Generally, public records are physical documents that have been filed and recorded by various government agencies. Some are created directly through the government while other records exist for various other reasons. As the name suggests, most public records can be accessed by members of the general public. This does not, however, necessarily mean that such access is granted free of charge. In different areas, there are different laws regarding access to public records. The most relevant and informative public records can often be found through the local court where the person resides. These documents are filed through the Clerk of Courts. The Clerk can help people to find the information they are looking for, and if any fees apply, they are normally paid to the Clerk as well. In addition, the Clerk of Court's office will also be able to tell you if the information you are looking for is considered to be public record in your area.

Different states have different laws regarding what information can be released to the public and what information is kept private. In California, for example, very few records can legally be released without the consent of the person the record concerns. In most counties, information regarding criminal records, sex offenders, court dockets, business and professional licenses, and real estate records are considered to be public and can be provided to anyone who is requesting such information. While these original documents are kept in actual files, in some cases it is also possible to find the information online. There are numerous websites that offer access to public records, though, so it is important to choose one that is legitimate. Many have a reputation for charging fees but only offering information that could have easily been found for free through the Clerk's office. When possible, it is best to search for online record's directly through the county's website. This ensures that you will get the best possible results without being ripped off.

Clay County Public Records can be found online through an easy automated system. For those who would prefer not to search online, records can also be obtained through the Clerk of the Circuit Court's office.