Two Legacies. One Stronger Community.
We’ve created this page as a resource for you as Community First Credit Union and First Southern proceed with the proposed merger application. Learn more about what you can expect.
Rooted in Trust. Growing for You.
Community First Credit Union of Florida (Community First) announces the completion of the acquisition of First Southern Bank (FSBH Corp.) formerly headquartered in Waycross, Georgia. Community First now has approximately $3.3 billion in assets, $2.5 billion in loans, $2.9 billion in member shares and deposits, 32 branches and 530 employees.
The acquisition was completed October 2, 2026. Community First Credit Union is a 91-year old community credit union headquartered in Jacksonville and First Southern Bank was founded in 1907.
Announcements
Learn More About What You Can Expect
Bookmark this page. It's where we will post the latest information about the acquisition, FAQ, and more.
What to expect:
- You will now see First Southern Powered by Community First signage at your branch.
- You may have some changes in account fees. See the new fee schedule here.
- Your deposits will now be NCUA insured. Coverage amounts remain the same.
You can:
- Continue banking at our 7 locations with team members you're familiar with.
- Login to online banking as you normally do.
- Use your credit cards, debit cards, and checks. Your account numbers stay the same. We will alert you at least 30 days in advance of any changes to your accounts.
A Unified Vision
Sam Inman
Chief Executive Officer, Community First Credit Union
"This acquisition is founded on a unified vision between Community First and First Southern Bank. Both institutions emphasize a community-oriented and relationship-based approach, maintaining a culture that respects individuals and prioritizes service excellence."
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Daniel S. Hager
Chairman and CEO of FSBH and First Southern
"First Southern customers will continue to see their trusted familiar banker at each location. The newly combined institution will have the ability to offer highly personalized financial services, which will enable us the financial capabilities to support further expansion."
FAQ
What should I do now?
First Southern primary account owners, including business and commercial account owners, can now become CFCU members and CFCU will fund your membership share account. First Southern customers should call or visit their local branch to submit a CFCU Membership Opt-In Form before December 31, 2026 to ensure a seamless account transition and avoid delays when the systems merge in early summer 2027. Primary account owners can also opt in online at www.MyCommunityFirst.org or mail in the enclosed Opt-In Form.
- In early summer 2027, CFCU will transition all the First Southern accounts associated with the primary account owner’s name to comparable CFCU membership accounts. If you have opted in, you will be given a credit union membership account at no cost. For business and commercial account owners, only individuals authorized to make decisions on behalf of the business or commercial account should complete the Opt-In form.
- A membership share account works like a savings account and is required to become a credit union member. To keep your membership active, a minimum balance of $5 must be maintained.
What about my current First Southern accounts, online account access and routing numbers?
You can continue to bank normally at all First Southern locations under your First Southern account agreement. All First Southern locations will remain open to continue serving you during normal business hours. Your online logins, account numbers, checks, debit cards, bill pay, ACH, and direct deposits will all remain the same at this time. All bank ATMs will remain available, and you will continue to have access to the contents of your safe deposit box.
What will happen to my direct deposits and ACH payments?
All direct deposits (social security, payroll, etc.), automatic withdrawals or transfers, and any transactions will continue to process and post to your account. If any change is necessary in the future, you will receive notification at least 30 days in advance of any change.
Do I need to replace my First Southern debit, credit cards or check?
Your existing debit cards and checks will continue to function normally. If, in the future, these items are replaced with
CFCU branded items, you will be notified in advance.
Is the First Southern Sebring location closed?
No, our Sebring branch has not closed. The address is 205 West Center Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870.
Have hours of operation changed for locations previously known as First Southern?
No, hours have not changed. View First Southern Powered by Community First branches and hours.
Are all First Southern branches now re-opened as Community First locations?
Yes. All seven First Southern locations have re-opened as Community First Credit Union branches. Find a branch here.
When can I use CFCU locations?
First Southern customers can not conduct transactions at CFCU branches until the account systems merge in early summer 2027. First Southern debit cards can be used at CFCU ATMs surcharge-free beginning October 3, 2026. In addition, starting October 3, 2026 First Southern debit cardholders can use the nationwide surcharge-free network. You can find a surcharge-free ATM here. You can still use any of the First Southern branch locations listed here, and First Southern ATMs and surcharge-free network.
Will I be able to open a new account at an First Southern location after October 2, 2026?
If you are a current First Southern customer, you can open a new account at First Southern locations. The tellers at your local branch can help you complete the process in minutes.
Will my deposits be insured?
Yes. Your accounts will remain federally insured at the same levels. Since we are a credit union and not a bank, your money which used to be insured by the FDIC will now be insured by the NCUA. Each account will be insured by the NCUA up to $250,000 per member, per account type.
What happens to customers who have accounts at First Southern and CFCU?
Your services will continue without interruption.
What if my account balance exceeds $250,000?
Your services will continue without interruption.
Will consumer, business and/or commercial account fees change?
Yes. The CFCU fee schedule was mailed to customers on September 2, 2026. You can find the CFCU fee schedule here.
Will my First Southern loans and mortgages remain the same?
Your existing loans and mortgages will retain the same terms. The physical address for mailed payments will remain the same until the system conversion. Community First will provide notification 30 days in advance of where to mail payments after the system conversion.
Who will be leading the credit union?
Sam Inman, Community First’s president and CEO, will lead the combined institution. Daniel S. Hager, his executive team, and all FSB teammates will continue to be with the credit union.
What is a Credit Union and how is it different from a Bank?
Credit unions operate under a cooperative model, emphasizing a member-owned structure that places the well-being of their community and members at the forefront. Credit unions operate on a not-for-profit basis, focusing on the wellbeing of their members. See a comparison here.