Lake City Magistrate Court
Filing information for Lake City Magistrate Court in Lake City, SC. Part of the Florence County small claims court system.
Small claims in South Carolina — the numbers that apply at this court
$7,500
maximum claim
$80
filing fee (published)
3 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
No
e-filing — file in person or by mail
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full South Carolina small claims guide · The form that starts a case (SCCA/700 + SCCA/701): every field explained.
Courthouse Details
Lake City Magistrate Court
345 Ron McNair Boulevard
Lake City, SC 29560
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 39
Lake City, SC 29560
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Area Served
Florence County
How to File at Lake City Magistrate Court
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse during business hours.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this court first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Ready to take action?
A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.
Read the demand letter guideWrong court? Florence County has 7 courts.
See all 7 courts in Florence County →Small claims rules in South Carolina
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $7,500.
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
3 yrs written contract · 3 yrs oral contract · 3 yrs property damage · 3 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case at Lake City Magistrate Court?
Filing fees in South Carolina are set by the state and are $80. If you can't afford the fee, South Carolina offers a fee waiver — ask the clerk how to apply. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the court clerk before you file.
What's the most I can sue for in Florence County?
Small claims cases in Florence County are limited to $7,500. If your claim is worth more than that, you either have to bring it in a different court or give up the amount above the limit to stay in small claims. The clerk can confirm which court fits your claim.
Can I file online at Lake City Magistrate Court?
No — the record shows no electronic filing for small claims in Florence County. You'll file in person or by mail. Check with the clerk before you make the trip, in case that's changed.
Where is Lake City Magistrate Court, and when is it open?
Lake City Magistrate Court is at 345 Ron McNair Boulevard, Lake City, SC 29560. Posted hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Phone: (843) 394-5461. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Lake City?
Small claims court is built for people representing themselves, and most filers do exactly that. Whether an attorney may appear varies by state — the state guide linked on this page covers the rule where you are, and the clerk can confirm it.
Answers reflect published court data. Court rules and fees change — the clerk is always the authoritative source.