Is there a magic distance that the Fuel filter has to be away from the fuel pumps or can I have the fuel filter right after the pump?

 

It goes a lot of different ways, an FC filter is close to the engine bay, while the FB and FD filter is close to the pump. Id say its wherever you want to put it, as far as mounting preference and convenience of service.

I always thought for an in-tank pump with a filter sock, or an external pump with a stainless steel mesh prefilter, run the main filter close to the engine bay. Best chance of catching any debris in the lines. I like the stock FC location, in the lower engine bay, away from most of the heat.