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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Florence County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Florence County, SC. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.0-1.3% of market value (varies by district and municipality)
1st Due
Jan 15
2nd Due
Mar 17
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Florence County property taxes fund essential local services including public schools, law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, and county administration. Property owners in Florence County pay taxes based on their property's assessed value multiplied by the local tax rate, which is expressed in mills (one mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed value). The current tax rate structure results in effective tax rates that typically range from approximately 1.0% to 1.3% of market value, depending on your specific location within the county.

It's important to note that actual tax rates vary significantly by location within Florence County due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and school district variations. Properties within incorporated cities may have additional municipal taxes, while rural properties may be subject to different fire district or special service area assessments. The county assesses all real property at its fair market value as of December 31st each year, with new assessments taking effect for the following tax year.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County General64.1Base county operations, services, and administration
School DistrictsVariesAdditional millage for local school districts (varies by district)
Municipal TaxesVariesCity taxes for properties within incorporated areas
Fire DistrictsVariesRural fire protection services (where applicable)
Special AssessmentsVariesBonds, improvements, and special service districts

Total Effective Rate: 64.1+ mills (varies by location and special districts)

These rates apply to the FY 2025 levy year. Properties located in different areas of Florence County will have varying total rates depending on their school district, municipal boundaries, and special taxing districts. Contact the Florence County Assessor's Office at 843-665-3056 for your specific location's complete tax rate breakdown.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Florence County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Jan 15
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Mar 17
Delinquent after Apr 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Florence County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use that occur after the annual assessment date of December 31st. Common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements that increase value, changes in property use (such as removing agricultural exemptions), or corrections to assessment errors discovered mid-year.

When a supplemental assessment is issued, the additional tax is calculated by applying the current year's tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a home addition worth $50,000 is completed in July, and the total tax rate is 64.1 mills, the supplemental tax would be approximately $160 ($50,000 × 0.0641 × 6/12 months = $160.25) for the remainder of that tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if eligible): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax (64.1 mills): $1,923
  • Monthly Escrow: $160

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $600,000
  • Less: Available Tax Credits (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax (64.1 mills): $3,846
  • Monthly Escrow: $321

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $1,000,000
  • Less: Applicable Tax Credits (if qualified): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (64.1 mills): $6,410
  • Monthly Escrow: $534

Note: These examples use the base county rate only. Actual taxes will vary based on your property's specific location within Florence County due to additional school, municipal, and special district taxes. Tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Florence County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders may require escrow regardless of down payment amount. Your lender collects monthly property tax payments along with your mortgage payment, deposits these funds into an escrow account, and pays your property taxes directly to Florence County when they become due.

Property taxes in Florence County are typically due by April 30th each year, and your lender will make this payment on your behalf if you have an escrow account. Lenders are required to conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected, and you'll receive an annual escrow statement showing all deposits and payments made on your behalf. If you don't have an escrow account, you're responsible for making payments directly to the Florence County Treasurer's Office, located at 180 N Irby Street, Florence, SC, or by calling 843-665-3041. You can verify your current tax bill and payment status through the county's online portal or by contacting the Treasurer's Office directly.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Florence County for FY 2025? A: Property taxes are typically due by April 30th. Contact the Florence County Treasurer's Office at 843-665-3041 for specific deadlines and payment options.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Several tax credits are available including the Homestead Credit for qualifying residents, disability credits, and senior citizen credits. All credits require separate applications filed with the Florence County Assessor's Office and are NOT automatically applied to your tax bill.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing your property's market value. Eligible homeowners must be at least 65, legally blind, or totally disabled, and must apply with the County Assessor's Office. This credit limits how much your assessed value can increase each year, providing tax stability.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Florence County? A: Florence County conducts annual assessments with values established as of December 31st each year. You can appeal your assessment through the Board of Assessment Appeals if you believe your property is overvalued.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Florence County Treasurer's Office at 843-665-3041 for current penalty rates and payment arrangements.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check with the Florence County Treasurer's Office for available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do property taxes vary within Florence County? A: Tax rates differ based on school districts, municipal boundaries, fire districts, and special assessment areas. Properties in cities have additional municipal taxes, while rural areas may have fire district assessments.

Q: How do I apply for property tax credits? A: Contact the Florence County Assessor's Office at 843-665-3056, located at 180 N Irby Street, Florence, SC. Applications must be filed separately and annually for most credits, and eligibility requirements vary by credit type.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
ence s - florecityofflorencesc.gov
02
FY 2025-26 Municipal Millage Rate Increase Limitationsdc.statelibrary.sc.gov
03
City of Florence, South Carolina - Annual Budget FY 2024-2025cityofflorencesc.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Payments | City of Florence, SCcityofflorencesc.gov
05
Tax Doc
Tax Due Dates | South Carolina Business One Stopscbos.sc.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Taxcityofflorencesc.gov
07
County
Florence County Taxesnacdashboard.nara.gov
08
homestead exemptiondor.sc.gov
09
Tax Doc
PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION APPLICATION FOR ...dor.sc.gov
10
Legislation Text Searchscstatehouse.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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