- Payday loans in Tampa 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.
- 8+ credit unions are headquartered in Tampa; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Tampa at a glance
| Tampa | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 414,547 |
| Change since 2020 | +6.7% (growing fast) |
| County | Hillsborough County |
| Size rank among 393 Florida places we cover | 3rd |
| Share of Florida’s population | 1.8% |
| Nearest larger city | Jacksonville (about 171 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 8+, 7 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in Hillsborough County | 12 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 26 (about 781,342 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 293% |
Payday lending in Tampa follows Florida state law. Lenders that serve Tampa, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation.
Credit unions in Tampa
These credit unions have their main office in Tampa, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Gte Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Tampa Bay Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Florida Customs Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Tampa Postal Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Grow Financial Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Usf Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Trax Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Floridacentral 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.
Need $100–$1,000 before payday?
- One free request, many lenders
- Bad credit and benefit income considered by many lenders
- See the APR and total cost before you sign
PaydayEase is not a lender. Requests go to lenders in our network; approval, rates and terms are set by the lender. Rates & fees
Payday loan rules that apply in Tampa
| 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 Tampa
The Center for Responsible Lending put the typical APR on a $400 payday loan in Florida at 293% (June 2023). For $300 at the state maximum, expect $30 (10% fee) plus a small verification fee. Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Hillsborough County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Hillsborough 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 Tampa
- Temple Terrace · 8 mi
- Oldsmar · 13 mi
- Safety Harbor · 14 mi
- Pinellas Park · 16 mi
- St. Petersburg · 17 mi
- Clearwater · 18 mi
The nearest larger city is Jacksonville, about 171 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 Tampa?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Tampa under Florida state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation.
How much does a payday loan cost in Tampa?
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 Tampa?
Yes. NCUA data lists 8 or more credit unions with a main office in Tampa, including Gte Federal Credit Union and Tampa Bay Federal Credit Union. Federal credit unions can offer payday alternative loans capped at 28% APR.
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