A fuel filter includes a housing (412) with a removable element (424) mounted therein. The housing has an inlet port (414) in direct fluid communication with a chamber (418). A first outlet port (416) is in direct fluid communication with a central standpipe (422). The standpipe has a flow element (442) movable therein for controlling the condition of flow openings (436) in the standpipe. The cover further includes a cover projection (482) for supporting a projection (478) on the end cap (460) of the filter element, which opens flow into the standpipe only when the element is installed. The removable element can include first and second filter media rings (426, 716) where fluid is introduced between the rings and flows radially inward through the first media to the first outlet port (416), and radially outward through the second media ring to a second outlet port (710). The second filter media ring (716) includes a distal end (728) freely supported with respect to the second end cap and defining a continuous annular passage (732) into the annular cavity (726) between the media rings (426, 716).