FLBK Florida Choice Bkshs (MM)

Florida Banks Announces Filing of a Universal Shelf Registration Statement for Up to $30 Million in Securities JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Dec. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Florida Banks, Inc. today announced that it has amended the registration statement for its previously postponed follow-on offering of 2,000,000 shares of its common stock to convert it to a universal shelf registration statement covering the primary issuance, from time to time on a delayed basis, of up to $30,000,000 aggregate amount of its common stock, preferred stock, debt securities and/or warrants. These securities, which may be offered in one or more offerings and in any combination, will in each case be offered pursuant to a separate prospectus supplement issued at the time of the particular offering that will describe the specific types, amounts, prices and terms of the offered securities. Commenting on the announcement, Charles E. Hughes, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Florida Banks, said, "We are pleased to announce that we have converted our pending registration statement to a shelf registration. This form offers us greater flexibility to access the capital markets at times and in steps that more closely match the strong underlying growth we see across our banks." The amended registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state in which such an offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state. Florida Banks, Inc. is a Jacksonville-based holding company for a statewide community banking system in many of Florida's largest and fastest-growing markets. The Company's community banking approach emphasizes responsive and personalized service to its customers at a level normally reserved for only the very best customers of large banks. Local banking affiliates of Florida Banks, Inc. offer a range of traditional banking products and services to small and medium-sized businesses and professionals. Florida Banks, Inc. also provides personal banking services for the owners and executives of those businesses. The Company operates full-service banking offices in Tampa, Jacksonville, Alachua County (Gainesville), Broward County (Ft. Lauderdale), Pinellas County (St. Petersburg/Clearwater/Largo), Marion County (Ocala) and West Palm Beach. Certain statements in this news release contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, such as statements relating to financial results and plans for future business development activities, and are thus prospective. Such forward- looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, competition, interest rate sensitivity, exposure to regulatory and legislative changes and other uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. DATASOURCE: Florida Banks, Inc. CONTACT: Charles E. Hughes, Jr., President and CEO, +1-904-332-7777, or , or T. Edwin Stinson, Jr., Chief Financial Officer, +1-904-332-7772, or , both of Florida Banks, Inc.

Copyright