Florence County Genealogy
- Formed 1888
- Parent district Marion, Darlington, Clarendon, Williamsburg
- County seat Florence
- Neighbors Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Marion, Sumter, Williamsburg
In-depth topics
Florence County was formed in 1888 (Marion, Darlington, Clarendon, Williamsburg). The county seat is Florence. Neighboring counties include Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Marion, Sumter, Williamsburg.
Use the research panels below for modern starting points—government contacts, census, vital records, cemeteries—and read the legacy narrative for local history notes and older link collections (some updated).
Florence County was formed in 1888 from Clarendon, Darlington, Marionand Williamsburg Counties. The city of Florence was named for Florence Harllee, the daughter of the President of the Wilmington and Manchester Railroad. The city had formed in the 1850's as a stop along the railroad. The county on fromation was then named for the city. Florence was home to a Confederate Prison Camp during the Civil War. Tobacco has been a main product of the county.
Florence County SCGenweb site old link
Florence County Courthouse
180 North Irby Street
County Courthouse
Florence, SC 29501
Cemeteries
USGS listing of cemeteries in Florence County
Query Forums
Cities and towns of Florence County:
Cartersville
Coward
Effingham
Florence (County Seat)
Johnsonville
Lake City
McKenzie Crossroads
Olanta
Pamplico
Peniel Crossroads
Poston
Quinby
Sardis
Scranton
Timmonsville
History notes
Florence County's documentary trail follows South Carolina's district-to-county evolution. When searching before county formation, check parent districts and neighboring counties for deeds, estates, and tax lists.
Research starting points
Census
Federal census schedules (and some state/colonial substitutes) are foundational for Florence County household reconstruction. Start with every decade the family should appear, then correlate with land and probate.
Vital records
South Carolina statewide vital registration is comparatively late. For many Florence County families you will rely on a mix of county probate, church registers, Bible records, newspapers, and delayed birth certificates—not only a single “vital records office” file.
Cemeteries
Cemetery surveys for Florence County appear in published books, Find a Grave, USGenWeb archives, and local historical society vertical files. Always note whether a reading is complete or partial.
Courthouse & contacts
Florence County Courthouse
Florence, South Carolina
https://www.florenceco.org/