Florida

First Green Bank in Florida started researching the business after its chairman saw how medical marijuana had helped his wife cope with a severe injury. The bank is now turning a profit a year after adding its first pot-related client -- and there could be lessons there for credit unions.

The Florida bank started researching the business after Ken LaRoe, its chairman, saw how medical marijuana had helped his wife cope with a severe injury. First Green is now turning a profit on this business a year after adding its first pot-related client.

Florida and Texas are normally major sources of mergers, but bankers in those states likely will take a break to assess damage from the hurricanes before returning to dealmaking.

David Dotherow, CEO of the newly formed Winter Park National Bank, stresses the need for strong management and a straightforward business plan when applying for a charter.

Banks could be busy supplying credit to manufacturers, hotels, multifamily developers and other businesses that will be helping residents get their lives back on track after two fierce storms.

The hurricane was expected by many to deliver catastrophe. Instead, bankers are largely looking to restore power and confirm the status of employees.

The agency has earmarked all funds from a Hurricane Harvey recovery package for direct relief, despite calls to get more bankers involved in the process. It remains to be seen how the agency will handle the cleanup for Hurricane Irma.

First Data is one of many payments companies working to get its customers back up and running in the wake of the severe storms, but it's also a victim — its center in Sugar Land, Texas, suffered flooding, causing the Atlanta-based company to set up operations at a hotel in Houston for 400 staff.

Texas bankers recovering from Hurricane Harvey are reflecting on their experiences, identifying what went right and what they could do better. Their views could prove useful to Florida bankers hurriedly preparing for the nation's next big hurricane.

Messaging services, mobile banking and remote deposit capture are expected to help Florida FIs that aim to keep up with employees and offer uninterrupted service to consumers.

Messaging services, mobile banking and remote deposit capture are expected to help Florida banks that aim to keep up with employees and offer uninterrupted service to customers.

The Alabama company agreed to buy FirstAtlantic Financial for $108 million.

Recently retired CEO of VyStar CU in Florida lauded for service, leadership.

Like many banks its size, CenterState in Florida may need to venture out of state to find a big enough acquisition to make additional compliance costs worthwhile.

The Florida company will pay nearly $600 million to buy HCBF Holding and Sunshine Bancorp.

Lake Michigan Credit Union’s deal for Encore Bank would give it a total of 10 branches on the Florida Gulf Coast.

All Rose City staff and executive team members will retain their jobs post-merger.

Valley National's latest acquisition would make it a much bigger player in Florida and provide a platform to write more auto loans. Both markets present attractive returns but high risks.

The acquisition would be Valley's third in the Sunshine State since 2014 and would give the New Jersey company its first branches in Alabama.

First Home Bank raised nearly 20% more than it sought from investors, providing proof that Florida — especially the Tampa Bay area — is a hotbed of activity.