Question and Answer Guide - FGBT

As of January 27, 2012 First Guaranty Bank and Trust was closed by the State of Florida Department of Banking. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was then named Receiver. Subsequent to the closure, CenterState Bank of Florida, Winter Haven, Florida, acquired all the deposits and all the assets of First Guaranty Bank and Trust from the FDIC as Receiver for First Guaranty Bank and Trust.

Any claims by equity holders were not acquired. Share price does not trigger a bank's closing and was not the reason for First Guaranty Bank and Trust's closure.

The total balance in your account(s) has been transferred to CenterState Bank and will be available for transactions during regular business hours at the former First Guaranty Bank and Trust branches. Each location will operate by the same schedule unless you are notified. You may continue using your same checks, ATM cards and debit cards until notified. All Direct Deposits including social security checks will continue as usual.

1. Is my money safe?

Yes. CenterState Bank is completely insured up to $250,000 per customer by the FDIC. In addition we have been awarded an Excellent Four Star rating by Bauer Financial for safety and soundness.

2. Is CenterState Bank insured by the FDIC?

Yes - we are completely insured by the FDIC up to $250,000 per customer. In addition, CenterState Bank received all the deposits of First Guaranty Bank and Trust from the FDIC. No depositor will lose a single penny in this merger, even if they are over the $250,000 limit set by the FDIC.

3. How can I get my money?

Your debit card should still be working but if not, we will be open for business during regular business hours. All your money is still safe in your account.

4. Will the same tellers still be here?

You will continue to see the same smiling faces.

5. How many offices does CenterState Bank have?

Before our acquisition of First Guaranty Bank and Trust, we had 61 locations throughout 18 Florida counties. With this new addition we have 69 locations in 20 different counties.

6. How long has CenterState Bank been in business?

We've been around over 20 years.

7. I understand that I must "claim" my account. What do I have to do?

Customers must "claim their account" within 18 months of the acquisition. It's very simple. Any transaction; making a deposit, writing a check, or using a debit card - all of these actions - claim the account. Claiming one account claims all of your other accounts as well.

8. Will my account number change?

Some account numbers may have to change. However we will notify those customers by mail with instructions to redirect any automated deposits or payments as soon as possible. We want to make the transition as smooth as possible for you. Unless you are notified, please continue to conduct business as usual.

9. Will my account features change?

Yes, some account features will change. We will take great care in selecting the best CenterState Bank checking account product based on what we know of your former account. When the time comes to change your account, we will send a letter to you describing the features of your new CenterState Bank product. If the chosen account is not well suited for your financial needs, please let us know and we will be happy to make the necessary changes.

10. Will I have a new service charge?

Many of CenterState Bank accounts are completely free so we will do our best to select the best account for you. Some service charges will change, but we will notify you 30 days in advance of any changes to your account or fees.

11. Can I continue to write checks on my old account?

Yes - For now, it's business as usual. If anything changes, we will notify you immediately.

12. Can I continue to use my old debit card?

Yes, your old card should continue to work. In the upcoming months you will receive a new CenterState Bank debit card, but until then continue using your current card. You will be notified before receiving a new debit card.

13. Will CenterState Bank give me free checks?

If we have to change your account number, the first full box of checks will be provided at no charge for personal accounts.

As well, business customers will continue to use their checks until their current supply is depleted. As a business customer, if your account number has to change we will gladly help defer the cost of new checks.

14. Can I go to any CenterState Bank office to make a withdrawal from my account?

Yes. You may transact business at any CenterState Bank office.

15. Will my automatic drafts, direct deposits and bill payments continue to post to my account?

Yes. All automated transactions will continue as scheduled. The old routing number from First Guaranty Bank and Trust has been added to CenterState Bank as a subsidiary through the Federal Reserve.

16. A merchant will not honor my First Guaranty Bank and Trust check. What should I do?

Checks written against former First Guaranty Bank and Trust accounts will be honored if the account transferred to CenterState Bank and has available funds to cover the item. Please contact any CenterState Bank employee and report any problems with checks not being accepted.

17. I already have deposit accounts with CenterState Bank. When combined with my balances from First Guaranty Bank and Trust, my deposits will exceed insurance limits. Are all of my funds insured?

When two or more insured banks merge, the deposits from the assumed bank continue to be insured separately for six months after the merger. This grace period gives depositors the opportunity to restructure their accounts, if necessary.

18. Will I continue to earn interest at the same rate I currently have?

All interest on insured deposits accrued through Friday, January 27, 2012 will be paid at the same rate. Some deposit rates on checking or savings accounts may change in accordance with current market indices.

19. Will I incur an early withdrawal penalty if I close my CD before maturity?

No, the FDIC permits you to withdraw your funds from any CD without penalty until the maturity date on the Certificate. Once you enter into a new CD agreement with CenterState Bank, regular penalties apply for early withdrawals. CD rates will stay the same unless you are notified.

20. How will I get my final account statement(s) from First Guaranty Bank and Trust?

CenterState Bank will mail any statements you may need. Please be aware that you may receive a statement with a zero balance. This means the statement processor is closing out business with CenterState Bank - it does not mean you have a zero balance in your account.

21. Can I still cash my interest check or cashier's check?

Yes, all First Guaranty Bank and Trust interest checks and cashier's checks will continue to be honored.

22. Will my online banking for First Guaranty Bank and Trust continue to work?

Until you are notified, your on line banking will continue to work as usual. You will be notified via the website and through direct mail with instructions concerning your online banking account.

23. What will happen to the checks which have not cleared my account?

Right now everything stays the same. Your checks will clear up to the available balance in your account, just the way they have in the past.

24. What if I need information regarding my account from the time period First Guaranty Bank and Trust was in business?

All deposit account histories and records are in the process of being transferred to CenterState Bank, please visit your usual location if you need any help with past statements.

25. Who will send my 1098 and/or 1099 information at the end of the year?

CenterState Bank will be responsible for mailing all the necessary information. If you have questions, please give us a call.

26. How do I make loan payments?

You may continue to use your installment loan coupons. However, please make the checks payable to CenterState Bank. You may make your payments at any CenterState Bank location.

27. How can I claim the contents of my safe deposit box?

It is business as usual. You may go to your former First Guaranty Bank and Trust branch and access your safe deposit box during normal business hours.

29. What happens to my loan/mortgage with First Guaranty Bank and Trust?

Your payment amount and due date will remain the same. If you pay by check, please make your check payable to CenterState Bank and mail your payments to:

CenterState Bank
Loan Operations
P.O. Box 9602
Winter Haven, Florida 33883-9602

If you have an automatic debit, the payment will continue as it has in the past. If you have questions, please contact a loan officer.

30. I did some work for the bank and have not been paid. What do I do?

All Claims against First Guaranty Bank and Trust, together with the proof of the claims, must be submitted in writing to the Receiver at the following address:

FDIC as Receiver for First Guaranty Bank and Trust
1601 Bryan Street
Dallas, TX 75201
Attention: Claims Agent

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