By Bonita Miyagi Ι The Villages Daily Sun Ι May 30, 2025
A century of community banking is coming to Florida’s Friendliest Hometown.
Citizens First Bank is becoming Seacoast Bank pending regulatory approval, officials announced Thursday.
“This is a rare partnership opportunity to continue the legacy of high-quality service to the Villages community with a shared vision for the many years of growth that lay ahead,” said Charles M. Shaffer, Seacoast’s Chairman and CEO. “We are excited to welcome all
the Citizens First Bank associates, customers, and communities to the Seacoast franchise and expand products and services for our new
customers.”
customers.”
Seacoast, founded in 1926, is the sixth largest Florida-based bank with approximately $15.7 billion in assets and $12.6 billion in deposits
as of March 31, 2025.
It operates 79 branches across the state with more than 1,500 employees.
Citizens First Bank was founded 34 years ago as First Bank of The Villages, championed by Harold Schwartz and H. Gary Morse, the late founders of The Villages.
The community bank now lists approximately $4.1 billion in assets and $3.5 billion in deposits as of March 31, 2025.
It operates 19 branches and a 45,000-square-foot operations center with just over 400 employees.
Citizens First has steadily held over a 50% market share in The Villages area and today is the 11th largest Florida-based bank.
“Seacoast Bank shares many of the values Citizens First Bank was built upon,” said Jay Bartholomew, Citizens First’s president and CEO. “That includes a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and a dedication to helping communities prosper.”
Citizens First played a crucial role in keeping small businesses afloat during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, securing 1,410 stimulus loans valued at $143 million — an effort that saved nearly 14,000 local jobs.
Over the past three decades, Citizens First has not only helped thousands of homebuyers achieve their retirement dreams, but has also been a stalwart in community giving.
Among its many sponsorships, Citizens First has been a key contributor to Habitat for Humanity homes. It has also donated more than $52,000 for local education through the Buffalo Charity Checking program it launched in 2017.
“Since our founding in 1991, we’ve been committed to providing the very best banking experience for our customers,” said Bartholomew. “Now, in partnership with Seacoast, we are positioned to further accelerate this commitment, expanding a best-in-class banking experience supported by a great team of professionals. We are delighted to join with Seacoast Bank, which shares our values and has been serving Florida consumers and businesses for nearly a century.”
When Will the Merger Be Final?
The merger is expected to legally close in the fourth quarter of 2025. On the legal close date, customers will not see changes to their day-to-day banking activities and Citizens First Bank will continue to operate as Citizens First up until conversion. Conversion to Seacoast Bank will take place after the legal close and is tentatively scheduled for the middle of May 2026.
The merger is expected to legally close in the fourth quarter of 2025. On the legal close date, customers will not see changes to their day-to-day banking activities and Citizens First Bank will continue to operate as Citizens First up until conversion. Conversion to Seacoast Bank will take place after the legal close and is tentatively scheduled for the middle of May 2026.
What Should Customers Do Right Now?
Citizens First Bank customers should continue banking as usual. As conversion approaches in 2026, customers will receive a welcome packet including details about their accounts and any additional banking options available. Citizens First Bank customers also can visit SeacoastBank.com/WelcomeCitizensFirst to get the most up to date information.
Citizens First Bank customers should continue banking as usual. As conversion approaches in 2026, customers will receive a welcome packet including details about their accounts and any additional banking options available. Citizens First Bank customers also can visit SeacoastBank.com/WelcomeCitizensFirst to get the most up to date information.
Can Citizens First Bank Customers Use Seacoast Bank Branches Now?
No, not until the customer account conversion is completed. Until then, Citizens First Bank customers should continue to use Citizen First Bank branches.
How Will Customers Benefit?
Citizens First Bank customers will enjoy the convenience of more branches, ATMs and mobile banking capabilities as well as a local customer support center with expanded hours. They will also have access to a wider array of financial solutions including expanded wealth and trust services.
Will Customer Account Numbers and Products Change?
Not at this time. More information will be coming soon as Seacoast Bank and Citizens First Bank teams work together to make the transition as seamless as possible.
Not at this time. More information will be coming soon as Seacoast Bank and Citizens First Bank teams work together to make the transition as seamless as possible.
Are Customer Deposits FDIC Insured?
Yes. Just as your deposits are insured with Citizens First Bank, FDIC insurance will continue with Seacoast Bank.
Yes. Just as your deposits are insured with Citizens First Bank, FDIC insurance will continue with Seacoast Bank.