Frequently Asked Questions

On October 22, 2010, the former First Bank of Jacksonville located in Jacksonville, Florida, opened as Ameris Bank. During this time of transition, we would like to assure you that your First Bank of Jacksonville accounts remain safe and secure, and we are committed to ensuring that this transition is easy and hassle free for you.

Below are the answers to some questions you might have:

Q: What happened?
A: First Bank of Jacksonville was closed by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation on Friday, October 22, 2010, and all of the deposits and assets held by First Bank of Jacksonville were assumed by our Company. The two former First Bank of Jacksonville locations opened on Monday, October 25, 2010 as Ameris Bank. During this time of transition, we would like to assure First Bank of Jacksonville customers that their accounts remain safe and secure, and that we are committed to ensuring that this transition is easy and hassle free.

Q: Is my money safe?
A: Yes, your money is safe and secure. Ameris Bank assumed all First Bank of Jacksonville deposits; therefore, no customers of First Bank of Jacksonville will lose their deposits. Additionally, your deposits that are now with Ameris Bank are insured by the FDIC, and each depositor is insured up to $250,000 established by law.

A: Can I access my money and are my accounts affected?
Q: Yes, you can access your money and continue banking as you normally do at the new Ameris Bank locations, formerly known as First Bank of Jacksonville. You can access your money by writing a check, using your ATM or Debit Card, or utilizing online banking. Checks drawn on First Bank of Jacksonville will continue to be processed and loan customers should continue to make payments as scheduled.

Q: Will I be able to continue to bank at the former First Bank of Jacksonville locations?
A: Yes, please continue to bank as normal. As of October 22, 2010, First Bank of Jacksonville offices are branches of Ameris Bank and will be open and serving customers during normal business hours.

Q: As a former First Bank of Jacksonville customer and now an Ameris Bank customer, can I use other Ameris Bank locations?
A: Unfortunately, you cannot use other Ameris Bank locations at this time. You will be notified once the transition of records from First Bank of Jacksonville to Ameris Bank is complete, and you will then be able to bank at other Ameris Bank locations. Until this time, please continue to conduct business as you have done in the past at the former First Bank of Jacksonville locations.

Q: Will I be able to bank at the other Ameris Bank locations?
A: During this time of transition, you will only be able to bank at the former First Bank of Jacksonville locations. We are in the process of fully converting the former First Bank of Jacksonville to Ameris Bank; we will notify you once the conversion is complete, and you will then be able to bank at all Ameris Bank locations.

Q: Can I continue to use my First Bank of Jacksonville checks, ATM, and Debit Card?
A: Yes, please continue to use your First Bank of Jacksonville checks, ATM, and Debit Card. Once the transition to Ameris Bank is complete, you will receive a new Ameris Bank Debit Card and checks.

Q: Can I use Online Banking?
A: Yes, you can use Online Banking by visiting firstbankofjacksonville.com.

Q: What will happen to my direct deposits?
A: Your direct deposits will still process as usual. If you should have any questions about your direct deposits, or if you would like to make any changes, please contact a Personal Banker at the Ameris Bank locations formerly known as First Bank of Jacksonville.

Q: Where do I make my loan payments?
A: Please continue to make your payments as you have previously agreed, and utilize the same payment address information. You can also continue to make payments at the Ameris Bank locations, formerly First Bank of Jacksonville. All checks should be made payable to Ameris Bank.

Q: I have a First Bank of Jacksonville CD – can I withdraw my money without penalty?
A: If you currently have a First Bank of Jacksonville Certificate of Deposit (CD) account, you may withdraw, without penalty for early withdrawal, all or any portion of your account balance. If you choose to do so, and wish to have these funds wired, please provide documentation outlining wire instructions with a notarized signature of the signer(s) on the account. You can mail this documentation to 11100 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32223 or fax to 904.262.5413.

Q: I read somewhere that I have to claim my deposits, how do I do that?
A: Due to federal regulation, all former First Bank of Jacksonville customers must claim ownership of their deposits at Ameris Bank within 18 months of October 22, 2010 (the closing date). You may claim your deposit(s) at Ameris Bank by taking any of the below actions within 18 months of October 22, 2010. If you have more than one deposit account, your action in claiming your deposit in one account will automatically claim your deposits in all of your accounts. To claim your deposits, please do one of the following:

• Making a deposit to or withdrawal from your account(s). This includes writing a check on any account or having an automated direct deposit credited to or an automated withdrawal debited from any account;
• Executing a new signature card on your account(s), entering into a new deposit agreement with the New Institution, changing the ownership on your account(s), or renegotiating the terms of a certificate of deposit account;
• Providing the New Institution with a completed change of address form; or
• Writing to the New Institution and notifying it that you wish to keep your account(s) active. Please be sure to include in this notice the name(s) on the account(s), the account numbers, and the signature of an authorized signer on the account(s), with name and address.

Q: I still have a lot of questions – who should I contact?
A: Please contact one of our bankers at the Ameris Bank locations, formerly First Bank of Jacksonville:

Ameris Bank - Mandarin Location
11100 San Jose Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32223
(D) 904.262.1000 | (F) 904.262.5413

Lobby: Mon-Thur 9-4:30; Fri 9-5
Drive Thru: Mon-Fri 8:30-5; Sat 9-noon

Ameris Bank –Deerwood Location
9802 Old Baymeadows Road
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(D) 904.322.5282 | (F) 904.322.5288

Lobby: Mon-Fri 9-4:30
Drive Thru: Mon-Fri 9-4:30; Sat Closed

Q: How do I learn more about Ameris Bank?
A: You can learn more about Ameris Bank by visiting amerisbank.com.