- Payday loans in Waldo 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.
- The nearest larger city is Gainesville, about 13 miles away.
Waldo at a glance
| Waldo | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 824 |
| Change since 2020 | -2.3% (shrinking) |
| County | Alachua County |
| Size rank among 393 Florida places we cover | 342nd |
| Nearest larger city | Gainesville (about 13 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Alachua County | 3 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 14 (about 175,543 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 293% |
There is no separate Waldo payday law: Florida rules apply here, and any lender serving Waldo residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Florida Office of Financial Regulation.
Credit unions near Waldo
No credit union has its main office in Waldo, but these are based elsewhere in Alachua County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Florida Credit Union in Gainesville (state charter)
- Campus Usa Credit Union in Gainesville (state charter)
- Radiant Credit Union in Gainesville (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.
Payday loan rules that apply in Waldo
In short, Florida rules that cover Waldo include: 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). See the full Florida payday loan rules.
What a $300 loan costs in Waldo
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 Alachua County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Waldo residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Alachua County.
- A credit union payday alternative loan (max 28% APR). See PALs explained.
- Your bank’s small-dollar loan, if offered (compare banks).
- A cash advance app for $20–$500 (apps compared).
Towns near Waldo
- Hampton · 5 mi
- Keystone Heights · 8 mi
- Starke · 11 mi
- Brooker · 12 mi
- Gainesville · 13 mi
- Hawthorne · 14 mi
The nearest larger city is Gainesville, about 13 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 Waldo?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Waldo under Florida state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation.
How much does a payday loan cost in Waldo?
At Florida’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $30 (10% fee) plus a small verification fee. The typical statewide APR was 293% in 2023.
Where is the nearest credit union to Waldo?
No credit union is headquartered in Waldo, but Florida Credit Union is based in Gainesville, also in Alachua County.
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