Florence County SC Court Records are maintained by the Clerk of Court’s office under the leadership of elected official Doris Poulos O’Hara. Located at 180 North Irby Street in Florence, SC 29501, this office manages one of South Carolina’s most comprehensive public record systems. The records span civil, criminal, family law, probate, and small claims cases dating back to 1995, with real property documents like deeds and mortgages available from the early 1900s. Vital records—including birth, death, and marriage certificates—are accessible from 1945 onward through state partnerships. The office operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering secure document retrieval stations and phone support at (843) 665-3031.
How to Search Florence County SC Court Records Online
The county provides a free online portal that indexes all court filings from 1972 to present. Users can search by case number, party name, or filing date to find civil complaints, criminal indictments, probate wills, and appellate briefs. Each record includes downloadable PDFs of motions, judgments, and transcripts bearing official seals and judicial signatures. Sealed or expunged cases appear only as summaries to protect privacy while maintaining transparency. The system also flags active warrants, protective orders, and pending hearings. For faster access, the portal supports filters by case type, status, and court division. A separate docket database managed by the Solicitor’s Office updates hourly with scheduled hearings, jury trials, and status conferences. This tool lets users track criminal, traffic, and small claims matters by defendant name or offense type. Each entry shows courtroom location, presiding judge, and expected duration. The portal also links to victim assistance services and provides direct contact for legal aid referrals. 
Types of Records Available in Florence County
Florence County SC Court Records include five main categories: civil, criminal, family, probate, and small claims. Civil records cover lawsuits, contract disputes, and property damage claims. Criminal records list arrests, charges, dispositions, and sentencing details unless sealed by court order. Family court files contain divorce decrees, child custody agreements, support orders, and domestic violence injunctions. Probate records include wills, estate inventories, guardianship appointments, and trust documents. Small claims cases handle disputes under $7,500 and are resolved quickly through magistrate court. Real property records—known as Register of Deeds (R.O.D.) files—include deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements recorded since the early 1900s. These documents are essential for title searches, foreclosure checks, and ownership verification. Vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates are issued by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control but can be requested through the Clerk’s office for convenience. In 2023, the courts processed 12,487 total filings: 3,214 civil suits, 9,273 criminal actions, and 165 family law petitions. Juvenile cases accounted for 401 filings per 100,000 residents aged 10 and older, with 94% classified as delinquency matters like theft or vandalism.
Physical Locations and In-Person Access
All court records are accessible at the main courthouse located at 180 North Irby Street, Florence, SC 29501. The building houses four court divisions under one roof: – **Florence Circuit Court**: Handles major civil and criminal cases. Open 8 a.m.–5 p.m., phone (843) 665-3031. – **Florence Magistrate Court**: Manages small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, and minor criminal offenses. Open 8 a.m.–4 p.m., phone (843) 665-0031. – **Florence Municipal Court**: Processes city ordinance violations and traffic tickets. Open 8 a.m.–4 p.m., phone (843) 665-3148. – **Coward Municipal Court**: Serves the town of Coward at 3720 U.S. 52, Coward, SC 29530. Open 8 a.m.–4 p.m., phone (843) 389-2585. Each location has public terminals for searching case files, printing certified copies, and scheduling appointments. Staffed help desks assist with record requests, fee payments, and form submissions. Certified documents carry the Clerk’s official seal and are admissible in legal proceedings.
Online Services and E-Filing Portal
The County of Florence offers a 24-hour online services portal with secure two-factor authentication. Residents can e-file civil complaints, pay property taxes, request vital records, and submit public record requests anytime. Once registered, users receive email alerts for court rulings, case updates, and document availability. The system stores submission history and allows bulk downloads of certified PDFs. Live chat support connects users with county representatives during business hours for real-time help. The portal integrates with PropertyCheck Software for automated title searches and cross-references data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, Tax Assessor, and Health Department. This ensures all information is current and legally valid.
Clerk of Court Office and Staff
Doris Poulos O’Hara serves as the elected Clerk of Court, overseeing five records technicians who manage daily operations. Her office maintains Court Rosters listing every case filed since 1995 and provides access to Register of Deeds records from the early 1900s. State-level vital records from 1945 onward are also available through coordinated requests. The office supports historical research via a partnership with the Florence County Museum, which preserves Reconstruction-era legal artifacts. Visitors can view original court ledgers, judge’s notes, and civil rights documents in the museum’s archives. These resources offer unique insights into the county’s legal evolution. 
Legal Authority and Public Access Rights
Under South Carolina Code of Laws § 1-30-20, most criminal and civil court records are public unless sealed by judicial order. This includes suspect names, birth dates, arrest details, charges, and final dispositions. The law ensures transparency while protecting sensitive information in ongoing investigations or juvenile cases. Sealed records still appear in the docket as summaries with limited details to maintain accountability. Expunged files are removed from public view but retained internally for law enforcement use. Residents may request record corrections if errors are found, and appeals can be filed with the Circuit Court.
Juvenile Court and Dependency Cases
The juvenile division operates on the first floor of the courthouse and handles all cases involving minors. In 2015, Florence County reported 401 juvenile cases per 100,000 residents aged 10 and older. Of these, 377 were delinquency matters like theft or vandalism, while dependency cases—such as neglect or abuse—were rare. The court focuses on rehabilitation through counseling, community service, and family mediation. All juvenile records are confidential by law and not accessible to the general public. Only authorized agencies, attorneys, and parents may request information with proper identification.
Family Court Services and Contact Information
Florence County Family Court is located on the 9th floor of the City-County Complex at 180 North Irby Street. It handles divorce filings, child custody disputes, support enforcement, and domestic violence protection orders. Office hours are Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., and Friday until 12 p.m. Contact details: – Main phone: (843) 665-3031 – Fax: (843) 665-3097 – Family Court Clerk: (843) 665-3096 – Secondary fax: (843) 662-6165 Staff assist with filing petitions, scheduling hearings, and explaining court procedures. Free forms are available online or in person.
Public Bids and Vendor Registry
The County of Florence maintains a free Vendor Registry for businesses seeking public contracts. Registered vendors receive notifications for bids, RFPs, and RFQs. Recent projects include a $2.3 million Main Street streetscape upgrade, a $750,000 water treatment plant improvement, and a $120,000 IT equipment refresh. All bid packages are posted in PDF format and downloadable at no cost. This system promotes fair competition and local economic growth. Vendors must register once to access all current and future opportunities.
State Judicial Branch Integration
The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides a statewide case search tool that includes Florence County opinions from superior, circuit, and municipal courts. Each ruling is stamped with the judge’s signature and issuance date. Although automated scraping is blocked by robots.txt, manual searches yield reliable results for legal research. This integration ensures consistency across jurisdictions and supports attorneys, journalists, and researchers needing authoritative case law.
Related Legal Resources and Tools
Residents can use PropertyCheck Software for instant title searches and lien verification. The Florence County Museum offers exhibits on local legal history, including Reconstruction-era court documents. For background checks, users may reference conviction records and county jail logs through verified government portals. These tools complement official court records and provide context for personal, professional, or historical inquiries.
Contact Information and Visiting Hours
**Official Address**: 180 North Irby Street Florence, SC 29501 **Phone**: (843) 665-3031 **Fax**: (843) 665-3097 **Website**: http://florenceco.org/ **Visiting Hours**: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (Clerk of Court) Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. (Family Court) All locations are wheelchair accessible and offer free parking. Public terminals are available for self-service record searches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far back do Florence County SC Court Records go? Civil, criminal, family, probate, and small claims records date back to 1995. Real property records (deeds, mortgages, liens) are available from the early 1900s. Vital records like birth, death, and marriage certificates start from 1945. The digital docket database includes filings from 1972 onward. Older paper records may require in-person requests.
Can I get certified copies of court documents online? Yes. The online portal allows registered users to download certified PDFs of motions, judgments, and transcripts. Each document carries the Clerk’s official seal and judge’s signature. Certified copies are legally valid for employment, immigration, or legal proceedings. Processing is instant for unsealed cases.
Are juvenile records public in Florence County? No. Juvenile court records are confidential under South Carolina law. Only parents, attorneys, law enforcement, and authorized agencies can access them with proper ID. Delinquency and dependency cases are not visible in public searches. Summary data on juvenile filings is reported annually for statistical purposes only.
What fees apply for record requests? Basic searches are free. Certified copies cost $5 per document. Record retrieval for older files may incur additional fees based on research time. Payment is accepted online via credit card or in person with cash, check, or money order. Fee waivers are available for low-income individuals with court approval.
How do I correct an error in my court record? Submit a written request to the Clerk of Court with supporting evidence (e.g., court order, ID, or official letter). The office reviews corrections within 10 business days. If denied, you may file a motion with the Circuit Court. Keep copies of all correspondence for your records.
Is live chat support available after hours? No. Live chat operates only during business hours (8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday). However, the online portal allows 24-hour form submissions and document uploads. Email notifications confirm receipt and provide tracking numbers. For urgent matters after hours, call (843) 665-3031 and leave a detailed message.
Can I search records by address instead of name? Yes, but only for real property records (deeds, liens, mortgages). Use the PropertyCheck Software linked from the Clerk’s website. Enter the street address or parcel ID to view ownership history and encumbrances. Civil and criminal cases require name, case number, or date range for searches.