My federal return is less than the fee associated with filling my return. Am I required to pay this fee if I decide to file elsewhere?

[AnthonyC]

Assuming that you haven't already paid (which would have unlocked the return for printing) - then no - you don't have to pay the fee if you decide that you don't want to file with TurboTax.  You are allowed to start TurboTax for free and only have to pay at the end during the filing process.