Vital Records & Certificates in Florence, South CarolinaFlorence County Clerk of Court

As the Pee Dee region’s hub, Florence residents need vital records for employment at major healthcare systems like McLeod Health, enrollment at Francis Marion University, military documentation, passport applications for international business travel, and various state licensing requirements. The city’s growing population and economic opportunities create frequent demand for certified legal documents.

Florence County residents obtain birth certificates through the Florence County Clerk of Court at 180 N Irby Street. Many births occur at McLeod Regional Medical Center or Carolinas Hospital System, with records centrally maintained by the state and county. South Carolina charges $12 for each certified birth certificate copy. Walk-in service is available during business hours, typically processed within minutes for recent births. Parents commonly need these documents for enrolling children in Florence School District One or registering for activities at the Florence Recreation Department facilities.

Couples planning ceremonies at elegant venues like Florence Country Club, the historic Timrod Park gazebo, or the beautiful gardens at War Between the States Museum obtain marriage licenses from the Florence County Probate Court. South Carolina requires a 24-hour waiting period and the license costs $50. The license remains valid for 180 days. Many Florence couples choose spring ceremonies when the azaleas bloom throughout the city’s parks and historic districts along Cherokee Road.

Death certificates for Florence residents are processed through both the Florence County Clerk of Court and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. Local establishments like Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home and McMillan Small Funeral Directors assist families with obtaining copies needed for insurance, social security, and estate matters. Each certified copy costs $12 with expedited service available.

Florence County Family Court handles divorce proceedings and record requests. Certified copies of divorce decrees cost $25 each and can be obtained from the Clerk of Court at 180 N Irby Street. The court maintains comprehensive records of all divorce cases filed in Florence County, including recent electronic filings and older paper records dating back decades.

The Florence County Clerk of Court at 180 N Irby Street, across from the historic courthouse downtown, operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Street parking is available on Irby Street and surrounding downtown blocks, with a public parking lot behind the building on Second Street. The office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. Bring exact change when possible as the office may have limited ability to make change during busy periods.

Located in downtown Florence at 180 N Irby Street, between Second and Third Streets. From I-95, take Exit 164 toward Florence/Darlington, merge onto I-20 West, then exit at Highway 52 South toward downtown.