CSP Insurance Services was founded in 1939, when Clifford Cormell joined Earnest Streett to sell insurance in Florence. More than 80 years later, we still answer the phone ourselves. No call centers, no chatbots — just a local team that knows your name and your policy.
We compare several carriers to find a policy that fits you, not one company's products.
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80+ years local experience
Hospital bills, treatment, and prescriptions for a work-related injury or illness.
Medical expenses
Claims history
A single car accident on I-26 can generate medical bills that blow past your auto policy limits before the dust settles. A guest slips on your dock in Murrells Inlet, breaks a hip, and suddenly you're staring at a six-figure lawsuit with only $300,000 in homeowners liability to cover it. These aren't hypothetical nightmares: they happen to South Carolina families every year, and the gap between what your standard policies cover and what a jury awards can be financially devastating. Umbrella insurance exists specifically to fill that gap, and for residents of a state with hurricane exposure, heavy tourism traffic, and a growing population, understanding how this coverage works isn't optional: it's essential. This guide breaks down what South Carolina residents need to know about umbrella coverage, from state-specific risks and real costs to eligibility requirements and common scenarios where this policy pays for itself many times over.
Understanding Umbrella Insurance in the Palmetto State
Umbrella insurance is a personal liability policy that sits on top of your existing auto, homeowners, and watercraft coverage. Think of it as a second layer of financial protection that kicks in only after your underlying policies have been exhausted. Most umbrella policies start at $1 million in coverage and can extend to $5 million or more, depending on your assets and risk profile.
What makes umbrella coverage particularly relevant for South Carolina residents is the state's legal environment. South Carolina operates under a modified comparative negligence system, and the state's 2025 tort reform legislation introduced
caps on certain noneconomic damages for the first time. That said, jury awards in personal injury cases can still far exceed what a standard homeowners or auto policy will pay. If you own property, drive regularly, or have teenage drivers on your policy, the math on umbrella insurance starts making a lot of sense.
How Umbrella Coverage Extends Your Liability
Your auto insurance in South Carolina might carry the state minimum of 25/50/25 in liability coverage: that's $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Even if you carry higher limits of $250,000/$500,000, a serious multi-vehicle accident or a pedestrian injury can easily generate claims beyond those numbers.
An umbrella policy picks up where your auto or homeowners liability stops. If you cause an accident resulting in $800,000 in injuries and your auto policy covers $300,000, your umbrella policy would cover the remaining $500,000 (up to your umbrella limit). It also typically covers legal defense costs, which can run $50,000 to $100,000 or more even if you're ultimately found not liable.
The Difference Between Underlying Policies and Umbrella Protection
Your underlying policies: auto, homeowners, renters, or watercraft: are your first line of defense. They cover specific types of liability up to their stated limits. An umbrella policy doesn't replace them. Instead, it requires them and builds on top of them.
One distinction people often miss is that umbrella policies can cover certain claims your underlying policies exclude entirely. Defamation, slander, and false arrest claims are examples. If someone sues you for something you said online that damaged their reputation, your homeowners policy won't help. Your umbrella policy might. The specific exclusions and inclusions vary by carrier, which is why working with an independent agency like CSP Insurance Services matters: they can compare policy language across multiple carriers rather than being locked into one company's terms.


Your CSP agent
Lawson Walker, CIC
Insurance Sales
On this page
CSP Insurance Services is a fully licensed independent insurance agency serving individuals, families, and businesses across South Carolina.
From our home in Florence, we proudly serve clients in Florence, Myrtle Beach, Rock Hill, Columbia, and communities throughout South Carolina. As an independent Trusted Choice agency, our team works with a wide range of top-rated carriers to provide personal and commercial coverage — home, auto, business, life, and more — tailored to the real needs of the people and businesses we protect.
Boat and Watercraft Coverage for Weekend Adventures
Your homeowners policy might cover a small kayak or canoe, but anything with a motor typically needs its own policy. Boat insurance covers physical damage to the vessel, liability for injuries or property damage you cause on the water, and sometimes towing and salvage costs.
Lake-specific risks differ from coastal ones. A boat kept at Myrtle Beach faces saltwater corrosion, hurricane exposure, and higher theft rates than one stored at a private dock on Lake Wateree. Your policy should reflect where you keep and operate the boat. An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services can compare quotes across multiple marine carriers to find coverage that actually matches your boating habits rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-all plan.
| Feature | Admitted (Standard) Carriers | Non-Admitted (E&S) Carriers |
|---|---|---|
| State regulation | Fully regulated; rates filed with state | Exempt from rate filing; flexible pricing |
| Guaranty fund protection | Yes: state fund covers claims if carrier fails | No: no guaranty fund backstop |
| Policy forms | Standardized (ISO forms common) | Manuscript or custom forms |
| Risk appetite | Prefers low-to-moderate risk | Accepts high-risk and unusual exposures |
| Premium cost | Generally lower | Typically 20-75% higher |
| Surplus lines tax | Not applicable | Buyer pays state surplus lines tax (varies 2-5%) |
| Speed of placement | Standard timelines | Can be faster or slower depending on complexity |
Medical Payments and Personal Injury Protection

Medical payments coverage (MedPay) pays for medical bills for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of who caused it. South Carolina doesn't require PIP (personal injury protection), but MedPay is a practical alternative that covers immediate medical costs without waiting for fault to be determined. If you regularly travel with family or friends, carrying $10,000 to $25,000 in MedPay is a reasonable baseline.
South Carolina Specific Risks and Liability Factors
South Carolina's geography, lifestyle, and legal framework create a unique set of liability exposures that residents in landlocked or less tourism-heavy states simply don't face. Understanding these risks helps you determine how much umbrella coverage you actually need.
Coastal Property Risks and High-Net-Worth Protection
Owning property along the Grand Strand, in the Lowcountry, or on any of South Carolina's barrier islands comes with elevated liability exposure. If you rent your beach house on Pawleys Island or your condo in Myrtle Beach through short-term rental platforms, every guest who walks through that door is a potential liability claim. A loose deck railing, a poorly lit stairway, or a pool without proper fencing can generate lawsuits that exceed standard homeowners limits quickly.
Coastal property owners also tend to have higher net worth, which makes them more attractive targets for litigation. Plaintiffs' attorneys know that someone with a $1.2 million beach house and a primary residence in Columbia likely has assets worth pursuing. An umbrella policy protects those assets from being seized in a judgment.
Recreational Liability: Boating and Golf Cart Considerations
South Carolina has over 400,000 registered boats, and Lake Murray, Lake Hartwell, and the Intracoastal Waterway see heavy recreational traffic year-round. Boating accidents can produce catastrophic injuries, and standard watercraft policies often carry liability limits of just $100,000 to $300,000. An umbrella policy extends that coverage significantly.
Golf carts are another uniquely South Carolina concern. Communities from Hilton Head to Peachtree Rock allow golf carts on public roads, and accidents involving pedestrians or other vehicles are more common than most people realize. South Carolina's dog bite laws add another layer: the state follows a strict liability standard for dog bites, meaning you're liable for injuries your dog causes regardless of whether the dog has bitten anyone before. If your Labrador bites a neighbor's child and the medical bills hit $150,000, your homeowners policy might cover $100,000, leaving you personally responsible for the rest unless you have umbrella coverage.

Most South Carolina small businesses land on Silver or Gold plans. Bronze works well when paired with employer HSA contributions, while Platinum plans are typically reserved for businesses competing for top talent in industries like healthcare or tech.
Comparing Coverage: Standard Liability vs. Umbrella Insurance
The easiest way to understand the value of umbrella insurance is to see the numbers side by side. Most South Carolina residents carry standard liability limits that seem adequate until a serious claim arrives.
Comparison Table: Liability Gap Analysis
| Scenario | Standard Policy Limit | Potential Claim Amount | Gap Without Umbrella | With $1M Umbrella |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| At-fault car accident (serious injury) | $250,000 | $750,000 | $500,000 out of pocket | Fully covered |
| Guest injured at your home | $300,000 | $500,000 | $200,000 out of pocket | Fully covered |
| Dog bite (child, facial scarring) | $100,000 | $400,000 | $300,000 out of pocket | Fully covered |
| Boating accident on Lake Murray | $100,000 | $600,000 | $500,000 out of pocket | Fully covered |
| Defamation lawsuit | $0 (excluded) | $200,000 | $200,000 out of pocket | Covered under umbrella |
That "gap" column is what keeps insurance professionals up at night. Those aren't extreme scenarios: they're the kinds of claims that happen regularly in South Carolina courts. A single uncovered judgment can force the sale of your home, drain retirement accounts, and even result in wage garnishment.
Boat and Watercraft Coverage for Weekend Adventures
Your homeowners policy might cover a small kayak or canoe, but anything with a motor typically needs its own policy. Boat insurance covers physical damage to the vessel, liability for injuries or property damage you cause on the water, and sometimes towing and salvage costs.
Lake-specific risks differ from coastal ones. A boat kept at Myrtle Beach faces saltwater corrosion, hurricane exposure, and higher theft rates than one stored at a private dock on Lake Wateree. Your policy should reflect where you keep and operate the boat. An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services can compare quotes across multiple marine carriers to find coverage that actually matches your boating habits rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-all plan.
Boat and Watercraft Coverage for Weekend Adventures
Your homeowners policy might cover a small kayak or canoe, but anything with a motor typically needs its own policy. Boat insurance covers physical damage to the vessel, liability for injuries or property damage you cause on the water, and sometimes towing and salvage costs.
Lake-specific risks differ from coastal ones. A boat kept at Myrtle Beach faces saltwater corrosion, hurricane exposure, and higher theft rates than one stored at a private dock on Lake Wateree. Your policy should reflect where you keep and operate the boat. An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services can compare quotes across multiple marine carriers to find coverage that actually matches your boating habits rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-all plan.
| Feature | Admitted (Standard) Carriers | Non-Admitted (E&S) Carriers |
|---|---|---|
| State regulation | Fully regulated; rates filed with state | Exempt from rate filing; flexible pricing |
| Guaranty fund protection | Yes: state fund covers claims if carrier fails | No: no guaranty fund backstop |
| Policy forms | Standardized (ISO forms common) | Manuscript or custom forms |
| Risk appetite | Prefers low-to-moderate risk | Accepts high-risk and unusual exposures |
| Premium cost | Generally lower | Typically 20-75% higher |
| Surplus lines tax | Not applicable | Buyer pays state surplus lines tax (varies 2-5%) |
| Speed of placement | Standard timelines | Can be faster or slower depending on complexity |
The Cost of Umbrella Insurance for SC Residents
Here's what surprises most people: umbrella insurance is remarkably affordable relative to the protection it provides. A standard personal umbrella policy with $1 million in coverage averages about $380 per year in South Carolina. That breaks down to roughly a dollar a day for seven-figure protection.
Adding a second million in coverage typically costs only an additional $75 to $100 annually. The per-dollar cost of umbrella insurance drops dramatically as you increase limits, making higher coverage amounts one of the best values in the insurance market.
Factors Influencing Your Premium in South Carolina
Your umbrella premium isn't a flat rate. Several factors move the needle:
- Number of vehicles and drivers on your policy (teen drivers increase cost)
- Number of properties you own, especially rental properties
- Whether you own watercraft or recreational vehicles
- Your claims history over the past five years
- The amount of coverage you select ($1M, $2M, $5M)
- Whether you have a swimming pool, trampoline, or certain dog breeds
A family in Florence with two cars, a home, and no prior claims will pay less than a family in Hilton Head with four vehicles, a rental property, and a 22-foot center console. CSP Insurance Services can run quotes across multiple carriers to find the best rate for your specific situation: that independent agency approach often saves 15-20% compared to going directly to a single carrier.
Minimum Underlying Limits Required for Eligibility
You can't just buy an umbrella policy on its own. Insurers require you to carry minimum liability limits on your underlying policies before they'll issue umbrella coverage. In South Carolina, typical requirements include:
- Auto liability: $250,000/$500,000 bodily injury, $100,000 property damage
- Homeowners liability: $300,000 per occurrence
- Watercraft liability: $300,000 per occurrence (if applicable)
If your current policies carry lower limits, you'll need to increase them before qualifying for umbrella coverage. The good news is that increasing your underlying limits from, say, $100,000 to $300,000 on homeowners liability usually costs only $20 to $40 more per year. The combined cost of higher underlying limits plus an umbrella policy is still a fraction of what a single uninsured claim could cost you.
Specialty Lines: Flood, Earthquake, and Valuable Items
Flood insurance is a separate policy, typically written through FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program or a private carrier. If your home sits in a designated flood zone anywhere along the SC coast or near inland rivers, your mortgage lender will require it. But even homes outside mapped flood zones can flood: roughly 25% of flood claims come from properties in low-to-moderate risk areas.
Earthquake coverage is less common in South Carolina, but the state sits near the Charleston fault zone, which produced a magnitude 7.3 quake in 1886. A rider or standalone earthquake policy is worth considering if you're in the Lowcountry.
Scheduled personal property endorsements cover high-value items like jewelry, art, firearms, or musical instruments that exceed standard policy sub-limits. Most homeowners policies cap jewelry coverage at $1,500-$2,500 per item. If your engagement ring is worth $8,000, you need a scheduled endorsement or inland marine floater to cover the difference.
Common Questions About South Carolina Umbrella Policies
FAQ: Real-World Coverage Scenarios
Does umbrella insurance cover me if my teenager causes a car accident? Yes. As long as the teen is listed on your auto policy, your umbrella coverage extends to accidents they cause. Given that teen drivers are statistically the highest-risk group on the road, this is one of the strongest arguments for umbrella coverage in families with young drivers.
Will my umbrella policy cover a lawsuit from a short-term rental guest? Generally, yes, but it depends on the policy. Some carriers exclude commercial rental activity. If you rent your property through Airbnb or VRBO, make sure your umbrella policy explicitly covers short-term rental liability: don't assume it does.
Am I covered if my dog bites someone at a park? South Carolina holds dog owners strictly liable for bite injuries that occur in public places or when someone is lawfully on your property. Your umbrella policy would cover claims above your homeowners liability limit, though some policies exclude certain breeds. Check your policy language carefully.
Does umbrella insurance cover business-related lawsuits? No. Personal umbrella policies do not cover business liability. If you run a business, you need a separate commercial umbrella or excess liability policy. This is a common misconception that can leave business owners dangerously exposed.
How much umbrella coverage do I actually need? A common rule of thumb is to carry enough to cover your total net worth, including home equity, savings, investments, and future earnings. If your net worth is $800,000, a $1 million policy provides a reasonable buffer. If you have $2 million in assets, consider a $2 million or $3 million umbrella.
Can I get umbrella insurance if I've had a DUI or at-fault accident? It depends on the carrier and how recent the incident was. Some insurers won't write umbrella policies for drivers with DUIs within the past three to five years. An independent agency can shop multiple carriers to find one willing to offer coverage, even with a less-than-perfect driving record.
Boat and Watercraft Coverage for Weekend Adventures
Your homeowners policy might cover a small kayak or canoe, but anything with a motor typically needs its own policy. Boat insurance covers physical damage to the vessel, liability for injuries or property damage you cause on the water, and sometimes towing and salvage costs.
Lake-specific risks differ from coastal ones. A boat kept at Myrtle Beach faces saltwater corrosion, hurricane exposure, and higher theft rates than one stored at a private dock on Lake Wateree. Your policy should reflect where you keep and operate the boat. An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services can compare quotes across multiple marine carriers to find coverage that actually matches your boating habits rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-all plan.
Boat and Watercraft Coverage for Weekend Adventures
Your homeowners policy might cover a small kayak or canoe, but anything with a motor typically needs its own policy. Boat insurance covers physical damage to the vessel, liability for injuries or property damage you cause on the water, and sometimes towing and salvage costs.
Lake-specific risks differ from coastal ones. A boat kept at Myrtle Beach faces saltwater corrosion, hurricane exposure, and higher theft rates than one stored at a private dock on Lake Wateree. Your policy should reflect where you keep and operate the boat. An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services can compare quotes across multiple marine carriers to find coverage that actually matches your boating habits rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-all plan.
| Feature | Admitted (Standard) Carriers | Non-Admitted (E&S) Carriers |
|---|---|---|
| State regulation | Fully regulated; rates filed with state | Exempt from rate filing; flexible pricing |
| Guaranty fund protection | Yes: state fund covers claims if carrier fails | No: no guaranty fund backstop |
| Policy forms | Standardized (ISO forms common) | Manuscript or custom forms |
| Risk appetite | Prefers low-to-moderate risk | Accepts high-risk and unusual exposures |
| Premium cost | Generally lower | Typically 20-75% higher |
| Surplus lines tax | Not applicable | Buyer pays state surplus lines tax (varies 2-5%) |
| Speed of placement | Standard timelines | Can be faster or slower depending on complexity |
FAQ: Do I need special insurance for a rental RV?
Yes. If you're renting an RV from a peer-to-peer platform, the rental company usually offers insurance, but read the fine print carefully. Your personal auto policy almost certainly won't cover a rented motorhome. If you're renting out your own RV, you'll need a commercial or rental-specific endorsement on your policy.
Making the Right Choice for Your Assets
Umbrella insurance isn't just for wealthy families with beach houses and boat slips. Anyone with assets to protect: a home with equity, a retirement account, future earning potential: faces real exposure in a state where the insurance market reflects significant coastal and liability risks. At roughly $380 a year for $1 million in coverage, the cost-to-protection ratio is hard to beat anywhere in personal insurance.
The key is making sure your umbrella policy actually matches your life. A cookie-cutter policy from a single carrier might miss the rental property, the boat, or the teenage driver that creates your biggest exposure. That's where working with an independent agency pays off: CSP Insurance Services has been helping South Carolina residents build the right coverage since 1939, and their team can compare options across carriers to find the right fit without the runaround of call centers or chatbots.
If you're unsure whether your current coverage leaves gaps, a quick conversation with an experienced agent can clarify things fast. Request a quote and get a clear picture of what umbrella protection would cost for your specific situation: it's one of the simplest ways to make sure a single bad day doesn't undo years of financial progress.
About the author
Lawson Walker, CIC
I'm proud to be part of an agency that's served Florence since 1939. CSP Insurance Services started as Cormell-Streett & Patterson, built by people who believed insurance should be personal — and more than eight decades later, that conviction still drives everything we do. Commitment, Service, Protection isn't just what CSP stands for; it's how I approach every client relationship.
As an independent, Trusted Choice agency, we aren't tied to any single carrier. That means I work for you — shopping multiple companies to match you with coverage that actually fits your family, your business, and your budget. No call centers, no chatbots. Just a local expert who takes the time to understand what matters to you and stands by you when it counts.
Whether you're protecting your home, your car, or a business you've spent years building, I'd be glad to help you find the right coverage.
We compare several carriers to find a policy that fits you, not one company's products.
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80+ years local experience


1939
Serving SC
Most Requested
Core business coverage.
The policies most South Carolina businesses start with.

Commercial Property
Protect the building, equipment, and inventory your business runs on, so a covered fire, theft, or storm doesn’t become a closed door.

Workers Compensation
Required for most South Carolina employers with staff. It covers medical bills and lost wages when an employee is hurt on the job.

Commercial Auto
Cars, trucks, and fleets used for work need more than a personal policy. This handles liability, damage, and your drivers.

General Liability
Accidents happen on the job and on your property. General liability covers third-party injury and property damage claims against your business.

Inland Marine
Tools, equipment, and goods on the move aren’t covered by standard property policies. Inland marine protects them wherever they travel.

Business Owners (BOP)
A business owners policy bundles property and liability coverage into one package, often at a better price for small businesses.
We compare several carriers to find a policy that fits you, not one company's products.
◆
80+ years local experience


1939
Serving SC

Insurance Sales
J. Roger Jordan, CIC
[CONFIRM bio]
Personal Insurance
Coverage for your home, vehicles, and family.
Protect what matters most with personal policies shopped across our carriers.
Home
Your house is likely your largest investment. Home insurance helps rebuild after covered damage and protects you from liability.
Auto
South Carolina drivers need real protection. Auto coverage handles liability, collision, medical costs, and uninsured drivers.
Umbrella
When a serious claim climbs past your home or auto limits, umbrella coverage adds an extra layer of liability protection.
Boat
Time on the water should be worry-free. Boat coverage protects your vessel, your passengers, and your liability on the lake or coast.
Motorcycle
Riders need coverage built for the road. Motorcycle insurance protects your bike, your gear, and you after an accident.
Condo
Your association covers the building, but not what’s inside. Condo insurance protects your belongings, improvements, and liability.
We compare several carriers to find a policy that fits you, not one company's products.
◆
80+ years local experience


1939
Serving SC

Insurance Sales
J. Roger Jordan, CIC
[CONFIRM bio]
Boat
Your association covers the building, but not what’s inside. Condo insurance protects your belongings, improvements, and liability.
Time on the water should be worry-free. Boat coverage protects your vessel, your passengers, and your liability on the lake or coast.
Condo
Motorcycle
Riders need coverage built for the road. Motorcycle insurance protects your bike, your gear, and you after an accident.
Industries We Serve
Specialized coverage for your industry.
Every industry carries its own risk. We help South Carolina businesses protect what they've built.

Restaurants
Kitchens, customers, and staff create daily exposure. We protect your property, equipment, liquor liability, and employees.

Manufacturers
From equipment breakdown to product liability, manufacturers face risk on the floor and beyond. We help cover property, machinery, and goods.

Healthcare Providers
Practices and clinics carry patient, property, and professional risk. We help cover liability, equipment, and the people who run your practice.
We compare several carriers to find a policy that fits you, not one company's products.
◆
80+ years local experience


1939
Serving SC

Commercial Property
Protect the building, equipment, and inventory your business runs on, so a covered fire, theft, or storm doesn’t become a closed door.
Commercial Auto
Cars, trucks, and fleets used for work need more than a personal policy. This handles liability, damage, and your drivers.
How It Works
Getting covered is simple.
Four steps, one real person from start to finish.
We compare carriers
We shop options across our carriers to find strong protection at a fair price.
We compare several carriers to find a policy that fits you, not one company's products.
Multi-carrier choice
Claims advocacy
When a claim happens, we stand in your corner and help move it forward with your carrier.
Local SC roots
We live and work in Florence and understand the risks your community faces because we face them too.
Client Reviews
Why clients choose CSP.
Independent advice, real people, and decades of local roots.
We compare several carriers to find a policy that fits you, not one company's products.
◆
80+ years local experience


1939
Serving SC

Insurance Sales
J. Roger Jordan, CIC
[CONFIRM bio]
Boat
Your association covers the building, but not what’s inside. Condo insurance protects your belongings, improvements, and liability.
Time on the water should be worry-free. Boat coverage protects your vessel, your passengers, and your liability on the lake or coast.
Condo
Motorcycle
Riders need coverage built for the road. Motorcycle insurance protects your bike, your gear, and you after an accident.
FAQs
Questions, answered.
Straight answers about working with an independent agency.

What does an independent insurance agency do?
An independent agency represents several carriers instead of one. We compare coverage and pricing across companies, then recommend the policy that fits you best.
Do you cover both personal and business insurance?
Yes. CSP writes personal lines like home and auto, and commercial lines for businesses across South Carolina.
How long has CSP been in business?
CSP traces its roots to 1939, with more than 80 years serving South Carolina families and businesses.
Will I work with a real person?
Always. No call centers and no chatbots — you work with a local team member who knows your account.
Which areas do you serve?
We’re based in Florence and serve clients statewide, including Myrtle Beach, Rock Hill, and Columbia.
How do I get a quote?
Request a quote online, call us, or stop by the office. A real person will review your needs and follow up.
How It Works
Insurance tips & updates.
Plain-language guidance to help you make confident decisions.
We compare several carriers to find a policy that fits you, not one company's products.
◆
80+ years local experience


1939
Serving SC

Insurance Sales
J. Roger Jordan, CIC
[CONFIRM bio]
Boat
Your association covers the building, but not what’s inside. Condo insurance protects your belongings, improvements, and liability.
Time on the water should be worry-free. Boat coverage protects your vessel, your passengers, and your liability on the lake or coast.
Condo
Motorcycle
Riders need coverage built for the road. Motorcycle insurance protects your bike, your gear, and you after an accident.
Get a Quote
Let's find your coverage.
Tell us a little about what you need to protect. A real person from our Florence team will review it and follow up.
2420 Hoffmeyer Road, Suite D
Florence, SC 29501
Mon–Fri 8:30am – 5:00pm




