I am in the middle of changing the fuel filter on my '06 Explorer. However, one of the clips (green one) went flying when I squeezed and pushed it off the end of the old filter.

It flew somewhere on top of the gas tank or elsewhere.

I am dead in the water unless I can find this.

Autozone was no help. Is this a dealer only part?

 

You could run a wire over the tank and see if you could pull it out. Some fuel filters come with those "U" type clips.

 

I have bought them at Auto Zone in the isle where they sell door handles / clips / orings / bolts... all small parts. You get a box of 4-5. Don't know why your store does not have it.