center houses a diverse population of individuals who have entered the criminal justice system. The facility's population typically includes:

Pre-trial Detainees:

Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
Persons who have not posted bail or were denied bail
These detainees comprise approximately 60-70% of the jail population

Sentenced Offenders:

Individuals serving sentences of less than one year for misdemeanor convictions
Persons convicted of ordinance violations
Individuals serving time for probation violations
These offenders typically make up 20-30% of the jail population

Specialized Populations:

Federal detainees held through agreements with U.S. Marshals Service
Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
Persons held on immigration detainers
Individuals awaiting extradition to other jurisdictions

According to data from the South Carolina Department of Corrections, the most common offenses resulting in incarceration in Florence County include:

Drug possession and distribution
Driving under the influence
Theft and property crimes
Domestic violence
Probation/parole violations
Assault and battery

The demographic composition of the Florence County inmate population generally reflects broader incarceration patterns in South Carolina, with disproportionate representation of:

Males (approximately 85-90% of the population)
Individuals between 18-35 years of age
Economically disadvantaged persons
Those with substance abuse disorders
Individuals with mental health challenges

How To Search for Inmate Records In Florence County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Florence County may utilize several methods to access this information. The Florence County Sheriff's Office maintains current systems that allow for efficient record searches:

Online Inmate Search:

Visit the Florence County Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to the "Detention Center" section
Select "Inmate Search" from the available options
Enter the inmate's first and last name in the search fields
Review the results, which typically include:
- Current custody status
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Next court date

In-Person Record Requests:

Visit the Florence County Detention Center during administrative hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)
Complete an Inmate Record Request Form at the front desk
Provide identification and specify the records being requested
Pay any applicable fees for document reproduction
Records may be provided immediately or within 10 business days, pursuant to South Carolina Code § 30-4-30

Written Record Requests:

Submit a written request to: Florence County Detention Center Records Division
3891 E. Radio Drive
Florence, SC 29506
Include the following information:
- Inmate's full name
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate dates of incarceration
- Specific records requested
- Your contact information
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting return by mail
Allow 10-15 business days for processing

Telephone Inquiries:

Call the Florence County Detention Center at (843) 665-9944
Provide the inmate's full name and date of birth if known
Basic information such as custody status, charges, and bond amounts may be provided
Detailed records typically require written requests

How To Find an Inmate in Florence County for Free?

Florence County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals currently held in county detention facilities:

Florence County Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Locator:

Access the Florence County Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to the "Detention Center" section
Select the "Current Inmates" option
Enter the individual's name in the search field
The system will display current inmates matching the search criteria
Results include booking date, charges, and bond information

Telephone Verification:

Call the Florence County Detention Center at (843) 665-9944
Request the booking or records department
Provide the name of the person you are trying to locate
Staff can confirm if the individual is currently in custody
Basic information about charges and next court date may be provided

South Carolina Statewide Inmate Search:

Visit the South Carolina Department of Corrections Inmate Search
Enter the individual's name or SCDC number
This system will locate individuals who have been transferred to state custody
Results include current location and projected release date

Florence County Clerk of Court:

Contact the Florence County Clerk of Court at (843) 665-3031
Provide the individual's name
Court records may indicate if someone is in custody
Information about pending cases and court dates is available

In-Person Inquiry:

Visit the Florence County Detention Center during regular business hours
Speak with the reception desk staff
Provide the name of the person you are trying to locate
Staff can confirm custody status and provide visitation information

How To Visit an Inmate In Florence County

Visitation at the Florence County Detention Center is governed by established policies designed to maintain facility security while supporting inmate connections with family and community. All visits must comply with regulations established under South Carolina Code § 24-3-80.

Visit Rules and Procedures:

Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification
Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an approved adult visitor
Visitors must pass through security screening before each visit
Visitors with outstanding warrants or criminal histories may be denied entry

Visit Schedule:

General Population: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Maximum Security: Tuesday and Thursday, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Work Release: Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Visits are limited to 30 minutes per session
Inmates are allowed two visits per week

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification
Vehicle keys (to be stored in provided lockers)
Necessary medical items (with prior approval)
Baby care items if visiting with infant (limited to one clear bottle, one diaper, one small blanket)

What NOT to Bring:

Weapons of any kind
Tobacco products or electronic cigarettes
Cell phones or electronic devices
Food or beverages
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Cash exceeding $20
Medications (unless medically necessary and approved)

Dress Code:

Conservative attire required
No revealing clothing (no shorts above knee, no tank tops, no low-cut tops)
No clothing with offensive language or images
No gang-related colors or symbols
No uniforms resembling law enforcement or corrections staff
Shoes must be worn at all times
No hats or head coverings (except religious items)

Visit Types:

On-site video visitation (primary method)
Remote video visitation (available for fee through approved vendor)
Contact visits (limited to certain classifications with approval)
Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.)

Visit Restrictions:

Visitors appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination
Passing items to inmates is prohibited and may result in criminal charges
Visitors on probation or parole must have written permission from their supervising officer
Former inmates must wait 6 months after release before visiting

How To Send Money to a Florence County Inmate

Florence County Detention Center provides multiple methods for depositing funds into an inmate's account. These funds can be used for commissary purchases and other approved expenses.

In-Person Deposits:

Visit the Florence County Detention Center lobby kiosk
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Cash deposits accepted in exact amounts
Maximum deposit: $300 per transaction
Processing fee: $2.50 per transaction
Funds available in inmate account within 1 hour

Online Deposits:

Visit Access Corrections
Create an account or log in
Select "Florence County Detention Center"
Enter inmate information and deposit amount
Pay using credit/debit card or electronic check
Maximum deposit: $300 per transaction
Processing fee: $3.95 for deposits up to $20; $6.95 for deposits $20.01-$100; $9.95 for deposits $100.01-$300
Funds typically available within 24 hours

Telephone Deposits:

Call 1-866-345-1884
Follow automated prompts
Provide inmate information and payment details
Maximum deposit: $300 per transaction
Processing fee: $6.95-$9.95 depending on amount
Funds typically available within 24 hours

Mail Deposits:

Send money order only (no personal checks or cash)
Make payable to the inmate's full name and ID number
Mail to: Florence County Detention Center
Inmate Accounts
3891 E. Radio Drive
Florence, SC 29506
Maximum deposit: $500 per money order
No processing fee
Funds typically available within 3-5 business days

Amount Limits:

Maximum single deposit: $300 (electronic) or $500 (money order)
Maximum weekly deposit: $500 per inmate
Maximum monthly deposit: $1,500 per inmate

Approved Uses for Inmate Funds:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, clothing)
Telephone calls
Medical co-pays
Haircuts
Educational materials
Release funds

Prohibited Uses:

Transfer to other inmates
Payment for services from other inmates
Gambling activities
Purchase of contraband items
Payment of fines or restitution (separate process required)

How To Send Jail Mail In Florence County

The Florence County Detention Center has established specific procedures for sending mail to inmates. All correspondence must comply with facility regulations and South Carolina Department of Corrections Policy PS-10.08.

Regular Mail Guidelines:

Address envelopes with complete information: Inmate's Full Name and ID Number Florence County Detention Center 3891 E. Radio Drive Florence, SC 29506
Include your complete return address
Use white envelopes only
Letters must be written on white paper only
No colored paper, construction paper, or card stock
No perfume, lipstick, stickers, glitter, or other substances on mail
No polaroid photographs
Standard photographs limited to 4" x 6" (maximum of 5 per envelope)
No packages may be sent directly to inmates

Prohibited Mail Content:

Obscene or pornographic materials
Content that threatens or intimidates others
Information related to criminal activity
Gang-related content or symbols
Escape plans or security information
Coded messages
Cash, checks, or contraband
Excessive or oversized greeting cards
Items that cannot be searched effectively

Legal Mail:

Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
Must come directly from attorney, court, or legal organization
Will be opened in the presence of the inmate
Address as: Legal Mail: Inmate's Full Name and ID Number Florence County Detention Center 3891 E. Radio Drive Florence, SC 29506

Books and Publications:

Must be sent directly from publisher or approved vendor
Paperback books only (no hardcover)
Maximum of 3 books per mailing
Subject to review for appropriate content
Religious texts are permitted but subject to same security review

E-Messages:

Available through Access Corrections
Create an account and select Florence County Detention Center
Cost: $0.50 per message
Maximum length: 2,000 characters
Messages screened by staff before delivery
Typically delivered within 24-48 hours

Mail Processing Times:

Incoming mail is processed Monday-Friday (excluding holidays)
Mail is typically delivered to inmates within 24-48 hours after receipt
All non-legal mail is opened and inspected before delivery
Prohibited items will be returned to sender or discarded
Mail from unknown senders may be rejected

Lookup Inmate Records in Florence County

Florence County Sheriff's Office Florence County Detention Center South Carolina Department of Corrections South Carolina Judicial Branch Florence County Clerk of Court