Florida Banking April/May 2026

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

Building the Next Generation of Community Banks

Florida’s resurgence in de novo bank formation shows that the entrepreneurial spirit of community banking is alive and well.

the future of our industry. Launching a de novo bank today requires extraordinary commitment. The process is lengthy and complex. It demands significant capital, experienced leadership and a long-term vision. Those who undertake it do so because they believe deeply in the role community banks play in strengthening local economies and building lasting relationships with customers. In that sense, de novo banking is about more than creating new institutions. It is about developing the next generation of community bank leaders and ensuring our industry continues to evolve while staying true to its core mission. The success of these new banks also sends an important message: community banking remains an essential part of our financial system. Even in an era defined by consolidation and rapid technological change, there is still strong demand for institutions that make decisions locally, understand their markets and remain deeply connected to the communities they serve. As an association, the FBA will continue working to support that future. That means advocating for policies that encourage responsible bank formation, fostering innovation and ensuring community banks of all sizes have the opportunity to compete and succeed. Florida’s recent momentum in de novo banking is something we can all be proud of. But even more importantly, it’s a reminder that the future of community banking is still being built — one institution, one relationship and one community at a time.

One of the great strengths of the community banking industry has always been its ability to renew itself. Throughout our history, new banks have emerged when communities needed them most – founded by local leaders who saw an opportunity to serve their neighbors, support local businesses and bring a relationship-driven approach to financial services. That spirit of entrepreneurship has helped define community banking for generations. In recent years, however, that cycle of renewal slowed dramatically. Following the financial crisis and the wave of regulatory change that followed, new bank formation across the country fell to historic lows. For several years, virtually no new banks were chartered nationwide. And yet, Florida has shown that the entrepreneurial spirit of community banking is very much alive. As highlighted in this issue’s cover story, our state has experienced a remarkable resurgence in de novo bank formation. In looking at the past decade, Florida is leading the nation with 11 new banks opened, including one that converted from a trust charter. We also have five de novos currently in formation, two of which should open any day as their charter applications have been approved. That achievement reflects not only the strength of our economy, but also the determination of the bankers, investors and community leaders who believe in the value of locally focused financial institutions. What makes these efforts especially meaningful is what they represent for

KEITH COSTELLO FBA CHAIR

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In looking at the past decade, Florida is leading the nation with 11 new banks opened...we also have five de novos currently in formation, two of which should open any day.”

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