INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


Board of Directors
Carolina First BancShares, Inc.


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (No.
33-63390) on Form S-3,  (No.  33-43037) on Form S-8 and (No.  333-73221) on Form
S-8, of Carolina  First  BancShares,  Inc., of our report dated January 20, 1999
relating to the consolidated  balance sheets of Carolina First BancShares,  Inc.
and  subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 and the related  consolidated
statements of income,  changes in shareholders' equity and comprehensive income,
and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31,
1998,  included in the December 31, 1998 Annual  Report on Form 10-K of Carolina
First BancShares, Inc.





                                                     /s/ KPMG, LLP
                                                       KPMG, LLP




Charlotte, North Carolina
March 30, 1999