How to Choose a Financial Advisor in CLEARWATER, FL

A data-driven guide based on 77 registered advisors in CLEARWATER

Local Market Overview

There are 77 registered financial advisors in CLEARWATER, Florida. Approximately 99% report fee-based compensation, while 17% include commission-based compensation. The average firm serving CLEARWATER manages $1.0B in assets.

Registered Advisors

In CLEARWATER, FL

Avg Firm AUM

$1.0B

Assets under management

Top Credential

CFP

5 advisors

Community Profile

CLEARWATER has a population of 116,984 with a median household income of $59,358. The median age is 46.

Advisor density: 6.6 per 10K residents

Median income: $59,358

Most Common Credentials in CLEARWATER

CFP

5 advisors

CFA

1 advisors

ChFC

1 advisors

Compensation Types Reported

Percentage of AUM

99% of advisors · 76 total

Hourly charges

71% of advisors · 55 total

Subscription fees

68% of advisors · 52 total

Commissions

17% of advisors · 13 total

Other: FEES AS SOLICITOR FOR SEABRIDGE INVEST ADVISOR

17% of advisors · 13 total

Performance-based fees

16% of advisors · 12 total

What to Look For

Check their credentials

The CFP (Certified Financial Planner) is the gold standard for comprehensive financial planning. A CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) signals deep investment expertise, while a ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant) covers insurance and estate planning.

Understand fee structures

Fee-only advisors charge only for their advice (hourly, flat fee, or % of AUM). Fee-based advisors may also earn commissions on products they sell. Commission-only advisors earn money from product sales. Fee-only is generally considered the least conflicted model. See Florida fee analysis →

Verify their registration

Every legitimate advisor should be registered with the SEC or their state. Check FINRA BrokerCheck for disciplinary history, disclosures, and registration status. All advisors on AdvisorOS are sourced from official SEC/FINRA registration data.

Ask about account minimums

Some advisors require $250,000 or more to open an account. Others work with any portfolio size. Ask upfront to avoid wasting time on advisors who aren't a fit.

Review their Form CRS

The Form CRS (Client Relationship Summary) is a 2-page document every advisor must provide. It explains services, fees, conflicts of interest, and disciplinary history in plain language. Ask for it before your first meeting.

Browse Advisors in CLEARWATER

77 advisors in CLEARWATER, FL

Search the full directory of registered financial advisors in CLEARWATER. Compare credentials, specialties, and firm details — all based on SEC and FINRA public data.

Browse CLEARWATER Advisors All Cities in Florida

Frequently Asked Questions

How many financial advisors are in CLEARWATER, FL?

There are 77 registered financial advisors in CLEARWATER, Florida, according to SEC and FINRA registration data.

What credentials should a financial advisor in CLEARWATER have?

Look for CFP (Certified Financial Planner) for comprehensive planning, CFA for investment management, or ChFC for insurance and estate planning. The most common credential among CLEARWATER advisors is CFP.

Are financial advisors in CLEARWATER required to be fiduciaries?

Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) have a fiduciary duty to act in your best interest. Broker-dealers follow a suitability standard. Always ask your advisor about their fiduciary status and get it in writing.

What do financial advisors in CLEARWATER charge?

Fees vary widely. Fee-only advisors typically charge 0.5%–1.5% of assets under management, $150–$400/hour, or flat fees of $1,000–$7,500+ per plan. Commission-based advisors may not charge fees directly but earn commissions on products.

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Browse CLEARWATER Advisors by Specialty

Investment Management Retirement Planning Wealth Management Financial Planning Fee-Only Advisory Financial Education

More Research

What Do Financial Advisors Cost in Florida? →National Fee Analysis →