ClearPalm vs. Payroll Leasing (PEO): What You Should Know Before You Sign 

If you’re a business owner in Florida, chances are you’ve been approached by a PEO — a Professional Employer Organization that promises to “simplify” your payroll and HR. Both PEOs and standalone payroll providers can work well, depending on the business. The key is understanding how pricing, service structure, and workers’ compensation options differ — before you commit. 

How PEO Pricing Can Add Up 

PEOs bundle payroll, benefits, and HR into a single package. That convenience comes at a cost — and depending on the provider and agreement, the pricing structure may include multiple components that are worth reviewing carefully. 

Common PEO charges to ask about: 

• Administrative fees based on a percentage of total payroll — which can mean the more your business grows, the more you pay in admin costs alone. 

• Workers’ compensation charges or minimums — which may not reflect your company’s actual claims history or risk profile. 

• Bundled billing or service line items — which can make it harder to see exactly where each dollar goes. 

PEOs serve a legitimate purpose for many businesses — especially those that need full-service HR outsourcing or access to large-group benefits. But the bundled pricing structure means some businesses find it difficult to compare total costs without reviewing all recurring fees and service terms side by side. 

The ClearPalm Difference: Simple, Transparent Pricing 

At ClearPalm, we believe pricing should be clear and easy to understand — before you enroll and throughout your service relationship. Our pricing model is designed to be simple: 

•  One small base fee 

•  A flat per-employee rate for each direct deposit or check 

•  Pricing that is not based on a percentage of your gross payroll 

Our pricing is not based on a percentage of gross payroll, so increases in wages don’t automatically raise your processing fees the way percentage-based pricing can. Your growth should benefit your business — not your payroll provider. 

Pricing note: Contact us for a personalized quote. Final pricing depends on business size, pay frequency, and services selected. 

Why This Matters for Growing Businesses 

Whether you run a medical practice, a law firm, or a contracting business, every dollar in overhead matters. A PEO’s admin fee tied to your total payroll may seem manageable at first — but as your team grows and wages increase, that percentage can quietly become a significant line item year after year. 

With ClearPalm’s pricing approach, businesses can better forecast payroll administration costs because the fee structure doesn’t scale with your gross payroll. 

Built for Florida Businesses Since 2014 

ClearPalm was founded in 2014, backed by decades of industry experience, with a simple idea: Florida business owners deserve payroll and insurance services with pricing they can actually understand. We’re a family business built on personal service, honest conversations, and straightforward agreements. 

We’re not a massive corporation with layers of overhead to pass along. We’re based right here in Tampa Bay, serving small and mid-sized businesses across Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties — and we price our services to earn your business, not just process it. 

Ready to Compare? 

Request a free side-by-side comparison of your current PEO costs against ClearPalm’s pricing. No pressure, no obligation — just the numbers. 

📞  Call us: 813-944-0348 

🌐  Visit: clearpalminc.com 

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only. PEO agreements, payroll service arrangements, workers’ compensation structures, and pricing models vary by provider and employer. ClearPalm does not make representations about any specific third-party provider’s terms, pricing, or business practices. Businesses should review all agreements carefully before making a decision. Contact ClearPalm for current service details and pricing information.