- Payday loans in Clearwater follow Florida law (Florida Statutes s. 560.404 (deferred presentment)).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $30 (10% fee) plus a small verification fee.
- 1 credit union is headquartered in Clearwater; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Clearwater at a glance
| Clearwater | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 116,811 |
| Change since 2020 | -0.5% (holding steady) |
| County | Pinellas County |
| Size rank among 393 Florida places we cover | 20th |
| Nearest larger city | St. Petersburg (about 17 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 1 |
| Credit unions headquartered in Pinellas County | 4 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 26 (about 1,039,669 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 293% |
Payday lending in Clearwater follows Florida state law. Lenders that serve Clearwater, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation.
Credit unions in Clearwater
These credit unions have their main office in Clearwater, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- City-County Employees Credit Union (state charter)
Only federal credit unions can offer payday alternative loans (PALs), capped at 28% APR; state-chartered credit unions often have their own small-loan products. Membership rules apply, and only main offices are listed here; find branches near you with the NCUA Credit Union Locator. See how PALs work.
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Payday loan rules that apply in Clearwater
| Rule | Florida |
|---|---|
| Maximum loan | $500 (single-payment); $1,000 for installment deferred presentment |
| Maximum fee | 10% of the amount provided, plus a verification fee |
| Loan term | 7 to 31 days (installment: 60 to 90 days) |
| Loans at once | One, checked through the state database |
| Cooling-off | 24 hours after a loan ends |
| Rollovers | Not allowed |
| If you cannot pay | A 60-day grace period at no extra charge if you complete credit counseling |
What a $300 loan costs in Clearwater
At Florida’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $30 (10% fee) plus a small verification fee. Statewide, the typical APR on a $400 payday loan was 293% (Center for Responsible Lending, June 2023). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Pinellas County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Pinellas County.
- Ask a federal credit union about a PAL: $200–$2,000 at no more than 28% APR (how PALs work).
- Check your bank app for a small-dollar loan or early pay (bank options).
- Try a cash advance app if you have direct deposit (apps compared).
Towns near Clearwater
- Belleair · 4 mi
- Dunedin · 4 mi
- Safety Harbor · 5 mi
- Largo · 5 mi
- Belleair Bluffs · 5 mi
- Belleair Beach · 5 mi
The nearest larger city is St. Petersburg, about 17 miles away. See all 393 Florida cities.
Need cash before payday?Send one free request to our lender network. We are not a lender; offers and rates come from lenders.
Request a loanFrequently asked questions
Are payday loans legal in Clearwater?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Clearwater under Florida state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation.
How much does a payday loan cost in Clearwater?
At Florida’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $30 (10% fee) plus a small verification fee. The typical statewide APR was 293% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in Clearwater?
Yes. NCUA data lists 1 credit union with a main office in Clearwater, including City-County Employees Credit Union.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau — City and town population totals, Vintage 2024
- U.S. Census Bureau — 2024 Gazetteer files (place locations)
- NCUA — Credit union call report data, June 2026 (FOICU)
- Florida Statutes s. 560.404
- Florida OFR — Payday lenders
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary