Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration No. 333-208355

PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS

Dear Shareholder of Jacksonville Bancorp, Inc.:

These materials are a proxy statement of Jacksonville Bancorp, Inc. (“JAXB”) and a prospectus of Ameris Bancorp (“ABCB”). They are being furnished to you in connection with the notice of special meeting of JAXB shareholders to be held on March 11, 2016. At the special meeting of JAXB shareholders, you will be asked to vote on the following matters:

As of February 1, 2016, the record date for the special meeting, there were 3,512,773 shares of JAXB voting common stock, and 2,287,821 shares of JAXB nonvoting common stock (which we refer to together as the “JAXB common stock”), outstanding and entitled to vote at the special meeting.

Approval of the merger proposal requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of JAXB voting common stock and a majority of the outstanding shares of JAXB nonvoting common stock, each voting as a separate class. Approval of the charter amendment requires that: (i) the votes cast for the proposal by the holders of JAXB voting common stock exceed the votes cast against such proposal by the holders of JAXB voting common stock; and (ii) the votes cast for the proposal by the holders of JAXB nonvoting common stock exceed the votes cast against such proposal by the holders of JAXB nonvoting common stock. Approval of the merger-related compensation proposal requires that the number of votes cast at the special meeting in favor of the proposal by the holders of JAXB voting common stock exceeds the number of votes cast against the proposal by the holders of the JAXB voting common stock. The adjournment proposal will be approved if the votes cast for that proposal by the holders of JAXB voting common stock and the holders of JAXB nonvoting common stock, voting together as a single group, exceed the votes cast against such proposal by the holders of JAXB voting common stock and the holders of the JAXB nonvoting common stock. In addition, approval of the merger proposal is cross-conditioned upon approval of the charter amendment. In other words, if JAXB shareholders do not approve the merger proposal, the charter amendment will fail; likewise, if JAXB shareholders do not approve the charter amendment, the merger proposal will also fail.

Subject to the election and adjustment procedures described in this proxy statement/prospectus, if the merger proposal and the charter amendment are approved, and the merger is completed, then holders of JAXB common stock will be entitled to receive, in exchange for each share of JAXB common stock, per share merger consideration equal to either: (i) 0.5861 shares of ABCB common stock, or (ii) $16.50 in cash, without interest; provided, that the total merger consideration shall be prorated as necessary to ensure that 25% of the total outstanding shares of JAXB common stock will be exchanged for cash and 75% of the total outstanding shares of JAXB common stock will be exchanged for shares of ABCB common stock. The completion of the merger is subject to a price floor. If the average closing price of one share of ABCB common stock during a specified determination period has declined by more than 15% from its price on September 28, 2015 of $28.11 per share, and ABCB common stock underperforms the KBW Nasdaq Regional Banking Index (KRX) by more than 15% during such period, then JAXB may terminate the merger agreement unless ABCB offsets such reduction in the value of ABCB common stock by increasing the number of shares of ABCB common stock to be issued or paying cash consideration to shareholders of JAXB entitled to receive shares of ABCB common stock in the merger. As of February 1, 2016, the most recent practicable date prior to the filing of this proxy statement/prospectus, and assuming no exercise or settlement of JAXB equity awards prior to the merger and no adjustment to the merger consideration paid by ABCB, the value of the aggregate merger consideration is approximately $96.85 million and 2,549,796 shares of ABCB common stock would be issued to JAXB shareholders upon completion of the merger.

The ABCB common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol “ABCB”. The JAXB voting common stock trades on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker symbol “JAXB”. On February 1, 2016, the closing price of the ABCB common stock and the JAXB voting common stock was $28.60 per share and $16.61 per share, respectively. The JAXB nonvoting common stock is not listed or traded on any established securities exchange or quotation system.

The accompanying materials contain information regarding the merger proposal and the charter amendment as well as the other matters to be acted upon. We encourage you to read the entire document carefully, including “Risk Factors” section beginning on page 31, for a discussion of the risks related to the proposed merger and charter amendment.

Sincerely,

Donald F. Glisson, Jr.
Chairman of the Board

NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE MERGER OR OTHER TRANSACTIONS DESCRIBED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS OR THE SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED PURSUANT TO THE MERGER UNDER THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS NOR HAVE THEY DETERMINED IF THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS ACCURATE OR ADEQUATE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

The securities to be issued in connection with the merger are not savings accounts, deposits or other obligations of any bank or savings association and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency.

This proxy statement/prospectus is dated February 4, 2016 and is first being mailed to JAXB shareholders on or about February 8, 2016.

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NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

Dear Shareholder of Jacksonville Bancorp, Inc.:

You are cordially invited to attend a special meeting of shareholders of Jacksonville Bancorp, Inc., a Florida corporation (“JAXB”). The special meeting will be held on March 11, 2016, at 9:00 a.m. local time, at JAXB’s principal executive offices, 100 North Laura Street, Suite 1000, Jacksonville, Florida 32202, to consider and vote upon the following matters:

In this proxy statement/prospectus, we refer to the JAXB voting common stock and the JAXB nonvoting common stock together as the “JAXB common stock.”

The record date for the special meeting is February 1, 2016 (the “record date”). Only shareholders of record as of the close of business on the record date are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting. All shareholders of record as of that date are cordially invited to attend the special meeting in person. Approval of the merger proposal requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of JAXB voting common stock and a majority of the outstanding shares of JAXB nonvoting common stock, each voting as a separate class. The charter amendment will be approved if: (i) the votes cast for the proposal by the holders of JAXB voting common stock exceed the votes cast against such proposal by the holders of JAXB voting common stock; and (ii) the votes cast for the proposal by the holders of JAXB nonvoting common stock exceed the votes cast against such proposal by the holders of JAXB nonvoting common stock. Approval of the merger-related compensation proposal requires that the number of votes cast at the special meeting in favor of the proposal by the holders of JAXB voting common stock exceeds the number of votes cast against the proposal by the holders of JAXB voting common stock. The adjournment proposal will be approved if the votes cast for the proposal by the holders of JAXB voting common stock and the holders JAXB nonvoting common stock, voting together as a single group, exceed the votes cast against such proposal by the holders of JAXB voting common stock and the holders of the JAXB nonvoting common stock. In addition, approval of the merger proposal is cross-conditioned upon approval of the charter amendment. In other words, if JAXB shareholders do not approve the merger proposal, the charter amendment will fail; likewise, if JAXB shareholders do not approve the charter amendment, the merger proposal will also fail.

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Holders of JAXB common stock are entitled to appraisal rights in connection with the merger and to obtain payment in cash of the appraised fair value of their shares of JAXB common stock under applicable provisions of the Florida Business Corporation Act (the “FBCA”). In order for a holder of JAXB common stock to exercise his, her or its appraisal rights, such holder must carefully follow the procedure set forth in the FBCA. A copy of the applicable statutory provisions of the FBCA is included as Annex E to the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, and a summary of these provisions can be found under the section entitled “Appraisal Rights of JAXB Shareholders” beginning on page 176 of this proxy statement/prospectus.

JAXB’s board of directors has unanimously approved each of the merger proposal, the charter amendment, the merger-related compensation proposal and the adjournment proposal, and has determined that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger and the merger consideration, and the charter amendment are in the best interests of JAXB and its shareholders. JAXB’s board of directors unanimously recommends that JAXB shareholders vote “FOR” the merger proposal, “FOR” the proposal to approve the charter amendment, “FOR” the non-binding proposal to approve the merger related compensation and “FOR” the adjournment proposal. In considering the recommendation of JAXB’s board of directors, you should be aware that certain directors and executive officers of JAXB will have interests in the merger that may be different from, or in addition to, the interests of JAXB shareholders generally. See the section entitled “Interests of JAXB’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger” beginning on page 90 of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Your vote is very important, regardless of the number of shares of JAXB common stock that you own. We cannot complete the merger unless JAXB’s shareholders approve the merger proposal and the charter amendment.

Even if you plan to attend the special meeting in person, JAXB requests that you vote your shares promptly by telephone, by Internet or by mail prior to the special meeting to ensure that your shares of JAXB common stock will be represented at the special meeting if you are unable to attend. If you vote by mail, please complete, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card(s) in the accompanying prepaid reply envelope as promptly as possible. If you hold your shares in “street name” through a bank, brokerage firm or other nominee, you should follow the procedures provided by your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee to vote your shares. If you fail to submit a proxy or to attend the special meeting in person or do not provide your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee with instructions as to how to vote your shares, as applicable, then your shares of JAXB common stock will not be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the special meeting and will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the approval of the merger proposal but will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on the charter amendment, the merger-related compensation proposal or the adjournment proposal.

WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING, PLEASE VOTE YOUR SHARES IMMEDIATELY BY TELEPHONE, BY INTERNET OR BY MAIL. IF YOU VOTE BY MAIL, PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN, AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE, THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD(S) IN THE ACCOMPANYING PREPAID REPLY ENVELOPE. IF YOU ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING AND VOTE IN PERSON, YOUR VOTE BY BALLOT WILL REVOKE ANY PROXY PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

Kendall L. Spencer
President & Chief Executive Officer

Jacksonville, Florida
Dated: February 8, 2016

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IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS
FOR THE SHAREHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON MARCH 11, 2016

The Proxy Statement/Prospectus is available at
www.jaxbank.com or with your 16-digit control number at www.proxyvote.com.

NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE MERGER OR OTHER TRANSACTIONS DESCRIBED IN THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS OR THE SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED PURSUANT TO THE MERGER UNDER THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS NOR HAVE THEY DETERMINED IF THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS ACCURATE OR ADEQUATE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

The securities to be issued in connection with the merger are not savings accounts, deposits or other obligations of any bank or savings association and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency.

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

Both ABCB and JAXB are subject to the information requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), which means that they are both required to file certain reports, proxy statements, and other business and financial information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). You may read and copy any materials that either ABCB or JAXB files with the SEC at the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F. Street N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may also obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov where you can access reports, proxy, information and registration statements, and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. ABCB’s filings are also available free of charge at ABCB’s website at https://www.amerisbank.com/ under the heading “Investor Relations” and then under the heading “SEC Filings”, and JAXB’s filings are also available free of charge at JAXB’s website at https://www.jaxbank.com/ under the heading “Investor Relations” and then under the heading “SEC Filings”. Except as specifically incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, information on those websites or filed with the SEC is not part of this proxy statement/prospectus.

ABCB has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 (which we refer to as the “registration statement”) of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part. As permitted by SEC rules, this proxy statement/prospectus does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement or in the exhibits or schedules to the registration statement. You may read and copy the registration statement, including any amendments, schedules and exhibits, at the addresses set forth below. Statements contained in this proxy statement/prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other documents referred to in this document are not necessarily complete. In each case, you should refer to the copy of the applicable contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement. This proxy statement/prospectus incorporates by reference documents that ABCB has previously filed, and that ABCB may file through the date of the special meeting, with the SEC. They contain important information about ABCB and its financial condition. For further information, see the section entitled “Incorporation of Certain ABCB Documents by Reference” beginning on page 180 of this proxy statement/prospectus. These documents are available without charge to you upon written or oral request directed to:

Ameris Bancorp
310 First St., S.E.
Moultrie, Georgia 31768
Telephone: (229) 890-1111
Attn: Corporate Secretary, Ameris Bancorp

Jacksonville Bancorp, Inc.
100 North Laura Street, Suite 1000
Jacksonville, Florida 32202
Telephone: (904) 421-3040
Attn: Corporate Secretary, Jacksonville Bancorp, Inc.

In order for you to receive timely delivery of the documents in advance of the special meeting of JAXB shareholders to be held on March 11, 2016, you must request the information no later than five (5) business days prior to the date of the special meeting, by March 4, 2016.

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		Page
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER PROPOSAL, THE CHARTER AMENDMENT, THE MERGER-RELATED COMPENSATION PROPOSAL AND THE SPECIAL MEETING			1
SUMMARY			12
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS			20
SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF ABCB			22
SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF JAXB			24
SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED FINANCIAL DATA			26
UNAUDITED COMPARATIVE PER COMMON SHARE DATA			27
COMPARATIVE PER SHARE MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION			28
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS			30
RISK FACTORS			31
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPECIAL MEETING			48
THE PARTIES TO THE MERGER			52
PROPOSAL 1 — THE MERGER PROPOSAL			53
THE MERGER AGREEMENT			71
PROPOSAL 2 — CHARTER AMENDMENT			89
INTERESTS OF JAXB’S DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS IN THE MERGER			90
PROPOSAL 3 — ADVISORY (NON-BINDING) VOTE ON MERGER-RELATED COMPENSATION			93
PROPOSAL 4 — ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL			94
BUSINESS OF JAXB			95
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS AND CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF JAXB			110
JAXB MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AS OF AND FOR THE PERIODS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 AND 2014			113
JAXB MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AS OF AND FOR THE PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014 AND 2013			127
MARKET FOR JAXB’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS			149
MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES			150
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION			154
COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDERS’ RIGHTS			163
APPRAISAL RIGHTS OF JAXB SHAREHOLDERS			176
EXPERTS			179
LEGAL OPINIONS			179
JAXB SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS			179
HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXY MATERIALS			180
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN ABCB DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE			180
INDEX TO JAXB’S CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS			F-1

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ANNEX A		Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 30, 2015, by and between Ameris Bancorp and Jacksonville Bancorp, Inc.
ANNEX B		Articles of Amendment to Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Jacksonville Bancorp, Inc.
ANNEX C		Voting and Support Agreement executed by certain JAXB shareholders
ANNEX D		Opinion of Hovde Group, LLC
ANNEX E		Florida Business Corporations Act, Sections 607.1301 through 607.1333

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER PROPOSAL,
THE CHARTER AMENDMENT, THE MERGER-RELATED COMPENSATION
PROPOSAL AND THE SPECIAL MEETING

The following questions and answers are intended to briefly address some commonly asked questions regarding the merger proposal, the charter amendment, the merger-related compensation proposal and the special meeting. We urge you to read carefully the remainder of this document because the information in this section may not provide all the information that might be important to you in determining how to vote. Additional important information is also contained in the annexes to, and the documents incorporated by reference into, this proxy statement/prospectus.

General

This proxy statement/prospectus includes important information about the merger proposal, the merger and the merger agreement, a copy of which is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus, the charter amendment, a copy of which is attached as Annex B to this proxy statement/prospectus, the merger-related compensation proposal and the special meeting. JAXB shareholders should read this information carefully and in its entirety. The enclosed voting materials allow shareholders to vote their shares without attending the special meeting in person.

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In addition, approval of the merger proposal is cross-conditioned upon approval of the charter amendment. In other words, if JAXB shareholders do not approve the merger proposal, the charter amendment will fail; likewise, if JAXB shareholders do not approve the charter amendment, the merger proposal will also fail.

Shareholders holding approximately 39.81% of the outstanding shares of JAXB voting common stock and 78.94% of the outstanding shares of JAXB nonvoting common stock as of the record date have agreed to vote for approval of the merger proposal, the charter amendment and the adjournment proposal, subject to certain exceptions. See the section entitled “The Merger Agreement — Voting and Support Agreement” which begins on page 88 of this proxy statement/prospectus.

As to the charter amendment proposal, the merger-related compensation proposal or the adjournment proposal, if your shares of JAXB voting common stock or JAXB nonvoting common stock are present at the special meeting but are not voted on a proposal, or if you vote to abstain on a proposal, then there will be no effect on the outcome of the vote on that proposal. If you fail to submit a proxy and fail to attend the special meeting, or if you do not instruct your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee to vote your shares of JAXB voting common stock or JAXB nonvoting common stock in favor of a proposal, then your shares of JAXB voting common stock or JAXB nonvoting common stock, as applicable, will not be voted, but this will not have an effect on the outcome of the vote on the charter amendment proposal, the merger-related compensation proposal or the adjournment proposal, except to the extent it results in there being insufficient shares present at the special meeting to establish a quorum.

See the section entitled “Information About the Special Meeting — Record Date and Quorum” beginning on page 48 of this proxy statement/prospectus.

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See the section entitled “Proposal 1 — The Merger Proposal — JAXB’s Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of JAXB’s Board of Directors” beginning on page 58 of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Merger Proposal

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the total merger consideration shall be prorated as necessary to ensure that 25% of the total outstanding shares of JAXB common stock will be exchanged for cash and 75% of the total outstanding shares of JAXB common stock will be exchanged for shares of ABCB common stock. Cash will be paid in lieu of fractional shares. We refer to the per share cash consideration, together with the per share stock consideration and any cash in lieu of fractional shares issuable in respect of outstanding JAXB common stock, collectively, as the “merger consideration.” See “What happens if I am eligible to receive a fraction of a share of ABCB common stock as part of the per share merger consideration?” below and the section entitled “The Merger Agreement — Effective Time, Effects of the Merger; Organizational Documents of the Surviving Corporation; Directors and Officers — Effects of the Merger on JAXB Common Stock” beginning on page 72 of this proxy statement/prospectus.

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Also, if after the date of the merger agreement and at or prior to the effective time of the merger (the “effective time”), the outstanding shares of ABCB common stock or JAXB common stock are changed into a different number of shares or type of securities by reason of any reclassification, split-up, stock split, subdivision, combination or exchange of shares, or if any dividend payable in stock or other securities is declared on shares of ABCB common stock or JAXB common stock with a record date during such period, or if any similar event occurs, then the per share stock consideration and the per share cash consideration will be adjusted to provide the holders thereof the same economic effect as contemplated by the merger agreement.

Stock Options.  Immediately prior to the effective time, each option to purchase shares of JAXB voting common stock granted under the JAXB equity incentive plan that is outstanding (a “JAXB stock option”) will fully vest and be cancelled and converted into the right to receive, as soon as reasonably practicable after the effective time of the merger, an amount in cash, without interest, equal to the product of: (i) the total number of shares of JAXB voting common stock subject to such JAXB stock option multiplied by (ii) the excess, if any, of the (A) “per share equity award consideration” over (B) the per share exercise price for the applicable JAXB stock option, less applicable withholding taxes. Any JAXB stock option that has a per share exercise price that is greater than or equal to the per share equity award consideration will be cancelled for no consideration.

In this proxy statement/prospectus, we refer to:

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Restricted Stock Unit Awards.  Immediately prior to the effective time, each outstanding JAXB restricted stock unit award granted under the JAXB equity incentive plan (a “JAXB restricted stock unit award”) will fully vest and be cancelled and converted into the right to receive, as soon as reasonably practicable after the effective time, an amount in cash, without interest, equal to the product of: (i) the total number of shares of JAXB voting common stock subject to such JAXB restricted stock unit award (prorated, in the case of any JAXB restricted stock unit award subject to performance-based vesting conditions held by an individual whose employment with JAXB or its subsidiaries has terminated prior to the closing of the merger under circumstances not resulting in forfeiture of the applicable award, based on the number of days such employee was employed by JAXB or its subsidiaries during the applicable performance period) multiplied by (ii) the per share equity award consideration, less applicable withholding taxes.

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The United States federal income tax consequences described above may not apply to all holders of JAXB common stock. Your tax consequences will depend on your individual situation. Accordingly, we strongly urge you to consult your tax advisor for a full understanding of the particular tax consequences of the merger to you.

Former JAXB shareholders who hold JAXB stock certificates or book entry shares will not be entitled to be paid dividends with a record date after the closing of the merger otherwise payable on the shares of ABCB common stock into which their shares of JAXB common stock are exchangeable until they surrender their JAXB stock certificates or book entry shares according to the instructions provided to them.

Any such payment of dividends by ABCB would require approval by ABCB’s board of directors, and ABCB’s board of directors may change ABCB’s dividend policy at any time. See the section entitled

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“Comparative Per Share Market Price and Dividend Information” beginning on page 28 for a comparison of the historical dividend practices of ABCB and JAXB.

Charter Amendment and Merger-Related Compensation Proposal

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The Special Meeting

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If your shares are held by a bank, brokerage firm or other nominee, then you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name,” and your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee is considered the shareholder of record with respect to those shares. Your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee will send you, as the beneficial owner, a package describing the procedure for voting your shares. You should follow the instructions provided by them to vote your shares. You are invited to attend the special meeting; however, you may not vote these shares in person at the special meeting unless you obtain a “legal proxy” from your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee that holds your shares, giving you the right to vote the shares at the special meeting.

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Beneficial Owner.  If you were a beneficial owner on the record date for the special meeting, please refer to the instructions provided by your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee to see which of the above choices are available to you. Please note that if you were a beneficial owner on the record date for the special meeting and wish to vote in person at the special meeting, then you must obtain a legal proxy from your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee.

If you properly sign your proxy card(s) but do not mark the boxes showing how your shares should be voted on a matter, the shares of JAXB common stock represented by your properly signed proxy will be voted “FOR” the proposals described in this proxy statement/prospectus on which such shares are entitled to vote.

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Jacksonville Bancorp, Inc.
100 North Laura Street, Suite 1000
Jacksonville, Florida 32202
Telephone: (904) 421-3040
Attention: Valerie A. Kendall

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 SUMMARY

The following summary highlights selected information in this proxy statement/prospectus and may not contain all the information that may be important to you as a JAXB shareholder. Accordingly, we encourage you to read carefully this entire proxy statement/prospectus, its annexes and the documents referred to in this proxy statement/prospectus. Each item in this summary includes a page reference directing you to a more complete description of that topic. You may obtain the information incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus without charge by following the instructions under the section entitled “Incorporation of Certain ABCB Documents by Reference” beginning on page 180 of this proxy statement/prospectus.

The Parties to the Merger (Page 52)

Jacksonville Bancorp, Inc.
 
100 North Laura Street, Suite 1000
Jacksonville, Florida 32202
Telephone: (904) 421-3040

JAXB, a Florida corporation, is a bank holding company whose business is conducted primarily through The Jacksonville Bank, a Florida-state chartered bank and a wholly-owned subsidiary of JAXB. Through The Jacksonville Bank, JAXB provides a variety of commercial and retail banking services through eight offices in the Jacksonville, Florida metropolitan area, as well as online banking through its virtual branch. JAXB’s product lines include personal and online banking and sweep accounts that may be invested in Goldman Sachs mutual funds, in addition to traditional banking products. JAXB’s loan portfolio includes commercial loans, real estate mortgage loans and consumer and other types of loans, with a particular emphasis on commercial real estate loans. JAXB has specialized in providing services to small business owners, with a particular focus on professional services, wholesalers, distributors and other service industries. Through Fountain Financial, Inc., a subsidiary of The Jacksonville Bank, JAXB serves the investment and insurance needs of bank customers.

JAXB was incorporated on October 24, 1997 as a Florida corporation. At September 30, 2015, JAXB had approximately $505.3 million in total assets, $386.9 million in total loans (net of allowance for loan losses), $433.0 million in total deposits and shareholders’ equity of $42.1 million. Deposits with The Jacksonville Bank are insured, up to applicable limits, by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”).

The JAXB voting common stock is currently listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “JAXB.” The JAXB nonvoting common stock is not listed or traded on any established securities exchange or quotation system.

Ameris Bancorp
 
310 First St., S.E.
Moultrie, Georgia 31768
Telephone: (229) 890-1111

ABCB, a Georgia corporation, is a bank holding company whose business is conducted primarily through Ameris Bank, a Georgia state-chartered bank and a wholly-owned subsidiary of ABCB. As a bank holding company, ABCB performs certain shareholder and investor relations functions and seeks to provide financial support, if necessary, to Ameris Bank.

ABCB is headquartered in Moultrie, Georgia, and, through Ameris Bank, provides a full range of banking services to its retail and commercial customers through branches primarily concentrated in select markets in Georgia, Alabama, Florida and South Carolina. These branches serve distinct communities in ABCB’s business areas with autonomy but do so as one bank, leveraging ABCB’s favorable geographic footprint in an effort to acquire more customers.

ABCB was incorporated on December 18, 1980 as a Georgia corporation. ABCB operates 117 domestic banking offices with no foreign activities. At September 30, 2015, ABCB had approximately $5.2 billion in total assets, $3.6 billion in total loans (net of allowance for loan losses), $4.5 billion in total deposits and stockholders’ equity of $502.3 million. Deposits with Ameris Bank are insured, up to applicable limits, by the FDIC.

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The ABCB common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “ABCB.”

The Merger and the Merger Agreement

The terms and conditions of the merger are contained in the merger agreement, a copy of which is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus. We encourage you to read the merger agreement carefully and in its entirety, as it is the legal document that governs the merger.

Pursuant to the merger agreement, JAXB will merge with and into ABCB with ABCB surviving the merger as the surviving corporation. Immediately thereafter, The Jacksonville Bank, JAXB’s banking subsidiary, will merge with and into ABCB’s banking subsidiary, Ameris Bank, with Ameris Bank continuing as the surviving entity.

Per Share Merger Consideration; Merger Consideration Adjustment (Pages 73 and 85)

Unless adjusted pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, each share of JAXB common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the completion of the merger (other than excluded shares and shares held by shareholders who properly demand appraisal rights under Sections 607.1301 to 607.1333 of the FBCA) will be converted into the right to receive either:

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the total merger consideration shall be prorated as necessary to ensure that 25% of the total outstanding shares of JAXB common stock will be exchanged for cash and 75% of the total outstanding shares of JAXB common stock will be exchanged for shares of ABCB common stock. Cash will be paid in lieu of fractional shares.

The completion of the merger is subject to a price floor. If the average closing price of one share of ABCB common stock during a specified determination period has declined by more than 15% from its price on September 28, 2015 of $28.11 per share, and ABCB common stock underperforms the KBW Nasdaq Regional Banking Index (KRX) by more than 15% during such period, then JAXB may terminate the merger agreement unless ABCB offsets such reduction in the value of ABCB common stock by increasing the number of shares of ABCB common stock to be issued or paying cash consideration to shareholders of JAXB entitled to receive shares of ABCB common stock in the merger.

Also, if after the date of the merger agreement and at or prior to the effective time, the outstanding shares of ABCB common stock or JAXB common stock are changed into a different number of shares or type of securities by reason of any reclassification, split-up, stock split, subdivision, combination or exchange of shares, or if any dividend payable in stock or other securities is declared on shares of ABCB common stock or JAXB common stock with a record date during such period, or if any similar event occurs, then the per share stock consideration and the per share cash consideration will be adjusted to provide the holders thereof the same economic effect as contemplated by the merger agreement.

Treatment of JAXB Outstanding Equity Awards (Page 90)

Treatment of JAXB Stock Options

Immediately prior to the effective time, each JAXB stock option that is outstanding will fully vest and be cancelled and converted into the right to receive, as soon as reasonably practicable after the effective time, an amount in cash, without interest, equal to the product of: (i) the total number of shares of JAXB voting common stock subject to such JAXB stock option multiplied by (ii) the excess, if any, of (A) the per share equity award consideration over (B) the per share exercise price for the applicable JAXB stock option, less applicable withholding taxes. Any JAXB stock option that has a per share exercise price that is greater than or equal to the per share equity award consideration will be cancelled for no consideration.

Treatment of JAXB Restricted Stock Unit Awards

Immediately prior to the effective time, each outstanding JAXB restricted stock unit award will fully vest and be cancelled and converted into the right to receive, as soon as reasonably practicable after the effective time, an amount in cash, without interest, equal to the product of: (i) the total number of shares of JAXB

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voting common stock subject to such JAXB restricted stock unit award (prorated, in the case of any JAXB restricted stock unit award subject to performance-based vesting conditions held by an individual whose employment with JAXB or its subsidiaries has terminated prior to the closing of the merger under circumstances not resulting in forfeiture of the applicable award, based on the number of days such employee was employed by JAXB or its subsidiaries during the applicable performance period) multiplied by (ii) the per share equity award consideration, less applicable withholding taxes.

JAXB’s Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of JAXB’s Board of Directors (Page 58)

JAXB’s board of directors unanimously recommends that JAXB shareholders vote “FOR” the merger proposal, “FOR” the approval of the charter amendment, “FOR” the proposal to approve (on a non-binding, advisory basis) the merger-related consideration and “FOR” approval of the adjournment proposal.

Opinion of JAXB’s Financial Advisor (Page 61)

On September 30, 2015, Hovde Group, LLC, which we refer to as “Hovde,” JAXB’s financial advisor in connection with the merger, rendered a written opinion to JAXB’s board of directors to the effect that, as of such date and subject to and based on the qualifications and assumptions set forth in its written opinion, the merger consideration to be paid in connection with the merger is fair, from a financial point of view, to JAXB shareholders.

The full text of Hovde’s opinion, dated September 30, 2015, is attached as Annex D to this proxy statement/prospectus. You should read the opinion in its entirety for a description of the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered, and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by Hovde in rendering its opinion.

Hovde’s opinion is addressed to JAXB’s board of directors and the opinion is not a recommendation as to how any JAXB shareholder should vote with respect to the merger or any other matter or as to any action that a shareholder should take with respect to the merger.

The opinion addresses only the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the merger consideration to be paid in connection with the merger to JAXB shareholders, and does not address the underlying business decision of JAXB to engage in the merger, or the relative merits of the merger as compared to any strategic alternatives that may be available to JAXB.

Information About the Special Meeting (Page 48)

Time, Place and Purpose of the Special Meeting (Page 48)

The special meeting will be held on March 11, 2016, at 9:00 a.m. local time, at JAXB’s principal executive offices, 100 North Laura Street, Suite 1000, Jacksonville, Florida 32202. At the special meeting, JAXB shareholders will be asked to consider and vote upon: (i) a proposal for holders of JAXB voting common stock and JAXB nonvoting common stock to approve the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated in the merger agreement including, among other things, the merger of JAXB with and into ABCB with ABCB surviving the merger; (ii) a proposal for holders of JAXB voting common stock and JAXB nonvoting common stock to approve the charter amendment; (iii) a proposal for holders of JAXB voting common stock to approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation that certain executive officers of JAXB may receive under existing agreements or arrangements with JAXB in connection with the merger; and (iv) a proposal for holders of JAXB voting common stock and JAXB nonvoting common stock to approve the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are insufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the merger proposal or the charter amendment.

Record Date and Quorum (Page 48)

You are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting if you were an owner of record of shares of JAXB voting common stock or JAXB nonvoting common stock as of the close of business on February 1, 2016, the record date. On the record date, there were 3,512,773 shares of JAXB voting common stock outstanding and entitled to vote and 2,287,821 shares of JAXB nonvoting common stock outstanding and entitled to vote. You will have one vote on each matter properly brought before the special meeting for each share of JAXB voting common stock and JAXB nonvoting common stock that you owned on the record date and on which matter such share is entitled to vote.

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The presence, in person or represented by proxy, of holders of a majority of all of the outstanding shares of JAXB voting common stock and a majority of all of the outstanding shares of JAXB nonvoting common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting constitutes a quorum for the purposes of the special meeting. Abstentions are considered present for purposes of establishing a quorum.

Vote Required (Page 48)

The approval of the merger proposal requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of JAXB voting common stock and a majority of the outstanding shares of JAXB nonvoting common stock, each voting as a separate class. The charter amendment will be approved if: (i) the votes cast for the proposal by the holders of JAXB voting common stock exceed the votes cast against such proposal by the holders of JAXB voting common stock; and (ii) the votes cast for the proposal by the holders of JAXB nonvoting common stock exceed the votes cast against such proposal by the holders of JAXB nonvoting common stock. Approval of the merger-related compensation proposal requires that the number of votes cast at the special meeting in favor of the proposal by the holders of JAXB voting common stock exceeds the number of votes cast against the proposal by the holders of JAXB voting common stock. The adjournment proposal will be approved if the votes cast for the proposal by the holders of JAXB voting common stock and the holders of JAXB nonvoting common stock, voting together as a single group, exceed the votes cast against such proposal by the holders of JAXB voting common stock and the holders of the JAXB nonvoting common stock. In addition, approval of the merger proposal is cross-conditioned upon approval of the charter amendment. In other words, if JAXB shareholders do not approve the merger proposal, the charter amendment will fail; likewise, if JAXB shareholders do not approve the charter amendment, the merger proposal will also fail. Votes to abstain will not be counted as votes cast in favor of the approval of the merger proposal, the charter amendment, the merger-related compensation or adjournment, but will count for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present.

If you fail to submit a proxy or to vote in person at the special meeting, or do not provide your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee with instructions as to how to vote your shares, as applicable, then your shares of JAXB common stock will not be voted on the approval of the merger proposal, which will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the approval of the merger proposal, and your shares of JAXB common stock will not be voted on the approval of the charter amendment, the merger-related compensation or the adjournment proposal, but will not affect the outcome of the vote on those proposals.

As of the record date, the directors and executive officers of JAXB and their affiliates beneficially owned and were entitled to vote approximately 1,398,607 shares of JAXB voting common stock representing approximately 39.81% of the shares of JAXB voting common stock outstanding on that date and 1,806,000 shares of JAXB nonvoting common stock representing approximately 78.94% of the shares of JAXB nonvoting common stock outstanding on that date. JAXB and ABCB have entered into a Voting and Support Agreement with certain shareholders of JAXB pursuant to which these shareholders have agreed, solely in their capacity as shareholders of JAXB, to vote their shares of JAXB voting common stock and JAXB nonvoting common stock in favor of the merger proposal, in favor of the charter amendment, and in favor of the adjournment proposal, subject to certain exceptions and among other things. A copy of the Voting and Support Agreement is attached as Annex C to this proxy statement/prospectus.

Proxies and Revocations (Page 50)

Any shareholder of record entitled to vote at the special meeting may submit a proxy by telephone, by Internet or by returning the enclosed proxy card(s) in the accompanying prepaid reply envelope, or may vote in person by appearing at the special meeting. If your shares of JAXB common stock are beneficially held in “street name” through a bank, brokerage firm or other nominee, then you should instruct your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee on how to vote your shares of JAXB common stock using the instructions provided by your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee.

If you are a shareholder of record, you have the right to revoke a proxy at any time before it is exercised, by voting again at a later date through any of the methods available to you, by attending the special meeting and voting in person, or by giving written notice of revocation to JAXB prior to the time the special meeting begins. Written notice of revocation should be mailed to: Jacksonville Bancorp, Inc., 100 North Laura

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Street, Suite 1000, Jacksonville, Florida, 32202, Attention: Corporate Secretary. If your shares of JAXB common stock are beneficially held in “street name” through a bank, brokerage firm or other nominee, then you must follow the instructions of your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee to revoke or change your prior voting instructions.

Interests of JAXB’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger (Page 90)

Directors and executive officers of JAXB have interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, their interests as JAXB shareholders. These interests include, among others, the treatment of outstanding equity awards pursuant to the merger agreement, change in control severance benefits and rights to ongoing indemnification and insurance coverage by the surviving corporation for acts or omissions occurring prior to the merger. JAXB’s board of directors was aware of and considered those interests, among other matters, in reaching its decisions to: (i) approve the merger proposal; (ii) adopt the charter amendment; and (iii) resolve to recommend the approval of the merger proposal and the charter amendment to JAXB shareholders.

Regulatory Approvals (Page 69)

Under federal law, the merger must be approved by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”) and the bank merger must be approved by the FDIC. In addition, the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance must also approve the merger and the bank merger.

As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, all of the required regulatory applications have been filed and all of the required approvals have been received. All statutory waiting periods applicable to such approvals have expired.

Appraisal Rights of JAXB Shareholders (Page 176)

Holders of shares of JAXB common stock have the right to assert appraisal rights and to obtain payment in cash of the fair value of their shares of JAXB common stock instead of receiving the per share merger consideration, if they comply with all of the requirements and procedures set forth in Sections 607.1301 through 607.1333 of the FBCA, including:

Failure by a JAXB shareholder to adhere strictly to the requirements of the appraisal rights provisions of the FBCA may result in the loss, termination or waiver of such shareholder’s appraisal rights. Fair value may be more or less than the value of the merger consideration payable in connection with the merger as provided in the merger agreement. A copy of Sections 607.1301 through 607.1333 of the FBCA is included as Annex E to this proxy statement/prospectus, and a summary of these provisions can be found under “Appraisal Rights of JAXB Shareholders.” This proxy statement/prospectus constitutes notice of appraisal rights pursuant to Section 607.1320 of the FBCA.

If you hold your shares of JAXB common stock through a bank, brokerage firm, trust or other nominee and you wish to exercise appraisal rights, then you should consult with your bank, brokerage firm, trust or other nominee to determine the appropriate procedures for the making of a demand for appraisal through your nominee.

In view of the complexity of the procedures specified under the FBCA, JAXB shareholders who wish to pursue appraisal rights should promptly consult their legal, financial and tax advisors.

Conditions to Completion of the Merger (Page 84)

In addition to the approval of the merger proposal and the charter amendment by JAXB shareholders and the receipt of all required regulatory approvals and expiration or termination of all statutory waiting periods in respect thereof, each as described above, each party’s obligation to complete the merger is also subject to the

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satisfaction or waiver (to the extent permitted under applicable law) of certain other conditions, including the effectiveness of the registration statement containing this proxy statement/prospectus, approval of the listing on the NASDAQ of the ABCB common stock to be issued in the merger, the absence of any applicable law or order prohibiting the merger, the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the other party under the merger agreement (subject to the materiality standards set forth in the merger agreement), the performance by the other party of its respective obligations under the merger agreement in all material respects, delivery of officer certificates by the other party certifying satisfaction of the two preceding conditions, each party’s readiness to complete the bank merger, the filing of articles of amendment effecting the charter amendment with the Department of State of the State of Florida and each of ABCB’s and JAXB’s receipt of a tax opinion to the effect that the merger will be treated as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. In addition, ABCB is not obligated to complete the merger if, among other things, appraisal rights are properly demanded for 10% or more of the issued and outstanding shares of JAXB common stock.

Neither JAXB nor ABCB can be certain when, or if, the conditions to the merger will be satisfied or waived, or that the merger will be completed.

No Solicitation (Page 81)

As more fully described in this proxy statement/prospectus and in the merger agreement, and subject to certain exceptions summarized below, JAXB has agreed not to solicit, initiate, seek, knowingly facilitate or encourage any inquiries or expression of interest with respect to, or engage or participate in any discussions or negotiations concerning an alternative acquisition proposal, to furnish a third party with nonpublic information regarding JAXB, or approve, endorse or recommend, or enter into any agreement or arrangement, with respect to any alternative acquisition proposal. Notwithstanding these restrictions, the merger agreement provides that JAXB may participate in discussions or negotiations regarding an alternative acquisition proposal or furnish nonpublic information regarding JAXB in response to an unsolicited bona fide written acquisition proposal, and under specific circumstances, including JAXB’s board of directors’ determination in good faith (in accordance with the merger agreement and after consultation with JAXB’s outside legal counsel and independent financial advisor) that such acquisition proposal is or is reasonably likely to result in a superior proposal, and JAXB’s board of directors’ determination in good faith that its failure to do so would violate its fiduciary duties to JAXB and its shareholders.

No Change in Recommendation or Entry into Acquisition Agreement (Page 81)

The merger agreement requires JAXB’s board of directors to use reasonable best efforts to solicit from JAXB shareholders proxies in favor of approval of the merger agreement and the charter amendment, including by communicating to JAXB shareholders the recommendation of JAXB’s board of directors that they approve the merger agreement and the charter amendment, and to take all other action necessary or advisable to secure the vote or consent of JAXB shareholders required by applicable law to obtain such approvals, but JAXB’s board of directors may withdraw its recommendation for shareholders’ approval of the merger if, and only if: (i) JAXB’s board determines in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal counsel and independent financial advisor, that it has received an unsolicited bona fide acquisition proposal that is a superior proposal (and such superior proposal has not been withdrawn); (ii) JAXB’s board of directors determines, in good faith, after consultation with such outside legal counsel, that a failure to accept such superior proposal would, or would be reasonably likely to, result in JAXB’s board of directors breaching its fiduciary duties to JAXB and JAXB shareholders under applicable law; (iii) JAXB’s board of directors provides written notice to ABCB of its receipt of a superior proposal and its intent to withdraw its recommendation, such notice to specify in reasonable detail the material terms and conditions of the superior proposal; (iv) after providing such notice, JAXB negotiates in good faith with ABCB (if requested by ABCB) and provides ABCB a reasonable opportunity to adjust the terms and conditions of the merger agreement as would enable JAXB’s board of directors to proceed without withdrawing its recommendation; and (v) after such period, JAXB’s board of directors again determines in good faith, after consultation with such outside legal counsel and such independent financial advisor, that such acquisition proposal nonetheless continues to constitute a superior proposal and that failure to withdraw its recommendation would violate its fiduciary duties to JAXB and JAXB shareholders under applicable law. The term “superior proposal” is defined in the section entitled “The Merger Agreement — No Change in Recommendation or Entry into Acquisition Agreement” beginning on page 81 of this proxy statement/prospectus.

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Termination Rights and Merger Consideration Adjustment; Termination Fee (Page 85)

Termination Rights; Merger Consideration Adjustment

ABCB and JAXB may mutually agree to terminate the merger agreement and abandon the merger at any time. Subject to conditions and circumstances described in the merger agreement, the merger agreement may be terminated as follows:

In addition, if the average closing price of one share of ABCB common stock during the determination period has declined by more than 15% from its price on September 28, 2015 of $28.11 per share, and ABCB common stock underperforms the KBW Nasdaq Regional Banking Index (KRX) by more than 15% during such period, then JAXB may terminate the merger agreement unless ABCB increases the exchange ratio or contributes sufficient additional cash consideration (provided that doing so would not prevent the merger from qualifying as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code) for payment to JAXB shareholders electing to receive ABCB common stock to offset any reduction in the value of the stock consideration attributable to such decline.

Termination Fee

JAXB will be required to pay ABCB a termination fee of approximately $3.8 million, which we refer to as the “termination fee,” if the merger agreement is terminated by ABCB because: (i) JAXB fails to make its recommendation at the special meeting (as it may be adjourned or postponed) in favor of the approval of the merger agreement or has made an adverse JAXB recommendation change (as defined in the section entitled “The Merger Agreement — No Change in Recommendation or Entry into Acquisition Agreement”); (ii) JAXB has materially breached any of the provisions of the merger agreement with respect to obtaining shareholder approval of the merger or non-solicitation of alternative acquisition proposals; or (iii) if the merger or the merger agreement is terminated in certain circumstances following the making of an alternative acquisition proposal and JAXB completes, or enters into an agreement providing for, an alternative transaction within twelve (12) months after the date of termination.

Voting and Support Agreement (Page 88)

In connection with the merger agreement, ABCB and JAXB entered into a Voting and Support Agreement with certain JAXB shareholders under which such shareholders have agreed to, among other things, vote their shares of JAXB stock in favor of the approval of the merger proposal, the charter amendment and the adjournment proposal and against any action or agreement that would be reasonably likely to impair the ability of ABCB or JAXB to complete the merger, or that would otherwise be inconsistent with, prevent, impede or delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and against any proposal that relates to an alternative acquisition without regard to the terms of such proposal, in each case subject to the terms and conditions of the Voting and Support Agreement. As of the record date, the

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Voting and Support Agreement covered 1,398,607 shares of JAXB voting common stock and 1,806,000 shares of JAXB nonvoting common stock, or approximately 39.81% of the outstanding shares of JAXB voting common stock and 78.94% of the outstanding shares of JAXB nonvoting common stock, respectively. A copy of the Voting and Support Agreement is attached as Annex C to this proxy statement/prospectus.

Litigation Related to the Merger (Page 69)

Since the announcement of the merger, two putative shareholder class action lawsuits have been filed against JAXB, the directors of JAXB and ABCB, in the Circuit Court of Duval County, Florida, which were consolidated by the Court and together we refer to as the “Florida Actions.” In the Florida Actions, plaintiffs initially alleged that the individual director defendants breached their fiduciary duties to JAXB shareholders in negotiating and approving the merger agreement through an unfair process, that the merger consideration does not adequately value JAXB, that JAXB shareholders will not receive fair value for their shares of JAXB common stock in the merger and that the terms of the merger agreement impose improper deal-protection devices that allegedly preclude competing offers. The complaints in the Florida Actions further alleged that JAXB and ABCB aided and abetted the alleged breaches of fiduciary duty by JAXB’s directors. In the Florida Actions, plaintiffs seek preliminary and permanent injunctive relief, including enjoining or rescinding the merger, an award of unspecified damages, attorneys’ fees and other relief. In an amended complaint filed on December 15, 2015, plaintiffs in the Florida Actions repeated those same allegations and sought the same relief. The amended complaint also alleged that the recently filed registration statement was misleading, as it omitted to disclose certain information about, inter alia, the formation of JAXB’s merger committee, other information about the process of the merger, certain management financial projections and valuation information, and other information about the fairness opinion provided by Hovde.

On December 23, 2015, plaintiffs in the Florida Actions filed a motion for expedited discovery and counsel for defendants are discussing the motion and expedited discovery requests. The Court has not ruled on the motion for expedited discovery.

The outcome of the Florida Actions cannot be predicted with certainty. A preliminary injunction could delay or jeopardize the completion of the merger, and an adverse judgment granting permanent injunctive relief could indefinitely enjoin completion of the merger. Additional lawsuits arising out of or relating to the merger agreement or the merger transaction could be filed in the future. JAXB, JAXB’s directors and ABCB believe that the claims asserted in the Florida Actions are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against these lawsuits.

Accounting Treatment (Page 70)

ABCB prepares its financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which we refer to as “GAAP.” The merger will be accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. ABCB will be treated as the acquirer for accounting purposes.

Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences (Page 150)

The merger is intended to qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and it is a condition to the respective obligations of ABCB and JAXB to complete the merger that each of ABCB and JAXB receives a legal opinion to that effect. Accordingly, a JAXB common shareholder generally will recognize gain, but not loss, in an amount equal to the lesser of (1) the amount of gain realized (i.e., the excess of the sum of the amount of cash and the fair market value of the ABCB common stock received pursuant to the merger over that holder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares of JAXB common stock surrendered) and (2) the amount of cash received pursuant to the merger. Further, a JAXB common shareholder generally will recognize gain or loss with respect to cash received instead of fractional shares of ABCB common stock that the JAXB common shareholder would otherwise be entitled to receive. For further information, see the section entitled “Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences” beginning on page 150.

The United States federal income tax consequences described above may not apply to all holders of JAXB common stock. Your tax consequences will depend on your individual situation. Accordingly, we strongly urge you to consult your tax advisor for a full understanding of the particular tax consequences of the merger to you.

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Comparison of Shareholders’ Rights (Page 163)

The rights of JAXB shareholders are governed by JAXB’s articles of incorporation, as amended and restated, which we refer to as “JAXB’s articles of incorporation,” its bylaws, as amended and restated, which we refer to as “JAXB’s bylaws,” and by Florida corporate law. Your rights as a shareholder of ABCB will be governed by ABCB’s articles of incorporation, as amended, which we refer to as “ABCB’s articles of incorporation,” its bylaws, as amended and restated, which we refer to as “ABCB’s bylaws,” and by Georgia corporate law. Your rights under ABCB’s articles of incorporation, ABCB’s bylaws and Georgia corporate law will differ in some respects from your rights under JAXB’s articles of incorporation, JAXB’s bylaws and Florida corporate law.

Risk Factors (Page 31)

You should consider all the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus in deciding how to vote for the proposals presented in this proxy statement/prospectus. In particular, you should consider the factors described under “Risk Factors.”

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

On January 22, 2016, ABCB reported its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2015 and the year ended December 31, 2015, which included the following:

Net Income

Net income was $14.1 million, or $0.43 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2015, compared with $10.6 million, or $0.39 per share, for the same quarter of 2014. For the year, ABCB’s net income was $40.8 million, or $1.27 per share, compared with $38.4 million, or $1.46 per share, for 2014.

Interest Income and Expense

Interest income on loans on a tax-equivalent basis increased substantially during 2015 to $170.0 million, compared with $149.1 million for 2014. During the quarter ended December 31, 2015, interest income on loans increased to $46.9 million, compared with $45.4 million for the third quarter of 2015 and $40.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2014. Total interest expense for 2015 was $14.9 million, compared with $14.7 million for 2014. Deposit costs were stable for most of 2015, ending the year at 0.23%, compared with 0.30% for 2014. Deposit costs increased slightly in the fourth quarter of 2015 to 0.23%, compared with 0.22% for the third quarter of 2015. Non-interest bearing deposits represented 29.2% of the total average deposits for 2015, compared with 23.5% for 2014.

Non-Interest Income

Excluding gains on investment securities, non-interest income increased 35.8% in 2015 to $85.2 million, compared with $62.7 million for 2014. Retail mortgage revenues increased 42.9% during 2015, from $30.3 million for 2014 to $43.3 million for 2015. Net income for ABCB’s retail mortgage division grew 88.4% during 2015 to $9.3 million. Revenues from ABCB’s warehouse lending division increased 106.0% during the year, from $2.7 million for 2014 to $5.5 million for 2015, and net income for the division increased 141.6%, from $1.3 million for 2014 to $3.1 million for 2015. Revenues from ABCB’s SBA division continued to increase during 2015, rising from $7.0 million for 2014 to $8.3 million for 2015. Net income for the division increased 24.7%, from $2.3 million for 2014 to $2.8 million for 2015.

Service charges on deposit accounts increased by $9.9 million to $34.5 million during 2015, an increase of 40.0% compared with 2014. Service charge increases associated with ABCB’s acquisitions during 2015 totaled $5.1 million, or approximately $9.2 million on an annualized basis.

Non-Interest Expense

Total operating expenses, excluding credit charges and acquisition costs, increased $40.0 million during 2015 to $173.4 million. The majority of the increase in operating expenses was associated with the operating expenses of the bank and branches acquired by ABCB during 2015, which totaled $23.2 million, and an increase in operating expenses resulting from added lines of business, which totaled $7.2 million.

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Credit-related costs increased in the fourth quarter of 2015 to $2.2 million, compared with $1.1 million for the third quarter of 2015. During the quarter, three of ABCB’s remaining commercial loss-share agreements with the FDIC expired, causing ABCB to dispose of any related OREO that remained prior to expiration. These costs accounted for approximately $800,000 of the additional credit costs incurred during the fourth quarter and are not considered recurring.

Balance Sheet Trends

Total assets increased $1.55 billion during 2015, ending the year at $5.59 billion, compared with $4.04 billion at December 31, 2014. The growth in total assets was driven by the acquisitions of Merchants and Southern Bank and 18 additional retail branches during the second quarter of 2015.

Total loans, excluding loans held for sale, purchased non-covered loan pools and covered loans, were $3.18 billion at the end of 2015, compared with $2.56 billion at the end of 2014. Loans held for sale increased 17.3% to $111.2 million, the result of higher production levels in ABCB’s mortgage and SBA divisions. Purchased non-covered loan pools were $593.0 million at December 31, 2015. Covered loans declined $133.8 million, or 49.3%, during 2015 to end the year at $137.5 million. At the end of 2015, covered loans represent only 3.5% of total loans, compared with 9.6% at the end of 2014.

Investment securities at the end of 2015 were $792.5 million, or 15.6% of earning assets, compared with $552.1 million, or 15.5% of earning assets, at December 31, 2014.

Deposits increased $1.45 billion during 2015 to finish the year at $4.88 billion. At December 31, 2015, non-interest bearing deposit accounts were $1.33 billion, or 27.3% of total deposits, compared with $839.4 million and 24.5%, respectively, at December 31, 2014. Non-rate sensitive deposits (including NIB, NOW and savings) totaled $2.71 billion at December 31, 2015, compared with $1.82 billion at the end of 2014. These funds represented 55.6% of ABCB’s total deposits at the end of 2015, compared with 53.2% at the end of 2014.

Stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2015 totaled $514.8 million, an increase of $148.7 million, or 40.6%, from December 31, 2014. The increase in stockholders’ equity was the result of ABCB’s issuance of $114.9 million of common shares in the first quarter of 2015 and earnings of $40.8 million during 2015. Tangible book value per share ended 2015 at $12.65 per share, up 15.1% from $10.99 per share at the end of 2014.

The foregoing results have not been audited or reviewed by ABCB’s independent registered public accountants, nor have any other review procedures been performed by them with respect to these results. Accordingly, no opinion or any other form of assurance is provided with respect to this information. ABCB’s actual results could differ from these results based on the completion of the audit by its independent registered public accountants of its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015, when they are subsequently filed with the SEC.

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SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF ABCB

The following table summarizes selected historical consolidated financial data of ABCB for the periods and as of the dates indicated. This information has been derived from ABCB’s consolidated financial statements filed with the SEC. Historical financial data as of and for the nine (9) months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, are unaudited and include, in management’s opinion, all normal recurring adjustments considered necessary to present fairly the results of operations and financial condition of ABCB. You should not assume the results of operations for past periods and for the nine (9) months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, indicate results for any future period.

You should read this information in conjunction with ABCB’s consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in ABCB’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, and in ABCB’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the nine (9) months ended September 30, 2015, which are incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. See the section entitled “Incorporation of Certain ABCB Documents by Reference” beginning on page 180 of this proxy statement/prospectus.

		Nine Months Ended September 30,								Years Ended December 31,
		2015				2014				2014				2013				2012				2011				2010
		(In thousands, except per share data and ratios)
Selected Balance Sheet Data:
Total assets		$	5,216,300			$	3,999,408			$	4,037,511			$	3,667,649			$	3,019,052			$	2,994,307			$	2,972,168
Total Legacy loans, gross			2,290,649				1,848,759				1,889,880				1,618,454				1,450,635				1,332,086				1,374,757
Purchased, non-covered loans (excluding loan pools)			767,494				673,724				674,239				448,753				—				—				—
Purchased, non-covered loan pools			410,072				—				—				—				—				—				—
Covered assets (loans and OREO)			203,224				342,472				291,186				436,130				595,985				650,106				609,922
Investment securities available for sale			811,385				529,509				541,805				486,235				346,909				339,967				322,581
FDIC loss-share receivable			4,506				38,233				31,351				65,441				159,724				242,394				177,187
Total deposits			4,530,523				3,373,119				3,431,149				2,999,231				2,624,663				2,591,566				2,535,426
Stockholders’ equity			502,300				353,830				366,028				316,699				279,017				293,770				273,407
Selected Income Statement Data:
Interest income		$	137,792			$	119,666			$	164,566			$	126,322			$	129,479			$	141,071			$	119,071
Interest expense			10,873				10,786				14,680				10,137				15,074				27,547				29,794
Net interest income			126,919				108,880				149,886				116,185				114,405				113,524				89,277
Provision for loan losses			4,711				4,760				5,648				11,486				31,089				32,729				50,521
Other income			63,179				46,474				62,836				46,549				57,874				52,807				35,248
Other expenses			146,087				109,136				150,869				121,945				119,470				101,953				81,188
Income (loss) before tax			39,300				41,458				56,205				29,303				21,720				31,649				(7,184	)
Income tax expense (benefit)			12,601				13,315				17,482				9,285				7,285				10,556				(3,195	)
Net income (loss)		$	26,699			$	28,143			$	38,723			$	20,018			$	14,435			$	21,093			$	(3,989	)
Preferred stock dividends			—				286				286				1,738				3,577				3,241				3,213
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders		$	26,699			$	27,857			$	38,437			$	18,280			$	10,858			$	17,852			$	(7,202	)

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		Nine Months Ended September 30,								Years Ended December 31,
		2015				2014				2014				2013				2012				2011				2010
		(In thousands, except per share data and ratios)
Per Share Data:
Earnings (loss) per share available to common shareholders:
Basic		$	0.84			$	1.08			$	1.48			$	0.76			$	0.46			$	0.76			$	(0.35	)
Diluted			0.84				1.07				1.46				0.75				0.46				0.76				(0.35	)
Common book value per share (period end)			15.60				13.22				13.67				11.50				10.56				10.23				9.44
Cash Dividends per share			0.15				0.10				0.15				—				—				—				—
Stock Dividends			—				—				—				—				—				—				3 for 157
Profitability Ratios:
Net income/(loss) to average total assets			0.74	%			1.01	%			1.08	%			0.70	%			0.49	%			0.60	%			(0.37	)%
Net income/(loss) to average stockholders equity			7.21	%			10.73	%			12.40	%			8.06	%			5.99	%			7.21	%			(4.44	)%
Net interest margin (TE)			4.18	%			4.57	%			4.59	%			4.74	%			4.60	%			4.57	%			4.11	%
Efficiency ratio			76.85	%			70.25	%			70.92	%			74.94	%			69.35	%			61.30	%			65.20	%
Loan Quality Ratios:
Net charge-offs to average loans*			0.15	%			0.31	%			0.31	%			0.69	%			2.76	%			2.23	%			3.33	%
Allowance for loan losses to total loans*			0.98	%			1.20	%			1.12	%			1.38	%			1.63	%			2.64	%			2.52	%
Non-performing assets to total loans and OREO*			1.83	%			3.45	%			3.40	%			3.49	%			5.28	%			8.76	%			8.38	%
Liquidity Ratios:
Loans to total deposits			80.77	%			84.08	%			82.64	%			81.94	%			74.61	%			73.45	%			76.11	%
Average loans to average earning assets			75.25	%			80.47	%			80.22	%			78.08	%			77.83	%			76.72	%			76.50	%
Noninterest-bearing deposits to total deposits			28.16	%			24.21	%			24.46	%			22.29	%			19.46	%			15.26	%			11.91	%
Capital Adequacy Ratios:
Stockholders’ equity to total assets			9.63	%			8.85	%			9.07	%			8.63	%			9.24	%			9.81	%			9.20	%
Common stock dividend payout ratio			17.86	%			9.35	%			10.27	%			NM				NM				NM				NM

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SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF JAXB

The following table summarizes selected historical consolidated financial data of JAXB for the periods and as of the dates indicated. This information has been derived from JAXB’s consolidated financial statements filed with the SEC. Historical financial data as of and for the nine (9) months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, are unaudited and include, in management’s opinion, all normal recurring adjustments considered necessary to present fairly the results of operations and financial condition of JAXB. You should not assume the results of operations for past periods and for the nine (9) months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, indicate results for any future period.

You should read this information in conjunction with JAXB’s consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010 for the nine (9) months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, which are included in this proxy statement/prospectus. See the section entitled “Index to JAXB’s Consolidated Financial Statements” beginning on page F-1 of this proxy statement/prospectus.

		Nine Months Ended September 30,								Years Ended December 31,
		2015				2014				2014				2013				2012				2011				2010
		(In thousands, except per share data and ratios)
Selected Balance Sheet Data:
Total assets		$	505,254			$	510,484			$	488,584			$	507,289			$	565,057			$	561,425			$	651,833
Total legacy loans, gross			399,511				360,662				374,656				370,352				398,031				462,607				512,765
Purchased, non-covered loans (excluding loan pools)			—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Purchased, non-covered loan pools			—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Covered assets (loans and OREO)			—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Investment securities available for sale			67,375				82,425				77,633				84,771				83,985				63,140				62,356
FDIC loss-share receivable			—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Total deposits			433,032				438,365				415,756				434,966				490,021				473,907				562,187
Shareholders’ equity			42,120				36,294				37,112				33,932				33,576				29,344				51,859
Selected Income Statement Data:
Interest income			15,577				15,902				21,128				22,933				26,252				30,744				23,962
Interest expense			2,210				2,474				3,259				4,202				5,256				7,016				8,282
Net interest income			13,367				13,428				17,869				18,731				20,996				23,728				15,680
Provision for loan losses			(2,011	)			287				287				815				37,994				12,392				16,988
Other income			1,117				1,623				2,002				1,760				1,503				1,531				1,174
Other expenses			11,462				13,403				17,655				20,636				27,726				30,152				17,124
Income (loss) before tax			5,033				1,361				1,929				(960	)			(43,221	)			(17,285	)			(17,258	)
Income tax expense (benefit)			18				20				—				—				(173	)			6,774				(5,816	)
Net income (loss)			5,015				1,341				1,929				(960	)			(43,048	)			(24,059	)			(11,442	)
Preferred stock dividends			—				—				—				(31,464	)			—				—				—
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders			5,015				1,341				1,929				(32,424	)			(43,048	)			(24,059	)			(11,442	)

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		Nine Months Ended September 30,								Years Ended December 31,
		2015				2014				2014				2013				2012				2011				2010
		(In thousands, except per share data and ratios)
Per Share Data:
Earnings (loss) per share available to common shareholders:
Basic		$	0.87			$	0.23			$	0.33			$	(6.83	)		$	(7.31	)		$	(4.09	)		$	(5.07	)
Diluted		$	0.86			$	0.23			$	0.33			$	(6.83	)		$	(7.31	)		$	(4.09	)		$	(5.07	)
Common book value per share (period end)		$	7.27			$	6.26			$	6.40			$	5.86			$	2.55			$	4.98			$	8.81
Cash Dividends per share		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—
Stock dividend			—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Profitability Ratios:
Net income (loss) to average total assets			1.36	%			0.36	%			0.39	%			(0.18	)%			(7.55	)%			(3.93	)%			(2.42	)%
Net income (loss) to average shareholders’ equity			17.09	%			5.14	%			5.46	%			(2.86	)%			(188.47	)%			(44.53	)%			(37.52	)%
Net interest margin (TE)			3.81	%			3.77	%			3.75	%			3.74	%			3.86	%			4.19	%			3.52	%
Efficiency ratio			80.46	%			84.46	%			88.85	%			100.71	%			123.23	%			119.37	%			101.60	%
Loan Quality Ratios:
Net charge-offs to average loans*			(0.07	)%			0.32	%			0.45	%			1.37	%			6.89	%			2.53	%			2.67	%
Allowance for loan losses to total loans*			3.15	%			4.20	%			3.84	%			4.26	%			5.07	%			2.82	%			2.55	%
Non performing assets to total loans and OREO*			2.68	%			5.13	%			3.50	%			5.38	%			7.34	%			11.66	%			7.86	%
Liquidity Ratios:
Loans to total deposits			92.26	%			82.27	%			90.11	%			85.15	%			81.23	%			97.62	%			91.21	%
Average loans to average earning assets			81.12	%			77.98	%			77.96	%			76.45	%			82.15	%			86.99	%			90.68	%
Noninterest-bearing deposits to total deposits			28.29	%			25.88	%			25.94	%			23.17	%			19.30	%			17.48	%			12.88	%
Capital Adequacy Ratios:
Shareholders’ equity to total assets			8.34	%			7.11	%			7.60	%			6.69	%			5.94	%			5.23	%			7.96	%
Common stock dividend payout ratio			—				—				—				—				—				—				—

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SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table presents selected unaudited pro forma condensed financial data about the financial condition and results of operations of ABCB giving effect to the merger. See the section entitled “Proposal 1 — The Merger Proposal — Accounting Treatment” beginning on page 70 of this proxy statement/prospectus.

The following table presents the information as if the merger had become effective on September 30, 2015, with respect to financial condition data, and on January 1, 2015, with respect to the results of operations data. The selected unaudited pro forma condensed financial data have been derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the historical financial information that ABCB and JAXB have incorporated by reference into, or included, in this proxy statement/prospectus as of and for the indicated periods. See the sections entitled “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Financial Information,” “Incorporation of Certain ABCB Documents by Reference” and “Index to JAXB’s Consolidated Financial Statements” on pages 154, 180, and F-1 of this proxy statement/prospectus.

The selected unaudited pro forma condensed financial data are presented for illustrative purposes only and do not necessarily indicate the financial results of the combined companies had the companies actually been combined at the beginning of the period presented. The selected unaudited pro forma condensed financial information also does not consider any potential impacts of current market conditions on revenues, potential revenue enhancements, anticipated cost savings and expense efficiencies, or asset dispositions, among other factors.

		For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015				For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
		(In thousands, except per share data and ratios)
Pro Forma Condensed Income Statement Data:
Net interest income		$	141,634			$	169,552
Provision for loan losses			2,700				5,935
Income before tax			45,459				59,635
Net income			32,446				41,628
Preferred stock dividends			—				286
Net income available to common stockholders			32,446				41,342
Per Share Data:
Earnings (loss) per share available to common shareholders:
Basic		$	0.95			$	1.45
Diluted		$	0.94			$	1.44
Cash Dividends per share		$	0.15			$	0.15
Pro Forma Condensed Balance Sheet Data:
Total loans		$	4,015,776
Total assets			5,748,079
Total deposits			4,963,555
Other Borrowings			50,860
Stockholders’ equity			576,014

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UNAUDITED COMPARATIVE PER COMMON SHARE DATA

We have summarized below the per share information for our companies on a historical, pro forma combined and equivalent basis. This information was derived from the 2014 annual reports and September 30, 2015 quarterly reports and other documents that have been filed with the SEC, which should be read in conjunction with this information. See the sections entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Certain ABCB Documents by Reference” beginning on pages i and 180, respectively.

The pro forma information gives effect to the merger accounted for as a purchase. The pro forma calculations reflect that 25% of the outstanding shares of JAXB common stock will be converted into the right to receive the per share cash consideration and 75% of the outstanding shares of JAXB common stock will be converted into the right to receive the per share stock consideration (assuming no adjustment to the merger consideration as provided in the merger agreement). We assume that the merger occurred as of the beginning of the fiscal year presented (or in the case of book value, as of the date specified). You should not rely on the pro forma information as being indicative of the historical results that we would have had if we had been combined or the future results that we will experience after the merger.

		As of and for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015																As of and for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2014
		(In thousands, except per share data and ratios)
		ABCB Historical				JAXB Historical				Pro Forma Combined				Per Equivalent JAXB Share(1)				ABCB Historical				JAXB Historical				Pro Forma Combined				Per Equivalent JAXB Share(1)
Net Income Per Common Share –  Basic		$	0.84			$	0.87			$	0.95			$	0.56			$	1.48			$	0.33			$	1.45			$	0.85
Net Income Per Common Share –  Diluted		$	0.84			$	0.86			$	0.94			$	0.55			$	1.46			$	0.33			$	1.44			$	0.84
Cash Dividends Per Common Share		$	0.15			$	—			$	0.15			$	0.09			$	0.15			$	—			$	0.15			$	0.09
Book Value Per Common Share		$	15.60			$	7.27			$	16.97			$	9.94			$	13.67			$	6.40			$	15.45			$	9.06

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COMPARATIVE PER SHARE MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION

The JAXB voting common stock trades on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “JAXB,” and the ABCB common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “ABCB.” The JAXB nonvoting common stock is not listed or traded on any established securities exchange or quotation system. Accordingly, there is no established public or private trading market for the JAXB nonvoting common stock. The following table sets forth the high and low reported trading prices per share of the JAXB voting common stock and the ABCB common stock, and the cash dividends declared per share of the JAXB voting common stock and the ABCB common stock for the periods indicated. During the periods indicated in the table, no dividends were paid with respect to the JAXB nonvoting common stock.

ABCB COMMON STOCK

Quarter Data		High				Low				Dividend Paid
First Quarter 2014 Fiscal Year		$	24.22			$	19.42			$	—
Second Quarter 2014 Fiscal Year			24.05				19.45				0.05
Third Quarter 2014 Fiscal Year			24.25				20.85				0.05
Fourth Quarter 2014 Fiscal Year			26.74				21.76				0.05
First Quarter 2015 Fiscal Year		$	26.89			$	22.71			$	0.05
Second Quarter 2015 Fiscal Year			27.01				24.01				0.05
Third Quarter 2015 Fiscal Year			28.99				24.67				0.05
Fourth Quarter 2015 Fiscal Year			35.21				27.30				0.05
First Quarter 2016 Fiscal Year through February 1, 2016			33.81				26.50				—

JAXB VOTING COMMON STOCK

Quarter Data		High				Low				Dividend Paid
First Quarter 2014 Fiscal Year		$	12.53			$	10.40			$	—
Second Quarter 2014 Fiscal Year			11.78				7.45				—
Third Quarter 2014 Fiscal Year			11.01				9.90				—
Fourth Quarter 2014 Fiscal Year			12.50				8.85				—
First Quarter 2015 Fiscal Year		$	12.28			$	10.40			$	—
Second Quarter 2015 Fiscal Year			14.89				10.61				—
Third Quarter 2015 Fiscal Year			15.00				11.73				—
Fourth Quarter 2015 Fiscal Year			19.52				15.44				—
First Quarter 2016 Fiscal Year through February 1, 2016			18.27				15.57				—

On September 30, 2015, the last full trading day before the public announcement of the merger agreement, the closing sale price of shares of JAXB voting common stock was $14.94. On February 1, 2016, the last practicable trading day before the mailing of this proxy statement/prospectus, the closing sale price of shares of JAXB voting common stock was $16.61.

On September 30, 2015, the last full trading day before the public announcement of the merger agreement, the closing sale price of shares of ABCB common stock was $28.75. On February 1, 2016, the last practicable trading day before the mailing of this proxy statement/prospectus, the closing sale price of shares of ABCB common stock was $28.60.

As of February 1, 2016, the last date prior to mailing this proxy statement/prospectus for which it was practicable to obtain this information for JAXB and ABCB, respectively, there were approximately 409 registered holders of JAXB voting common stock, approximately 13 registered holders of JAXB nonvoting common stock and approximately 2,140 registered holders of ABCB common stock.

The following table presents the closing prices of JAXB voting common stock and ABCB common stock on September 30, 2015, the last trading day before the public announcement of the merger agreement, and February 1, 2016, the last practicable trading day prior to the mailing of this proxy statement/prospectus.

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The table also shows the estimated implied value of the per share merger consideration on the relevant date for holders of JAXB common stock who will receive in the merger the per share stock consideration for their shares of JAXB common stock.

Date		JAXB Closing Price				ABCB Closing Price				Exchange Ratio				Estimated Equivalent Per share Value(1)
September 30, 2015		$	14.94			$	28.75				0.5861			$	16.85
February 1, 2016			16.61				28.60				0.5861				16.76

The above table shows only historical comparisons. These comparisons may not provide meaningful information to JAXB shareholders in determining whether to approve the merger agreement. JAXB shareholders are urged to obtain current market quotations for shares of ABCB common stock and JAXB voting common stock and to review carefully the other information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus in considering whether to approve the merger proposal. The market prices of ABCB common stock and JAXB voting common stock will fluctuate between the date of this proxy statement/prospectus and the date of completion of the merger. No assurance can be given concerning the market prices of JAXB voting common stock or ABCB common stock before or after the effective date of the merger. Changes in the market price of ABCB common stock prior to the completion of the merger will affect the market value of the merger consideration to be received by JAXB shareholders who will receive in the merger the per share stock consideration for their shares of JAXB common stock.

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some of the statements contained or incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 giving ABCB’s and JAXB’s expectations or predictions of future financial or business performance or conditions. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “target,” “estimate,” “continue,” “positions,” “prospects” or “potential,” by future conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could” or “may,” or by variations of such words or by similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and we assume no duty to update forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from current projections.

In addition to factors previously disclosed in ABCB’s and JAXB’s reports filed with the SEC and those identified elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus, the following factors among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance: ability to obtain regulatory approvals and meet other closing conditions to the merger, including approval by JAXB shareholders of the merger proposal and the charter amendment on the expected terms and schedule; delay in closing the merger; difficulties and delays in integrating the JAXB business or fully realizing cost savings and other benefits; business disruption following the merger; changes in asset quality and credit risk; the inability to sustain revenue and earnings growth; changes in interest rates and capital markets; inflation; customer acceptance of ABCB products and services; customer borrowing, repayment, investment and deposit practices; customer disintermediation; the introduction, withdrawal, success and timing of business initiatives; competitive conditions; the inability to realize cost savings or revenues or to implement integration plans and other consequences associated with mergers, acquisitions and divestitures; economic conditions; and the impact, extent and timing of technological changes, capital management activities, and other actions of legislative and regulatory authorities.

Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made by ABCB or JAXB contained or incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus are qualified by factors, risks and uncertainties, including those set forth under the headings titled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 31 of this proxy statement/prospectus and those set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” in ABCB’s annual and quarterly reports and other filings with the SEC that are incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. See the section entitled “Incorporation of Certain ABCB Documents by Reference” beginning on page 180 of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. ABCB and JAXB undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, even if experience or future changes make it clear that projected results expressed or implied in such statements will not be realized, except as may be required by law. As a result of these risks and others, actual results could vary significantly from those anticipated herein, and the financial condition and results of operations of ABCB or JAXB could be materially adversely affected.

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RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information contained in or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, including the matters addressed under the section entitled “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” on page 30, you should consider the following risk factors carefully in deciding whether to vote to approve the merger proposal, the charter amendment, the merger-related compensation and the adjournment proposal. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to ABCB or JAXB or that are not currently believed to be important to you, if they materialize, also may adversely affect the merger and ABCB as the surviving corporation.

In addition, JAXB’s and ABCB’s respective businesses are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties described, in the case of JAXB, below, and in the case of ABCB, in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, and its subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which are incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. See the sections entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Certain ABCB Documents by Reference” beginning on pages i and 180, respectively.

RISK FACTORS RELATING TO THE MERGER

Because the market price of ABCB common stock may fluctuate, JAXB shareholders who receive the per share stock consideration cannot be sure of the value of the merger consideration they receive.

At the time the merger is completed, each issued and outstanding share of JAXB common stock (other than shares owned by JAXB, ABCB or any of their subsidiaries and shares of JAXB common stock in respect of which appraisal rights have been properly exercised and perfected) will be converted into the right to receive either the per share stock consideration or the per share cash consideration.

There will be a time lapse between the date on which JAXB shareholders vote to approve the merger proposal at the special meeting, and the date on which JAXB shareholders entitled to receive shares of ABCB common stock actually receive such shares. The market value of ABCB common stock may fluctuate during these periods. Consequently, at the time JAXB shareholders must decide whether to approve the merger proposal, they will not know the actual market value of the shares of ABCB common stock they will receive (if they receive the per share stock consideration) when the merger is completed. The actual value of the shares of ABCB common stock received by the JAXB shareholders who receive the per share stock consideration will depend on the market value of shares of ABCB common stock on that date. This market value may be less or more than the value used to determine the exchange ratio.

JAXB shareholders may receive a form of consideration different from what they elect.

Although each JAXB shareholder may indicate a preference to receive the per share stock consideration or the per share cash consideration for each of his, her or its shares of JAXB common stock, the total merger consideration shall be prorated as necessary to ensure that 25% of the total outstanding shares of JAXB common stock will be exchanged for cash and 75% of the total outstanding shares of JAXB common stock will be exchanged for shares of ABCB common stock. Accordingly, if the aggregate cash elections are greater than the cash election maximum, each cash election will be reduced pro rata based on the amount that the aggregate cash elections exceed the cash election maximum. Alternatively, if the aggregate stock elections are greater than the stock election maximum, each stock election will be reduced pro rata based on the amount that the aggregate stock elections exceed the stock election maximum. At the time you vote with respect to the merger proposal, you will not know how much cash or the number of shares of ABCB common stock you will receive as a result of the merger.

The market price for ABCB common stock may be affected by factors different from those that historically have affected JAXB.

Upon completion of the merger, holders of JAXB common stock who receive the per share stock consideration in the merger will become holders of ABCB common stock. ABCB’s business differs from that of JAXB, and accordingly the results of operations of ABCB will be affected by some factors that are different from those currently affecting the results of operations of JAXB. For a discussion of the businesses

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of ABCB and JAXB and of some important factors to consider in connection with those businesses, see the section entitled “The Parties to the Merger” beginning on page 52 of this proxy statement/prospectus, the section entitled “Business of JAXB” beginning on page 95 and the documents incorporated by reference referred to under the section entitled “Incorporation of Certain ABCB Documents by Reference” beginning on page 180.

JAXB’s shareholders will have a reduced ownership and voting interest after the merger and will exercise less influence over management.

Currently, JAXB’s shareholders have the power to approve or reject any matters requiring shareholder approval under Florida law and JAXB’s articles of incorporation and bylaws. After the merger, absent any adjustment made to the exchange ratio, JAXB shareholders are expected to become owners of less than 7.4% of the outstanding shares of ABCB common stock (assuming 2,547,901 shares of ABCB common stock are issued in the merger (excluding the exercise or settlement of any JAXB equity awards prior to the effective time of the merger) and based upon 32,196,117 shares of ABCB common stock outstanding as of September 29, 2015). Even if all former JAXB shareholders voted together on all matters presented to ABCB’s shareholders, from time to time, the former JAXB shareholders most likely would not have a significant impact on the approval or rejection of future ABCB proposals submitted to a shareholder vote.

ABCB may be unable to successfully integrate JAXB’s operations and may not realize the anticipated benefits of acquiring JAXB.

ABCB and JAXB entered into the merger agreement with the expectation that ABCB would be able to successfully integrate JAXB’s operations and that the merger would result in various benefits, including, among other things, enhanced revenues and revenue synergies, an expanded market reach and operating efficiencies. Achieving the anticipated benefits of the merger is subject to a number of uncertainties, including whether ABCB is able to integrate and operate JAXB in an efficient and effective manner, and general competitive factors in the market place. The process of integrating operations could cause an interruption of, or loss of momentum in, the activities of one or more of the surviving corporation’s businesses or the loss of key personnel. The diversion of management’s attention and any delays or difficulties encountered in connection with the merger and the integration of JAXB’s operations could have an adverse effect on the business, financial condition, operating results and prospects of the surviving corporation after the merger. Failure to achieve these anticipated benefits could result in increased costs, decreases in the amount of expected revenues and diversion of management’s time and energy and could have an adverse effect on the surviving corporation’s business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.

Among the factors considered by the boards of directors of ABCB and JAXB in connection with their respective approvals of the merger agreement were the benefits that could result from the merger. We give no assurance that these benefits will be realized within the time periods contemplated or even that they will be realized at all.

The merger agreement contains provisions that may discourage other companies from trying to acquire JAXB for greater merger consideration.

The merger agreement contains provisions that may discourage a third party from submitting an acquisition proposal to JAXB that might result in greater value to JAXB shareholders than the merger. These provisions include a general prohibition on JAXB from soliciting, or, subject to certain exceptions, entering into discussions with any third party regarding any acquisition proposal or offers for competing transactions. Certain shareholders of JAXB have entered into a Voting and Support Agreement and have agreed to vote their shares of JAXB common stock in favor of the proposal to approve the merger, the charter amendment and the proposal to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies, and against any alternative transaction. JAXB also has an unqualified obligation to submit the proposal to approve the merger to a vote by its shareholders, even if JAXB receives a proposal that JAXB’s board of directors believes is superior to the merger. The shareholders that are party to the Voting and Support Agreement described in this paragraph beneficially own in the aggregate approximately 39.81% of the outstanding shares of JAXB voting common stock and 78.94% of the outstanding shares of JAXB nonvoting common stock as of the record date. In addition, JAXB may be required to pay ABCB a termination fee in certain circumstances

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involving acquisition proposals for competing transactions. See the sections entitled “The Merger Agreement — Voting and Support Agreement” beginning on page 88 and “The Merger Agreement — Termination Rights and Merger Consideration Adjustment; Termination Fee” beginning on page 85.

The merger agreement may be terminated in accordance with its terms, and the merger may not be completed.

The merger agreement is subject to a number of conditions which must be fulfilled in order to complete the merger. Those conditions include: the approval of the merger proposal and the charter amendment by JAXB shareholders, the receipt of all required regulatory approvals and expiration or termination of all statutory waiting periods in respect thereof, the accuracy of representations and warranties under the merger agreement (subject to the materiality standards set forth in the merger agreement), each party’s readiness to complete the bank merger, ABCB’s and JAXB’s performance of their respective obligations under the merger agreement in all material respects and each of ABCB’s and JAXB’s receipt of a tax opinion to the effect that the merger will be treated as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. These conditions to the closing of the merger may not be fulfilled and, accordingly, the merger may not be completed.

In addition, if the merger is not completed by June 30, 2016, either ABCB or JAXB may choose not to proceed with the merger, and the parties can mutually decide to terminate the merger agreement at any time, before or after shareholder approval. In addition, ABCB and JAXB may elect to terminate the merger agreement in certain other circumstances. If the merger agreement is terminated under certain circumstances, JAXB may be required to pay a termination fee to ABCB. See the section entitled “The Merger Agreement — Termination Rights and Merger Consideration Adjustment; Termination Fee” beginning on page 85 for a fuller description of these circumstances.

Failure to complete the merger could negatively impact the stock price and the future business and financial results of JAXB.

If the merger is not completed for any reason, including as a result of JAXB shareholders declining to approve the merger proposal, then the ongoing business of JAXB may be adversely affected and, without realizing any of the benefits of having completed the merger, JAXB would be subject to a number of risks, including the following:

In addition to the above risks, if the merger agreement is terminated and JAXB’s board of directors seeks another merger or business combination, then JAXB shareholders cannot be certain that JAXB will be able to find a party willing to offer equivalent or more attractive consideration than the consideration ABCB has agreed to provide in the merger. If the merger agreement is terminated under certain circumstances, then

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JAXB may be required to pay a termination fee to ABCB. See the section entitled “The Merger Agreement — Termination Rights and Merger Consideration Adjustment; Termination Fee” beginning on page 85.

JAXB will be subject to business uncertainties while the merger is pending, which could adversely affect its business.

Uncertainty about the effect of the merger on employees and customers may have an adverse effect on JAXB, and, consequently, the surviving corporation. These uncertainties may impair JAXB’s ability to attract, retain and motivate key personnel until the merger is complete, and could cause customers and others that deal with JAXB to seek to change their existing business relationships with JAXB. Employee retention at JAXB may be particularly challenging during the pendency of the merger, as employees may experience uncertainty about their roles with the surviving corporation following the merger.

Directors and executive officers of JAXB have interests and arrangements that could have affected their respective decision to support or approve the merger.

Directors and executive officers of JAXB have interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, their interests as JAXB shareholders generally and could have affected their decision to support or approve the merger. These interests include:

In addition, certain shareholders of JAXB, including CapGen Capital Group IV, LP and the directors and certain executive officers of JAXB, have entered into a Voting and Support Agreement that requires them to vote all of their shares of JAXB common stock in favor of the approval of the merger proposal and the charter amendment at the special meeting. The Voting and Support Agreement covers approximately 39.81% of the outstanding shares of JAXB voting common stock and 78.94% of the outstanding shares of JAXB nonvoting common stock as of the record date. As a result, the directors of JAXB may have been more likely to recommend to JAXB’s shareholders the approval of the merger proposal than if they did not have these interests.

Shares of ABCB common stock to be received by JAXB shareholders receiving the per share stock consideration as a result of the merger will have rights different from the shares of JAXB common stock.

Upon completion of the merger, the rights of former JAXB shareholders who receive the per share stock consideration will be governed by ABCB’s articles of incorporation and bylaws and by Georgia corporate law. The rights associated with ABCB common stock and the terms of Georgia corporate law are different from the rights associated with JAXB common stock and the terms of Florida corporate law, which currently govern the rights of JAXB shareholders. See the section entitled “Comparison of Shareholders’ Rights” beginning on page 163 for a discussion of the different rights associated with ABCB common stock.

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ABCB has various provisions in its articles of incorporation that could impede a takeover of ABCB.

ABCB’s articles of incorporation contain provisions providing for, among other things, a classified board of directors and the ability to issue ABCB preferred stock without shareholder approval. Although these provisions were not adopted with the express purpose of preventing or impeding a takeover of ABCB without the approval of ABCB’s board of directors, such provisions may have that effect. Such provisions may prevent former JAXB shareholders who receive the per share stock consideration from taking part in a transaction in which ABCB shareholders could realize a premium over the current market price of ABCB common stock. See the section entitled “Comparison of Shareholders’ Rights” beginning on page 163 for further information.

Future issuances of ABCB common stock in connection with acquisitions or otherwise could dilute the ownership interest in ABCB of former shareholders of JAXB who receive the per share stock consideration.

ABCB may use ABCB common stock to acquire other companies or to make investments in banks and other complementary businesses in the future. It may also issue ABCB common stock, or securities convertible into ABCB common stock, through public or private offerings, in order to raise additional capital in connection with future acquisitions, to satisfy regulatory capital requirements or for general corporate purposes. Any such stock issuances would dilute the ownership interest in ABCB of former shareholders of JAXB who receive the per share stock consideration and may dilute the per share value of the ABCB common stock.

The opinion that JAXB’s board of directors has obtained from Hovde has not been, and is not expected to be, updated to reflect any changes in circumstances that may have occurred since the signing of the merger agreement.

The opinion delivered to JAXB’s board of directors by Hovde, financial advisor to JAXB, with respect to the fairness of the merger consideration to be paid in connection with the merger, speaks only as of September 30, 2015, the date of such opinion. Changes in the operations and prospects of ABCB or JAXB, general market and economic conditions and other factors which may be beyond the control of ABCB and JAXB may have altered the value of ABCB or JAXB or the sale prices of shares of ABCB common stock as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, or may alter such values and sale prices by the time the merger is completed. Hovde does not have any obligation to update, revise or reaffirm its opinion to reflect subsequent developments and has not done so. Because JAXB does not currently anticipate asking Hovde to update its opinion, the opinion will not address the fairness of the merger consideration from a financial point of view at the time the merger is completed. JAXB’s board of directors’ recommendation that JAXB shareholders vote “FOR” approval of the merger proposal, however, is made as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus. See the section entitled “Proposal 1 — The Merger Proposal — Opinion of JAXB’s Financial Advisor” beginning on page 61 and Annex D to this proxy statement/prospectus.

The Florida Actions are pending, and seek, among other things, to enjoin the merger, and an adverse judgment in these lawsuits may prevent the merger from becoming effective within the expected time frame (if at all).

Plaintiffs in the Florida Actions allege that JAXB’s directors breached their fiduciary duties to JAXB’s shareholders in negotiating and approving the merger agreement through an unfair process, that the merger consideration does not adequately value JAXB, that JAXB’s shareholders will not receive fair value for their shares of JAXB common stock in the merger, and that the terms of the merger agreement impose improper deal-protection devices that allegedly preclude competing offers. The complaints in the Florida Actions further allege that JAXB and ABCB aided and abetted the alleged breaches of fiduciary duty by JAXB’s directors. In the Florida Actions, plaintiffs seek preliminary and permanent injunctive relief, including enjoining or rescinding the merger, an award of unspecified damages, attorneys’ fees, and other relief.

While JAXB, JAXB’s directors and ABCB believe that the claims asserted in the Florida Actions are without merit and intend to vigorously contest such claims, the outcome of the Florida Actions cannot be predicted with certainty. A preliminary injunction could delay or jeopardize the completion of the merger, and an adverse judgment granting permanent injunctive relief could indefinitely enjoin completion of the merger. Furthermore, the defense or settlement of the Florida Actions may adversely affect ABCB’s business, financial

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condition, results of operations and cash flows following the completion of the merger. Additional lawsuits arising out of or relating to the merger agreement or the merger could be filed in the future. For more information, see the section entitled “Proposal 1 — The Merger Proposal — Litigation Related to the Merger” beginning on page 69 of this proxy statement/prospectus.

RISK FACTORS RELATING TO JAXB’S BUSINESS AND COMMON STOCK

The following are risks related to JAXB’s business and ownership of its common stock. Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this subsection of this proxy statement/prospectus to the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” refer to Jacksonville Bancorp, Inc., its wholly owned subsidiary, The Jacksonville Bank, and the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiary, Fountain Financial, Inc., on a consolidated basis. References to “Bancorp” denote Jacksonville Bancorp, Inc., and The Jacksonville Bank is referred to as the “Bank.”

We operate in a heavily regulated environment.

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to extensive regulation and supervision by federal, state and local governmental authorities, including the Federal Reserve, the FDIC, and the Florida Office of Financial Regulation. Banking regulations govern the activities in which we may engage and are primarily intended to protect depositors and the banking system as a whole, not the interests of shareholders. These regulations impact our lending and investment practices, capital structure and dividend policy, among other things. The financial services industry is subject to frequent legislative and regulatory changes and proposed changes, including sweeping changes resulting from the Dodd-Frank Act, the full-impact of which cannot be predicted. Changes to such regulations may have a materially adverse effect on our operations by subjecting the Company to additional compliance costs, restrictions on our operations, and other enforcement actions in the event of noncompliance.

We are also required to comply with various corporate governance and financial reporting requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as rules and regulations adopted by the SEC, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and NASDAQ. In particular, we are required to include management reports on internal controls as part of our Annual Report on Form 10-K pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The SEC also has proposed a number of new rules or regulations requiring additional disclosure, including compensation rules under the Dodd-Frank Act. We expect to continue to spend significant amounts of time and money on compliance with these rules. Any failure to track and comply with the various rules may have a materially adverse effect on our reputation, our ability to obtain the necessary certifications to financial statements, and the value of our securities.

Recent legislation, regulatory initiatives and government actions in response to market and economic conditions may significantly affect our business, capital requirements, financial condition and results of operations.

The Dodd-Frank Act restructured the regulation of depository institutions and the financial services industry. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was created largely to administer and enforce consumer and fair lending laws, a function that has historically been performed by the depository institution regulators. The full impact of the Dodd-Frank Act on our business and operations will not be fully known until all regulations implementing the Act are written and adopted. The Dodd-Frank Act may have a material impact on our operations, particularly through increased compliance costs resulting from possible changes to future consumer and fair lending regulations. The Dodd-Frank Act also permanently increased the limits on federal deposit insurance to $250 thousand.

On July 2, 2013, the Federal Reserve approved the final rules to implement the Basel III capital guidelines creating changes to the regulatory capital framework including, but not limited to, revised definitions of “capital” for regulatory purposes, the types and minimum levels of capital required under the prompt corrective action rules and for other regulatory purposes, and the risk-weighting of various assets. Various provisions have been included in the final rules to provide relief to banking organizations under $50.0 billion in assets, such as community banks like ours. Compliance with the final Basel III rules was mandatory as of January 1, 2015 for banking organizations with total assets less than $250.0 billion. The Company has adopted these new rules and does not feel they will have a material impact.

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In addition to U.S. based regulatory initiatives, the federal government is also coordinating reform activities with other countries. There can be no assurance that these various initiatives or any other future legislative or regulatory initiatives will be successful at improving economic conditions globally, nationally or in our markets, or that the measures adopted will not adversely affect our operations, financial condition and earnings.

We are required to maintain capital to meet regulatory requirements. If we fail to maintain sufficient capital, our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations, as well as our regulatory requirements, could be adversely affected.

Both Bancorp and the Bank must meet regulatory capital requirements and maintain sufficient capital and liquidity and our regulators may modify and adjust such requirements in the future. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Bank was well capitalized for regulatory purposes. If noncompliance or other events cause the Bank to become subject to formal enforcement action, the FDIC could determine that the Bank is no longer “adequately capitalized” for regulatory purposes. Failure to maintain sufficient capital, whether due to losses, an inability to raise additional capital or otherwise, could affect customer confidence, our ability to grow, our costs of funds and FDIC insurance costs, our ability to make distributions on our trust preferred securities, and our business, results of operation, liquidity and financial condition, generally.

The soundness of other financial institutions could adversely affect us.

Our ability to engage in routine funding and other transactions could be adversely affected by the actions and commercial soundness of other financial institutions. Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty or other relationships. As a result, defaults by, or even rumors or questions about, one or more financial services institutions, or the financial services industry generally, have led to market-wide liquidity problems, losses of depositor, creditor and counterparty confidence and could lead to losses or defaults by us or by other institutions. We could also experience increases in deposits and assets as a result of other banks’ difficulties or failure, which would increase the capital we need to support such growth.

As a member institution of the FDIC, we are assessed a quarterly deposit insurance premium. Bank failures have significantly depleted the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund and reduced its ratio of reserves to insured deposits. As a result, the FDIC has adopted a revised risk-based deposit insurance assessment schedule which raised deposit insurance premiums, and the FDIC has also implemented a special assessment on all depository institutions, which may be imposed in future periods if needed. Regulatory assessments were $0.5 million for each of the nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. These assessments are included in noninterest expense and may continue to adversely affect our results of operations in future periods.

Difficult market conditions have adversely affected and may continue to affect us and the financial services industry.

We are exposed to downturns in the U.S. economy and, particularly, in the local markets in which we operate in Florida. Declines in the housing markets, including falling home prices and low sales volumes, as well as foreclosures, have negatively affected the credit performance of mortgage and commercial real estate loans and resulted in significant write-downs of asset values by the Bank and financial institutions in general, including government-sponsored entities and major commercial and investment banks. These write-downs have caused many financial institutions to seek additional capital, to merge with larger and stronger institutions and, in some cases, to fail. Many lenders and institutional investors have reduced or ceased providing funding to borrowers, including other financial institutions. This market turmoil and the tightening of credit have led to increased levels of commercial and consumer delinquencies, lack of consumer confidence, increased market volatility, reduced real estate values and sales volumes, reduced credit availability for real estate borrowers and reductions in general business activities. The resulting economic pressure on consumers and borrowers and reduced confidence in the financial markets have historically adversely affected our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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Although the difficult conditions in the financial markets appear to be stabilizing or improving, a continuation or worsening of present conditions would likely have adverse effects on us and other financial institutions, including the following:

Our results are significantly impacted by the economic conditions of our principal market areas.

The success of our operations depends on the general economic conditions of the State of Florida and the specific markets we serve. Unlike larger organizations that are more geographically diverse, our operations are concentrated in Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida and the surrounding areas. As a result of our geographic concentration, the economic conditions in our primary market areas have a significant impact on our financial results, including the demand for the Bank’s products and services, the ability of our customers to repay loans, the value of collateral securing existing loans, and the stability of our funding sources. This is particularly true because a number of our borrowers are small businesses that may be less able to withstand competitive, economic and financial pressures than larger borrowers. Consequently, their ability to repay loans may be especially adversely affected during economic downturns which could lead to higher rates of loss and loan payment delinquencies. Moreover, the value of the real estate or other collateral that may secure our loans could be adversely affected if local economic conditions experience further deterioration. If a borrower is unable to repay its loan and the value of the underlying real estate collateral declines to a point that is below the amount of the loan, then we will suffer a loss.

Weaknesses in the real estate markets, including the secondary market for residential mortgage loans, have adversely affected us and may continue to adversely affect us.

Financial institutions continue to be affected by ongoing challenges in real estate markets and secondary mortgage markets. Increased volatility in housing markets, combined with the correction in residential real estate market prices and reduced levels of home sales, could result in further price reductions in single family home values and continue to adversely affect the liquidity and value of collateral securing our real estate-related loans. This is especially true for collateral securing commercial loans for residential land acquisition, construction and development, as well as residential mortgage loans and residential property securing loans currently outstanding. Additional consequences of continued deterioration of the housing markets include reduced mortgage loan originations and reduced gains on the sale of mortgage loans.

Declining real estate prices have caused higher delinquencies and losses on certain mortgage loans in general, and particularly with regard to second lien mortgages and home equity lines of credit. Significant ongoing disruptions in the secondary market for residential mortgage loans have limited the market for, and liquidity of, most residential mortgage loans other than conforming Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans. These trends could continue despite various government programs to boost the residential mortgage markets and stabilize the housing markets.

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Our financial condition, including capital and liquidity, and results of operations have been, and may continue to be, adversely affected by declines in real estate values and home sales volumes, financial stress on borrowers as a result of unemployment, interest rate resets on adjustable rate mortgage loans or other factors that result in higher delinquencies and increased charge-offs related to credit losses. Furthermore, in the event that our allowance for loan losses is insufficient to cover such losses, our earnings, capital and liquidity could be adversely affected.

Our concentration of real estate mortgage loans and loans secured by real estate may continue to adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, approximately 83.5% and 84.2% of the Company’s loan portfolio consisted of real estate mortgage loans, respectively. Commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans are especially cyclical and pose risks of loss to us due to concentration levels and similar risks of the asset. CRE loans represented 64.7% and 65.3% of our loan portfolio as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Banking regulators continue to give CRE lending greater scrutiny and banks with higher levels of CRE loans are expected to implement improved underwriting, internal controls, risk management policies and portfolio stress testing. In addition, an increased concentration of CRE loans requires higher levels of allowances for possible losses and capital levels as a result of CRE lending growth and exposures. The downturn in the real estate market, the continued deterioration in the value of collateral, and the local and national economic recessions have adversely affected our customers’ ability to sell or refinance real estate and repay their loans. If these conditions persist, or worsen, our customers’ ability to repay their loans will be further eroded. In the event we are required to foreclose on a property securing one of our mortgage loans, or otherwise pursue remedies in order to protect our investment, we may be unable to recover enough value from the collateral to prevent a loss.

The amount that we, as a mortgagee, may realize after a default and foreclosure is dependent upon factors outside of our control, including, but not limited to:

Certain expenditures associated with the ownership of real estate, principally real estate taxes and maintenance costs, may adversely affect the income from the real estate. In the event that the cost of operating real property exceeds the rental income earned from such property, we may be required to advance funds in order to protect our investment or dispose of the real property at a loss.

Current levels of market volatility are significant, and negative conditions and new developments in the financial services industry and the credit markets have and may continue to adversely affect our operations, financial performance and stock price.

The capital and credit markets have been experiencing volatility and disruption for the past several years. The markets have placed downward pressure on stock prices and the availability of capital, credit and liquidity has been adversely affected for many issuers, in some cases, without regard to those issuers’ underlying financial condition or performance. If current levels of market disruption and volatility continue or worsen, we may experience adverse effects, which may be material, on our ability to maintain or access capital and credit, and on our business, financial condition (including liquidity) and results of operations.

The financial markets are experiencing adverse effects due to economic uncertainties, including their direction and growth, as well as high unemployment rates. As a result of a weaker economy and a historical

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decline in the value of collateral supporting loans, especially with respect to the State of Florida, many financial institutions have seen deterioration in loan portfolio performance. In addition, stock prices of bank holding companies, like us, have been negatively affected by the recent and current conditions in the financial markets, as has our ability to raise capital as needed, compared to the period preceding the latest economic recession.

We operate in a highly competitive market.

We face competition for deposits, loans and other financial services from other community banks, regional banks, out-of-state and in-state national banks, savings banks, thrifts, credit unions and other financial institutions. The Company also faces competition from other entities that provide financial services, including consumer finance companies, securities brokerage firms, mortgage brokers, insurance companies, mutual funds, and other lending sources and alternative investment providers. Some of these financial institutions and financial services organizations are not subject to the same degree of regulation as we are and may have lower cost structures. Many of our competitors offer products and services different from us, and have substantially greater resources, name recognition and market presence than we do, which benefit them in attracting business. Larger competitors may be able to price loans and deposits more aggressively than we can, and have broader customer and geographic bases to draw upon. Failure to compete effectively to attract new and retain current customers could adversely affect our growth and profitability, which could have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

The banking industry is also subject to increased competition as a result of rapid technological changes with the frequent introduction of new technology-driven products and services. In addition to providing better service to customers, the effective use of technology increases efficiency and may enable us to reduce costs. Our future success depends in part upon our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands for convenience as well as to create additional operating efficiencies. Many of our competitors, especially large national and regional banks, have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements, which may permit them to perform certain functions at a lower cost than we can. There is no assurance that we will be able to implement new technology-driven products and services effectively or efficiently or be successful in marketing these to our customers, which may reduce our ability to compete effectively in the industry.

We could be negatively impacted by changes in interest rates.

Our results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected by changes in interest rates or the yield curve, and the monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government. Our profitability is largely a function of the spread between the interest rates earned on investments and loans and those paid on deposits and other liabilities. Changes in interest rates may negatively affect our earnings and the value of our assets as well as our levels of interest income, interest expense and net interest spread and margin. If our assets reprice more slowly than our deposits and other liabilities, our earnings will be adversely affected if interest rates rise, but will benefit if the interest rates on our earning assets rise more quickly than the interest rates we pay on our deposits and other liabilities. Most banks, including us, have experienced compression and reduced interest spreads and margins as a result of current historically low interest rates. Our interest spreads and net interest margins are also affected by the shape of the yield curve, which is affected especially by monetary policy, including the Federal Reserve’s actions to keep interest rates low in recent years. While we seek to manage our interest-rate risk, these measures are based on estimates and assumptions that may not be realized.

We have incurred losses in recent years and there is no assurance that current income will be sustained or that additional losses will not occur in future periods.

For the year ended December 31, 2013, we incurred a net loss of $960 thousand. In response to recent losses, management raised additional capital and implemented a strategy to accelerate the disposal of substandard assets in order to strengthen the Company’s balance sheet, increase tangible common equity and improve capital adequacy ratios applicable to Bancorp and the Bank. These initiatives have resulted in general improvements to the Company’s financial condition, asset quality and results of operations as evidenced by the continued reduction in substandard assets and net income of $5.0 million for the nine months ended

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September 30, 2015 and $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. While management believes that these strategies will continue to improve our financial condition and results of operations going forward, there is no assurance that such efforts will be successful or that additional losses will not occur in future periods.

Changes in accounting and tax rules applicable to banks and bank holding companies could adversely affect our financial conditions and results of operations.

From time to time, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and the SEC change the financial accounting and reporting standards that govern the preparation of our financial statements. These changes can be hard to predict and can materially impact how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. In some cases, we could be required to apply a new or revised standard retroactively, resulting in us restating prior period financial statements.

The Company’s exposure to operational risk may have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Similar to other financial institutions, the Company and its subsidiaries are exposed to many types of operational risk, including reputational risk, legal and compliance risk, the risk of fraud or theft by employees or outsiders, the risk that sensitive customer or Company data may be compromised, and the risk of operational errors, including clerical or record-keeping errors. The Company seeks to mitigate operational risks through a system of internal controls; however, there can be no assurance that these efforts will be successful or result in a reduction of the intended risk exposure. Failure to do so may result in losses incurred by the Company, including explicit charges, increased operational costs in the form of noninterest expenses, litigation costs, harm to the Company’s reputation, and forgone opportunities with regards to future growth. Such losses may have a materially adverse effect on the business, our financial condition and results of operations.

Reputational risk and social factors may impact our results of operations.

Our ability to originate and maintain accounts is highly dependent upon customer and other external perceptions of our business practices and financial health. Adverse perceptions regarding our business practices or financial health could damage our reputation in both the customer and funding markets, leading to difficulties in generating and maintaining accounts as well as in financing them. Adverse developments with respect to the consumer or other external perceptions regarding the practices of our competitors, or the financial services industry as a whole, may also adversely impact our reputation. Negative public opinion surrounding our Company or our industry may also result in greater regulatory or legislative scrutiny, which may lead to laws, regulations or regulatory actions that may change or constrain the manner in which we engage with our customers and the products we offer. Adverse reputational impacts or events may also increase our litigation risk.

The loss of key personnel may adversely affect our operating results.

Our success is, and is expected to remain, highly dependent on our senior management team. We rely heavily on our senior management because, as a community bank, our management’s extensive knowledge of, and relationships in, the community generates business for us. Successful execution of our business strategies will continue to place significant demands on our management and the loss of any such persons’ services may adversely affect our ability to resolve these problems, recapitalize the Company, grow and remain profitable.

On December 4, 2013, the Company appointed Kendall L. Spencer as President and Chief Executive Officer to provide advanced leadership and commercial banking management expertise as well as additional proficiencies in strategic financial planning and execution of operational initiatives. On September 2, 2014, the Company appointed Joseph W. Amy as Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer to replace Margaret A. Incandela who resigned from that position effective August 29, 2014. We also continue to rely upon the services of Scott M. Hall, Executive Vice President and the Bank’s President, and Valerie A. Kendall, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. If the services of these individuals were to become unavailable for any reason, or if we were unable to hire highly qualified and experienced personnel to replace them, our results and financial condition and prospects could be adversely affected.

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We are exposed to environmental liability risk with respect to other real estate owned.

A significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real property. In the ordinary course of business, the Company may foreclose and take title to real estate, and could be subject to environmental liabilities with respect to these properties. We have been aggressively managing problem assets and, as a result, have taken title to the underlying collateral for a number of underperforming loans. As of September 30, 2015, we had approximately $3.8 million in other real estate owned. We may be held liable to a governmental entity or to third persons for property damage, personal injury, investigation and clean-up costs incurred in connection with environmental contamination, or may be required to investigate or clean up hazardous or toxic substances, or chemical releases at a property. The costs associated with investigation or remediation activities could be substantial. In addition, as the owner or former owner of a contaminated site, we may be subject to common law claims by third parties based on damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination emanating from the property. If we ever become subject to significant environmental liabilities, our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects could be materially and adversely affected.

Our lending limit restricts our ability to compete with larger financial institutions and may limit our growth.

As of September 30, 2015, our per customer lending limit was approximately $14.5 million, subject to further reduction based on regulatory criteria relevant to any particular loan. Accordingly, the size of loans which we can offer to potential customers is less than the size that many of our competitors with larger lending limits are able to offer. This limit has affected and will continue to affect our ability to seek relationships with larger businesses in the market. We seek to accommodate loans in excess of our lending limit through the sale of portions of such loans to other banks although this market has been disrupted from time to time in recent years, as other banks have exited the market or failed, and we may lose loans to competitors. Our lending limit also impacts the efficiency of our lending activities because it lowers our average loan size, which means we have to generate an increased number of transactions in order to achieve the same portfolio volume as other institutions with higher lending limits.

The Company is exposed to credit risk as a result of reliance on the accuracy and completeness of information about clients and counterparties.

The Company often relies on information furnished by or on behalf of customers and counterparties when deciding whether to extend credit or enter into other transactions. Financial statements, credit reports, and related financial information are considered in conjunction with certain representations of those customers, counterparties or other third parties for which there are limited opportunities for management to independently verify. For example, management may assume that a customer’s audited financial statements conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and present fairly, in all material respects, the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the customer. Reliance on materially misleading information with regards to lending arrangements could have a materially adverse effect on the quality of our loan portfolio and may result in additional losses in the event of borrower default. Such effects may adversely impact the Company’s overall asset quality, financial condition and results of operations.

The allowance for loan losses may not be adequate to cover actual losses.

Our success depends to a significant extent upon the quality of our assets, particularly loans. In originating loans, there is a substantial likelihood that credit losses will be experienced. The risk of loss will vary with, among other things, general economic conditions, the type of loan being made, the creditworthiness of the borrower over the term of the loan and, in the case of a collateralized loan, the quality of the collateral for the loan. Management maintains an allowance for loan losses based on, among other things, anticipated experience, an evaluation of economic conditions, and regular reviews of delinquencies and loan portfolio quality. Based upon such factors, management makes various assumptions and judgments about the ultimate collectability of the loan portfolio and provides an allowance for probable loan losses based upon a percentage of the outstanding balances and for specific loans when their ultimate collectability is considered questionable. Our regulators may also require us to add to our provision for loan losses in the ordinary course of their review of the Bank.

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As of September 30, 2015, our allowance for loan losses was $12.6 million which represented 3.15% of our gross loan portfolio as of the same date. Nonperforming assets consisted of approximately $7.0 million in nonperforming loans and $3.8 million in other real estate owned. Management monitors our asset quality and seeks to maintain an adequate loan loss allowance; however, the allowance may not prove sufficient to cover future loan losses. Furthermore, although management uses the best information available to make determinations with respect to the allowance for loan losses, future adjustments may be necessary if economic conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used or adverse developments arise with respect to our nonperforming or performing loans. Accordingly, the allowance for loan losses may not be adequate to cover loan losses, or significant increases to the allowance may be required in the future if economic conditions should worsen. Among other adverse consequences, significant additions to our allowance for loan losses could have a material impact on our financial performance and reduce our net income and capital.

Nonperforming assets take significant time to resolve and expose us to increased risk of loss.

As of September 30, 2015, our nonperforming loans were $7.0 million, or 1.8% of our gross loan portfolio, and our nonperforming assets (which include nonperforming loans) were $10.8 million, or 2.1% of total assets. In addition, we had approximately $2.7 million in loans past due 30 – 89 days and still accruing interest as of September 30, 2015. The Company experienced a decrease in nonperforming assets of approximately $2.4 million from the prior year ended December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2014, our nonperforming loans were $9.2 million, or 2.5% of our gross loan portfolio, and our nonperforming assets (which include nonperforming loans) were $13.2 million, or 2.7% of total assets. In addition, we had approximately $6.8 million in accruing loans that were 30 – 89 days delinquent as of December 31, 2014.

We do not record interest income on nonperforming loans or other real estate owned, thereby adversely affecting our income and increasing our loan administration costs. We also incur the costs of funding problem assets and other real estate owned. When we take collateral in foreclosures and similar proceedings, we are required to mark the collateral to its then fair value less our expected selling costs, which, when compared to the principal amount of the loan, may result in a loss. In addition, given the increased levels of mortgage foreclosures in our market areas, the foreclosure process is now taking longer than it has in recent years; this has served to increase the cost of foreclosures and the time needed to take title to the underlying property. Once we take possession of foreclosed real estate, the costs of maintenance, taxes, security and potential environmental liability can be significant and serve to decrease the amount of recovery we may realize upon a sale of the property.

As described above, our nonperforming assets can adversely affect our net income in a variety of ways, which negatively affects our results of operations and financial condition. While we have used loan sales, workouts, restructurings and other activities to improve our level of problem assets, decreases in the value of these assets, or the underlying collateral, or in the related borrowers’ performance or financial condition may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition, whether or not due to economic and market conditions beyond our control. In addition, the resolution of nonperforming assets requires significant commitments of time from management and our directors, which can be detrimental to the performance of their other responsibilities. Until economic and market conditions significantly improve, there can be no assurance that we will not experience an increase in nonperforming assets in future periods. As a result, we may continue to incur additional losses related to nonperforming assets, including losses on the potential disposition of loans and foreclosed assets.

We have had to adjust the valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets and reduce our deferred tax asset to zero.

We evaluate deferred tax assets for recoverability based on all available evidence. This process involves significant management judgment about assumptions that are subject to change from period to period based on changes in tax laws or variances between future projected operating performance and actual results. As of the end of 2011, the Company established a valuation allowance for all our deferred tax assets, based on available evidence at the time, that it was more-likely-than-not that all of the deferred tax assets would not be realized. In determining the more-likely-than-not criterion, management evaluates all positive and negative evidence as of the end of each reporting period. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, the Company determined that the need for a full valuation allowance still existed. Future adjustments, either

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increases or decreases, to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance will be determined based upon changes in the expected realization of the net deferred tax assets. The realization of the deferred tax assets ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income in either the carry-back or carry-forward periods under the tax law.

Due to significant estimates utilized in establishing the valuation allowance and the potential for changes in facts and circumstances, we may or may not be able to recapture these deferred tax assets in future periods.

Our location on the east coast of Florida makes us susceptible to disruptions in operations due to weather-related problems.

Our Bank branches and corporate headquarters are located in the Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach, Duval County, Florida area and are vulnerable to tropical storms, hurricanes, tornadoes and flood and wind damage. We cannot predict whether or to what extent damage that may be caused by future weather events will affect our operations or the economies in our current or future market areas. Such weather events could result in a decline in loan originations, a decline in the value or destruction of properties securing our loans and an increase in payment delinquencies, foreclosures or loan losses. Our business or results of operations may be adversely affected by these and other negative effects of future weather events. Many of our customers have incurred significantly higher property and casualty insurance premiums on their properties located in our markets, which may adversely affect real estate sales and values in our markets.

System failures, interruptions or breaches of security could adversely impact our business and results of operations.

Technology and information systems are essential to our daily business operations, such as systems to manage accounting activities, customer deposits and loan operations. In addition, the Bank provides its customers the ability to bank online. While the Company has established policies and procedures to prevent or limit the impact of system failures, interruptions and security breaches, there can be no assurance that such events will not occur or that they will be adequately addressed if they do occur. In addition, the secure transmission of confidential information over the Internet is a critical element of online banking. The Bank’s network or those of its customers could be vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer viruses, phishing schemes and other security problems. In order to mitigate these risks, the Bank may be required to spend significant capital and other resources to protect against the threat of security breaches and computer viruses, or to alleviate problems caused by security breaches or viruses. Any inability to prevent security breaches or computer viruses could expose the Bank to litigation or other liabilities and also cause existing customers to lose confidence in the Bank’s systems which could adversely affect our reputation and the ability to generate deposits, and, in turn, adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

The Company relies on other companies to provide key components of the Company’s business infrastructure.

Third parties provide key components of the Company’s business operations such as data processing, recording and monitoring transactions, online banking interfaces and services, Internet connections and network access. While the Company has selected these third party vendors carefully, it does not control their actions. Any problem caused by these third parties, including those resulting from disruptions in communication services provided by a vendor, failure of a vendor to handle current or higher volumes, failures of a vendor to provide services for any reason or poor performance of services, could adversely affect the Company’s ability to deliver products and services to its customers and otherwise conduct its business. Financial or operational difficulties of a third party vendor could also hurt the Company’s operations if those difficulties interface with the vendor’s ability to serve the Company. Replacing these third party vendors could also create significant delay and expense. Accordingly, use of such third parties creates an unavoidable inherent risk to the Company’s business operations.

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We are dependent on the operating performance of the Bank to provide us with operating funds in the form of cash dividends, and the Bank is subject to regulatory limitations regarding the payment of dividends.

We are a bank holding company and, in the ordinary course of business, are dependent upon dividends from the Bank for funds to pay expenses and, if declared, cash dividends to shareholders. A Florida state-chartered commercial bank may not pay cash dividends that would cause the bank’s capital to fall below the minimum amount required by federal or state law. Accordingly, commercial banks may only pay dividends out of the total of current net profits plus retained net profits of the preceding two years to the extent it deems expedient, except no bank may pay a dividend at any time that the total of net income for the current year when combined with retained net income from the preceding two years, produces a loss. In addition, banks may not pay a dividend if the dividend would result in the bank being “undercapitalized” for prompt corrective action purposes, or would violate any minimum capital requirement specified by law or the Bank’s regulators. The Bank cannot currently pay dividends without prior regulatory approval. Therefore, the Bank may not be able to provide Bancorp with adequate funds to conduct ongoing operations, which would adversely affect our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.

More specifically, reduced liquidity may adversely affect Bancorp’s ability to pay interest on material company debt in the form of junior subordinated debt related to its trust preferred securities. As of September 30, 2015, Bancorp had approximately $16.3 million of junior subordinated debentures issued incident to trust preferred securities and another $1.2 million of borrowings and other liabilities. Bancorp has depended on the revolving loan agreements with its directors, cash on hand, and net proceeds from capital raise transactions to pay its operating expenses and interest expenses related to its material debt obligations. As of September 30, 2015, Bancorp had approximately $0.9 million of cash on hand and $1.3 million in funds available under its revolving loan agreements. There is no assurance that these sources of liquidity will be sufficient to meet Bancorp’s expenses going forward.

Our business may face significant risks with respect to future expansion.

To supplement our current growth strategy, we may continue to acquire other financial institutions or parts of financial institutions in the future and we may engage in additional de novo branch expansion. Acquisitions and mergers involve a number of risks, including but not limited to the following:

We may incur substantial costs to expand and can give no assurance that such expansion will result in the levels of profits we would expect. We may issue equity securities, including common stock, in connection with future acquisitions, which could cause ownership and economic dilution to our shareholders. There is no

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assurance that, following any future mergers or acquisitions, our integration efforts will be successful or, after giving effect to the acquisition, that we will achieve profits comparable to, or better than, our historical experience.

Future liquidity needs may exceed our available liquidity sources.

Liquidity is essential to our business. An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, the sale of loans and other sources could limit our asset growth and have a materially adverse effect on our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations. Our funding sources include federal funds purchases, non-core deposits, and short- and long-term debt. The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, where we can obtain advances collateralized with eligible assets. The Bank can also use eligible collateral to borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. We maintain a portfolio of securities that can be used as a secondary source of liquidity.

Other sources of liquidity may be available to us on an as-needed basis, including additional non-core deposits (subject to applicable regulatory restrictions, if any), the sale of debt securities, and the issuance and sale of preferred or common securities in public or private transactions. Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance or capitalize our activities, or on terms which are acceptable to us, could be impaired by factors that affect us specifically or the financial services industry or economy in general. Our ability to borrow could also be impaired by factors that are not specific to us, such as further disruption in the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry in light of recent turmoil faced by banking organizations and elevated levels of volatility and disruption in the credit markets.

Additional capital may not be available when needed and, if available, could result in dilution of our shareholders’ ownership interests.

Any capital that is generated by our operations over the next several years is expected to be needed to support our operations. Additionally, our Board may determine from time to time that we need to obtain additional capital through the issuance of additional shares of our common stock or other securities. These issuances likely would dilute the ownership interest of our then-current shareholders, including the per share book value of our common stock and nonvoting common stock and would only require shareholder approval under certain circumstances. The terms of security issuances by us in future capital transactions may be more favorable to new investors, and may include preferences, superior voting rights and the issuance of warrants, which may have a further dilutive effect on current ownership interests. Also, we may incur substantial costs in pursuing future capital financing, including investment banking fees, legal fees, accounting fees, securities law compliance fees, printing and distribution expenses and other costs, whether or not an offering is completed successfully. We may also be required to recognize non-cash expenses in connection with certain securities we issue, such as convertible notes and warrants, which may adversely impact our financial condition.

We are currently authorized to issue up to 20.0 million shares of common stock, 5.0 million shares of nonvoting common stock, and 10.0 million shares of preferred stock, of which 3,512,773 shares, 2,287,821 shares and no shares, respectively, were issued and outstanding as of February 1, 2016. Our Board has the authority, and in certain circumstances without shareholder approval, to issue all or part of the authorized but unissued common stock or nonvoting common stock, and to establish the terms of any series of preferred stock. Any authorized but unissued shares could be issued on terms or in circumstances that could dilute the interests of other shareholders, including the book value of each share of our common stock and nonvoting common stock.

Shares of capital stock are not an insured deposit.

Shares of our common stock and nonvoting common stock are not a bank deposit and are not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. Investment in our capital stock is subject to investment risk, which could result in a loss of the entire investment.

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Our common stock is thinly traded and, therefore, shareholders and investors may have difficulty selling shares.

Our common stock is thinly traded, which can be more volatile than stock trading in an active public market. We cannot predict whether, or the extent to which, an active public market for our common stock will develop or be sustained. As a consequence, there may be periods of several days or more when trading activity in our shares is minimal or non-existent, and our shareholders may not be able to sell their shares at the volumes, prices, or times that they desire, or at all.

Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the open market could depress the stock price of our common stock and the value of our other securities.

Through multiple capital raise transactions completed during 2012 and 2013, the Company registered an additional 5.5 million shares of its common stock and nonvoting common stock. Each share of nonvoting common stock will automatically convert into one share of common stock in the event of a “permitted transfer” to a transferee. Shares of the Company’s common stock and nonvoting common stock issued in the capital raise transactions have been registered for resale with the SEC and are freely tradable without restrictions or further registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Sales of substantial amounts of these shares in the public market, or the perception that such sales might occur, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock or other securities. Also, these sales might make it more difficult for us to sell equity or equity-related securities at a time and price that we otherwise would deem appropriate.

We do not anticipate paying dividends for the foreseeable future.

We do not anticipate that dividends will be paid on our common stock or nonvoting common stock for the foreseeable future and intend to retain all earnings, if any, to support our business. Future dividend payments will depend on Bancorp’s internal dividend policy, earnings, capital and regulatory requirements, financial condition, and other factors considered relevant by the Board.

A Florida state-chartered commercial bank may not pay cash dividends that would cause the bank’s capital to fall below the minimum amount required by federal or state law. Accordingly, commercial banks may only pay dividends out of the total of current net profits plus retained net profits of the preceding two years to the extent it deems expedient, except as follows: No bank may pay a dividend at any time that the total of net income for the current year, when combined with retained net income from the preceding two years, produces a loss. The Bank met this restriction as of September 30, 2015 as our net income for the year combined with retained earnings from the preceding two years produced a loss. The future ability of the Bank to pay dividends to Bancorp will also depend in part on the FDIC capital requirements in effect at such time and our ability to comply with such requirements.

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INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPECIAL MEETING

Time, Place and Purpose of the Special Meeting

This proxy statement/prospectus is being furnished to JAXB shareholders as part of the solicitation of proxies by JAXB’s board of directors for use at the special meeting to be held on March 11, 2016, at 9:00 a.m. local time, at JAXB’s principal executive offices, 100 North Laura Street, Suite 1000, Jacksonville, Florida 32202, or at any postponement or adjournment thereof.

At the special meeting, JAXB shareholders will be asked to consider and vote upon: (i) a proposal for holders of JAXB voting common stock and JAXB nonvoting common stock to approve the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated in the merger agreement including, among other things, the merger of JAXB with and into ABCB with ABCB surviving the merger; (ii) a proposal for holders of JAXB voting common stock and JAXB nonvoting common stock to approve an amendment of JAXB’s articles of incorporation to delete the right, as it relates to the merger, of holders of JAXB nonvoting common stock to elect to receive nonvoting securities of ABCB; (iii) a proposal for holders of JAXB voting common stock to approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation that certain executive officers of JAXB may receive under existing agreements or arrangements with JAXB in connection with the merger and (iv) a proposal for holders of JAXB voting common stock and JAXB nonvoting common stock to approve the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are insufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the merger proposal or the charter amendment.

JAXB shareholders must approve the merger proposal and the charter amendment in order for the merger to occur. If JAXB shareholders fail to approve the merger proposal and the charter amendment, then the merger will not occur. A copy of the merger agreement is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus, and you are encouraged to read the merger agreement carefully and in its entirety.

Record Date and Quorum

JAXB has set the close of business on February 1, 2016 as the record date for the special meeting, and only holders of record of JAXB voting common stock and JAXB nonvoting common stock on the record date are entitled to vote at the special meeting. You are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting if you owned shares of JAXB voting common stock or JAXB nonvoting common stock as of the close of business on the record date. On the record date, there were 3,512,773 shares of JAXB voting common stock and 2,287,821 shares of JAXB nonvoting common stock outstanding and entitled to vote and, accordingly, at least 1,756,387 shares of JAXB voting common stock and 1,143,911 shares of JAXB nonvoting common stock must vote to approve the merger proposal for the merger to occur. You will have one vote on each matter properly brought before the special meeting for each share of JAXB voting common stock and JAXB nonvoting common stock that you owned on the record date and on which matter such share is entitled to vote.

The presence, in person or represented by proxy, of holders of a majority of all of the outstanding shares of JAXB voting common stock and a majority of all of the outstanding shares of JAXB nonvoting common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting constitutes a quorum for the purposes of the special meeting. Abstentions are considered present for purposes of establishing a quorum.

Vote Required

Approval of the merger proposal requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of JAXB voting common stock and a majority of the outstanding shares of JAXB nonvoting common stock, each voting as a separate class. The charter amendment will be approved if: (i) the votes cast for the proposal by the holders of JAXB voting common stock exceed the votes cast against such proposal by the holders of JAXB voting common stock; and (ii) the votes cast for the proposal by the holders of JAXB nonvoting common stock exceed the votes cast against such proposal by the holders of JAXB nonvoting common stock. Approval of the merger-related compensation proposal requires that the number of votes cast at the special meeting in favor of the proposal by the holders of JAXB voting common stock exceeds the number of votes cast against the proposal by the holders of JAXB voting common stock. The adjournment proposal will be approved if the votes cast for the proposal by the holders of JAXB voting common stock and the holders of JAXB nonvoting common stock, voting together as a single group, exceed

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the votes cast against such proposal by the holders of JAXB voting common stock and the holders of the JAXB nonvoting common stock. In addition, approval of the merger proposal is cross-conditioned upon approval of the charter amendment proposal. In other words, if JAXB shareholders do not approve the merger proposal, the charter amendment proposal will fail; likewise, if JAXB shareholders do not approve the charter amendment, the merger proposal will also fail. Votes to abstain will not be counted as votes cast in favor of the approval of the merger proposal, the approval of the charter amendment, the approval of the merger-related compensation or the approval of the adjournment proposal, but will count for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present. If you fail to submit a proxy or to vote in person at the special meeting or if you vote to abstain, then it will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the approval of the merger proposal.

If your shares of JAXB common stock are registered directly in your name with the transfer agent of JAXB, Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., you are considered, with respect to those shares of JAXB common stock, the shareholder of record. If you are a shareholder of record, this proxy statement/prospectus and the enclosed proxy card(s) have been sent directly to you by JAXB.

If your shares of JAXB common stock are held through a bank, brokerage firm or other nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares of JAXB common stock held in “street name”. In that case, this proxy statement/prospectus has been forwarded to you by your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee who is considered, with respect to those shares of JAXB common stock, the shareholder of record. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee how to vote your shares by following their instructions for voting.

Under the rules of the NASDAQ, banks, brokerage firms or other nominees who hold shares in “street name” for customers have the authority to vote on “routine” proposals when they have not received instructions from beneficial owners. However, banks, brokerage firms and other nominees are precluded from exercising their voting discretion with respect to approving non-routine matters such as the approval of the merger proposal, the charter amendment, the merger-related compensation and adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are insufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the merger proposal or the charter amendment. As a result, absent specific instructions from the beneficial owner of such shares of JAXB common stock, banks, brokerage firms and other nominees are not empowered to vote those shares of JAXB common stock on any of the proposals at the special meeting. A so-called “broker non-vote” results when banks, brokerage firms and other nominees return a valid proxy but do not vote on a particular proposal because they do not have discretionary authority to vote on the matter and have not received specific voting instructions from the beneficial owner of such shares.

Approval of the merger proposal requires the affirmative vote of the holders of the majority of the outstanding shares of JAXB voting common stock and a majority of the outstanding shares of JAXB nonvoting common stock, voting as separate classes. Because the required vote to approve the merger proposal is based on the number of JAXB shares outstanding, a failure to vote, an abstention or a broker non-vote will have the same effect as a vote AGAINST the merger proposal. If you fail to submit a proxy and fail to attend the special meeting or if your shares of JAXB common stock are held through a bank, brokerage firm or other nominee and you do not instruct your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee to vote your shares of JAXB common stock, your shares of JAXB common stock will not be voted, but this will not have an effect on the outcome of the vote on the charter amendment, the merger-related compensation proposal or the adjournment proposal.

As of the record date, the directors and executive officers of JAXB and their affiliates beneficially owned and were entitled to vote approximately 1,398,607 shares of JAXB voting common stock representing approximately 39.81% of the shares of JAXB voting common stock outstanding on that date and also owned and were entitled to vote approximately 1,806,000 shares of JAXB nonvoting common stock representing approximately 78.94% of the shares of JAXB nonvoting common stock outstanding on that date. ABCB has entered into a Voting and Support Agreement with JAXB and certain JAXB shareholders, pursuant to which these shareholders have agreed, solely in their capacity as shareholders of JAXB, to vote their shares of JAXB voting common stock and JAXB nonvoting common stock in favor of the approval of the merger proposal,

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the charter amendment and the adjournment proposal, subject to certain exceptions. For further information, see the section entitled “Proposal 1 — The Merger Proposal — Voting and Support Agreement” beginning on page 88 of this proxy statement/prospectus. A copy of the Voting and Support Agreement is attached as Annex C to this proxy statement/prospectus.

Proxies and Revocations

If you are a shareholder of record, you may have your shares of JAXB common stock voted on matters presented at the special meeting in the following ways:

If you are a beneficial owner, you will receive instructions from your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee that you must follow in order to have your shares of JAXB common stock voted. Those instructions will identify which of the above choices are available to you in order to have your shares voted. Please note that if you are a beneficial owner and wish to vote in person at the special meeting, you must provide a legal proxy from your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee at the special meeting.

If you submit a proxy by mailing a proxy card, your proxy card should be mailed in the accompanying prepaid reply envelope, and your proxy card must be filed with the Office of the Corporate Secretary of JAXB by the time the special meeting begins. Please do not send in your stock certificates with your proxy card. When the merger is completed, a separate letter of transmittal will be mailed to you that will enable you to receive the per share merger consideration in exchange for your stock certificates.

If you vote by proxy, the individuals named on the enclosed proxy card(s) (each of them, with full power of substitution) will vote your shares of JAXB voting common stock and JAXB nonvoting common stock in the way that you indicate. When completing the proxy card(s), you may specify whether your shares of JAXB common stock should be voted “FOR” or “AGAINST” or to “ABSTAIN” from voting on all, some or none of the specific items of business to come before the special meeting.

If you properly sign your proxy card but do not mark the boxes showing how your shares of JAXB common stock should be voted on a matter, the shares of JAXB common stock represented by your properly signed proxy will be voted “FOR” the proposals described in this proxy statement/prospectus on which such shares are entitled to vote.

If you are a shareholder of record, you have the right to revoke a proxy at any time before it is exercised, by voting again at a later date through any of the methods available to you, by attending the special meeting and voting in person, or by giving written notice of revocation to JAXB prior to the time the special meeting begins. Written notice of revocation should be mailed to: Jacksonville Bancorp, Inc., 100 North Laura Street, Suite 1000, Jacksonville, Florida 32202, Attention: Corporate Secretary. If your shares of JAXB common stock are beneficially held in “street name” through a bank, brokerage firm or other nominee, then you must follow the instructions of your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee to revoke or change your prior voting instructions.

If you have any questions or need assistance voting your shares, please contact JAXB at:

Jacksonville Bancorp, Inc.
100 North Laura Street, Suite 1000
Jacksonville, Florida 32202
Telephone: (904) 421-3040
Attention: Valerie A. Kendall

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IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU VOTE YOUR SHARES OF JAXB VOTING COMMON STOCK AND NONVOTING COMMON STOCK PROMPTLY. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING, PLEASE VOTE YOUR SHARES IMMEDIATELY BY TELEPHONE, BY INTERNET OR BY MAIL. IF YOU VOTE BY MAIL, PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN, AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE, THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD(S) IN THE PRE-ADDRESSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE. SHAREHOLDERS WHO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING MAY REVOKE THEIR PROXIES BY VOTING IN PERSON.

Anticipated Date of Completion of the Merger

Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the closing conditions described under the section entitled “The Merger Agreement — Conditions to Completion of the Merger” beginning on page 84 of this proxy statement/prospectus, including the approval of the merger proposal and the charter amendment by JAXB shareholders at the special meeting, ABCB and JAXB expect that the merger will be completed during the first quarter of 2016. However, it is possible that factors outside the control of both companies could result in the merger being completed at a different time or not at all.

Solicitation of Proxies; Payment of Solicitation Expenses

JAXB will pay proxy solicitation costs related to the special meeting. JAXB’s directors, officers and employees may solicit proxies by telephone, by facsimile, by mail, on the Internet or in person. They will not be paid any additional amounts for soliciting proxies. JAXB may also reimburse banks, brokerage firms, other nominees or their respective agents for their expenses in forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners of JAXB common stock.

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THE PARTIES TO THE MERGER

Jacksonville Bancorp, Inc.
 
100 North Laura Street, Suite 1000
Jacksonville, Florida 32202
Telephone: (904) 421-3040

JAXB, a Florida corporation, is a bank holding company whose business is conducted primarily through The Jacksonville Bank, a Florida-state chartered bank and a wholly-owned subsidiary of JAXB. Through The Jacksonville Bank, JAXB provides a variety of commercial and retail banking services through eight offices in the Jacksonville, Florida metropolitan area, as well as online banking through its virtual branch. JAXB’s product lines include personal and online banking and sweep accounts that may be invested in Goldman Sachs mutual funds, in addition to traditional banking products. JAXB’s loan portfolio includes commercial loans, real estate mortgage loans and consumer and other types of loans, with a particular emphasis on commercial real estate loans. JAXB has specialized in providing services to small business owners, with a particular focus on professional services, wholesalers, distributors and other service industries. Through Fountain Financial, Inc., a subsidiary of The Jacksonville Bank, JAXB serves the investment and insurance needs of bank customers.

JAXB was incorporated on October 24, 1997 as a Florida corporation. At September 30, 2015, JAXB had approximately $505.3 million in total assets, $386.9 million in total loans (net of allowance for loan losses), $433.0 million in total deposits and shareholders’ equity of $42.1 million. Deposits with The Jacksonville Bank are insured, up to applicable limits, by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”).

The JAXB voting common stock is currently listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “JAXB.” The JAXB nonvoting common stock is not listed or traded on any established securities exchange or quotation system.

Ameris Bancorp
 
310 First St., S.E.
Moultrie, Georgia 31768
Telephone: (229) 890-1111

ABCB, a Georgia corporation, is a bank holding company whose business is conducted primarily through Ameris Bank, a Georgia state-chartered bank and a wholly-owned subsidiary of ABCB. As a bank holding company, ABCB performs certain shareholder and investor relations functions and seeks to provide financial support, if necessary, to Ameris Bank.

ABCB is headquartered in Moultrie, Georgia, and, through Ameris Bank, provides a full range of banking services to its retail and commercial customers through branches primarily concentrated in select markets in Georgia, Alabama, Florida and South Carolina. These branches serve distinct communities in ABCB’s business areas with autonomy but do so as one bank, leveraging ABCB’s favorable geographic footprint in an effort to acquire more customers.

ABCB was incorporated on December 18, 1980 as a Georgia corporation. ABCB operates 117 domestic banking offices with no foreign activities. At September 30, 2015, ABCB had approximately $5.2 billion in total assets, $3.6 billion in total loans (net of allowance for loan losses), $4.5 billion in total deposits and stockholders’ equity of $502.3 million. Deposits with Ameris Bank are insured, up to applicable limits, by the FDIC.

The ABCB common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “ABCB.”

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PROPOSAL 1 — THE MERGER PROPOSAL

Holders of JAXB common stock, $0.01 par value per share (the “JAXB voting common stock”), and JAXB nonvoting common stock, $0.01 par value per share (the “JAXB nonvoting common stock”), are being asked to approve the adoption of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 30, 2015, as it may be amended from time to time, by and between Ameris Bancorp, a Georgia corporation (“ABCB”), and JAXB (the “merger agreement”), and the transactions contemplated in the merger agreement including, among other things, the merger of JAXB with and into ABCB with ABCB surviving the merger (the “merger”).

Approval of the merger proposal requires the affirmative voting of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of JAXB voting common stock and a majority of the outstanding shares of JAXB nonvoting common stock, voting as separate classes. Because the required vote to approve the merger proposal is based on the number of JAXB shares outstanding, a failure to vote, an abstention or a broker non-vote will have the same effect as a vote AGAINST the merger proposal. In addition, approval of the merger proposal is cross-conditioned upon approval of the charter amendment proposal. In other words, if JAXB shareholders do not approve the merger proposal, the charter amendment proposal will fail; likewise, if JAXB shareholders do not approve the charter amendment proposal, the merger proposal will also fail. If you fail to submit a proxy and fail to attend the special meeting or if your shares of JAXB common stock are held through a bank, brokerage firm or other nominee and you do not instruct your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee to vote your shares of JAXB common stock, your shares of JAXB common stock will not be voted, but this will not have an effect on the outcome of the vote on the charter amendment, the merger-related compensation or the adjournment proposal.

JAXB’s board of directors unanimously recommends that JAXB shareholders vote “FOR” approval of the merger proposal.

General

This section describes the merger. The description in this section and elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the merger agreement, a copy of which is attached as Annex A and is incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. This summary does not purport to be complete and may not contain all of the information about the merger that is important to you. You are encouraged to read the merger agreement carefully and in its entirety. This section is not intended to provide you with any factual information about JAXB or ABCB. Such information can be found elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus and in the public filings JAXB and ABCB make with the SEC, as described in the sections entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Certain ABCB Documents by Reference” beginning on pages i and 180 of this proxy statement/prospectus, respectively.

Transaction Structure

Pursuant to the merger agreement, JAXB will merge with and into ABCB with ABCB surviving the merger as the surviving corporation. Immediately thereafter, The Jacksonville Bank, JAXB’s banking subsidiary, will merge with and into ABCB’s banking subsidiary, Ameris Bank, with Ameris Bank continuing as the surviving entity.

Per Share Merger Consideration

Unless adjusted pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, each share of JAXB common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the completion of the merger (other than excluded shares and shares held by shareholders who properly demand appraisal rights under Sections 607.1301 to 607.1333 of the FBCA) will be converted into the right to receive either:

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the total merger consideration shall be prorated as necessary to ensure that 25% of the total outstanding shares of JAXB common stock will be exchanged for cash and 75% of the

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total outstanding shares of JAXB common stock will be exchanged for shares of ABCB common stock. Cash will be paid in lieu of fractional shares.

The completion of the merger is subject to a price floor which, if reached prior to the completion of the merger, could result in more shares of ABCB common stock being issued or more cash being paid, or the merger being terminated.

Also, if after the date of the merger agreement and at or prior to the effective time, the outstanding shares of ABCB common stock or JAXB common stock are changed into a different number of shares or type of securities by reason of any reclassification, split-up, stock split, subdivision, combination or exchange of shares, or if any dividend payable in stock or other securities is declared on shares of ABCB common stock or JAXB common stock with a record date during such period, or if any similar event occurs, then the per share stock consideration and the per share cash consideration will be adjusted to provide the holders thereof the same economic effect as contemplated by the merger agreement.

Background of the Merger

From 2008 until 2014, like many community banks, JAXB was severely impacted by the 2007 financial crisis and resulting increased federal and state regulations adopted in response to the crisis. As a result, JAXB’s board of directors was required to implement a broad strategy to raise additional capital from third parties, including CapGen Capital Group IV, LP (which is sometimes referred to as “CapGen”), to execute a recapitalization plan, to respond to heightened requirements of its federal and state regulators and to dispose of substandard assets in order to strengthen its balance sheet, increase tangible common equity and improve capital adequacy ratios. As part of its capital raising efforts, in 2010, JAXB sold 194,445 shares of JAXB voting common stock to accredited investors for aggregate gross proceeds of $35 million, and in 2012, JAXB sold 50,000 shares of Mandatorily Convertible, Noncumulative, Nonvoting Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A to accredited investors for aggregate gross proceeds of $50 million. CapGen was the lead investor in both capital raises. In 2013, JAXB conducted concurrently a rights offering to eligible existing shareholders of nontransferable subscription rights and a public offering to purchase shares of JAXB voting common stock at a price of $10.00 per share, selling a total of 500,000 shares of JAXB voting common stock for aggregate gross proceeds of $5 million. Also in 2013, at the direction of JAXB’s board of directors, JAXB implemented a 1-for-20 reverse stock split of the outstanding shares of JAXB common stock. Consequently, the aggregate par value of the JAXB common stock eliminated in the reverse stock split was reclassed on JAXB’s consolidated balance sheets from common equity to additional paid-in capital. The execution of this long-term strategy resulted in general improvements to JAXB’s financial condition, asset quality and results of operations beginning in 2014.

As part of its ongoing consideration and evaluation of its long-term prospects and strategies, particularly as part of its relatively small market capitalization, JAXB’s board of directors, in consultation with senior management and outside legal and financial advisors, periodically reviewed and assessed JAXB’s business strategies and objectives, including strategic opportunities and challenges, and considered various strategic options potentially available, all with the goal of enhancing value for JAXB’s shareholders. The strategic discussions focused on, among other things, the business environment facing community banks in general and JAXB, in particular, current conditions and ongoing trends toward consolidation in the financial services industry, and the difficulty in profitably growing and operating a financial institution under current economic and competitive conditions (including the challenges presented by current and anticipated business and regulatory environments).

On March 6, 2015, the Chief Executive Officer of another publicly traded financial institution (“Institution A”) contacted Donald F. Glisson, Jr., the Chairman of JAXB’s board of directors, with whom the CEO had an existing relationship, to ask if JAXB would be interested in exploring a business combination transaction. Chairman Glisson and the CEO of Institution A met on March 13, 2015 to further discuss exploring a possible business combination. The discussion was general in nature and did not include any specific proposal. Mr. Glisson has known the CEO of Institution A for over 20 years and the two have kept in touch during that time; the CEO knew of Mr. Glisson’s position as Chairman of JAXB.

On March 30, 2015, JAXB’s board of directors met telephonically, at which time Chairman Glisson informed the board that Institution A had approached JAXB about very preliminarily considering a possible

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combination. JAXB’s board of directors was then provided with publicly available information about Institution A and discussed the advisability of preliminary talks with Institution A. JAXB’s board of directors then authorized Chairman Glisson to cause JAXB to enter into a confidentiality agreement and to continue the preliminary discussions with Institution A.

On April 8, 2015, JAXB and Institution A entered into a confidentiality agreement. Over the course of the next few weeks, Institution A conducted a due diligence process with respect to JAXB. Institution A also engaged a financial advisor to assist it in exploring a possible business combination.

On April 19, 2015, JAXB’s board of directors determined that it was in the best interests of JAXB and its shareholders to engage a financial advisor to assist JAXB in evaluating potential offers from parties interested in a business combination, including any offer from Institution A. Chairman Glisson suggested that JAXB engage Hovde because, among other reasons, Hovde was familiar with JAXB, having served as JAXB’s financial advisor on prior transactions, including JAXB’s rights offering and concurrent public offering in 2013. In making its determination, the directors also considered Hovde’s knowledge of JAXB and the Florida banking market, Hovde’s reputation and its extensive experience in representing financial institutions in Florida merger transactions. After reviewing the terms of a proposed engagement letter with Hovde, JAXB’s board of directors approved Hovde’s engagement as financial advisor to JAXB. On April 20, 2015, JAXB executed an engagement letter to retain Hovde as its exclusive financial advisor.

Following Hovde’s engagement, JAXB’s board of directors asked a Hovde representative to perform a valuation analysis of JAXB and to propose a price to be paid by Institution A in a potential business combination transaction. After performing the analysis, the Hovde representative suggested a price of $14.00 per share of JAXB common stock based on his review of the current Florida merger and acquisition market for banks and a valuation analysis of JAXB. The board then directed the Hovde representative to engage in discussions with Institution A based on this proposed price per share.

On April 23, 2015, at the direction of JAXB’s board of directors, a Hovde representative informed the financial advisor to Institution A that JAXB may have an interest in a business combination transaction in an all stock merger for a price of approximately $14.00 per share of JAXB common stock. Chairman Glisson also spoke with the CEO of Institution A to discuss proposed terms of a possible business combination.

On April 28, 2015, JAXB’s board of directors met in executive session to discuss, among other things, the status of negotiations with Institution A. Chairman Glisson also reported that Hovde had been engaged and was prepared to advise JAXB upon receipt of an offer from Institution A.

On May 6, 2015, Chairman Glisson asked JAXB’s board of directors to consider forming a special merger committee (the “Merger Committee”) to review and analyze any acquisition proposals or indications of interest that may be presented to JAXB and to report the Committee’s recommendations to the full board of directors. After discussion, JAXB’s board of directors approved the formation of the Merger Committee.

On May 21, 2015, the CEO of Institution A advised Chairman Glisson that the highest price Institution A could offer to pay to JAXB shareholders in a merger transaction would be approximately $11.00 per share of JAXB common stock. Chairman Glisson informed the CEO of Institution A that JAXB would not be interested in pursuing a business combination transaction at that price.

On May 26, 2015, JAXB’s board of directors met in executive session to discuss the status of the negotiations between JAXB and Institution A. At that meeting, Chairman Glisson reported that he had received a phone call from the CEO of Institution A on May 21, 2015 in which the CEO stated that Institution A was not prepared to move forward at the present time with a possible business combination. The CEO of Institution A informed Mr. Glisson that his management team needed to see two or three more quarters of JAXB profitability before giving further consideration to a possible business combination. The CEO further stated that if JAXB were able to produce continued earnings and recover a deferred tax asset, then Institution A would consider a transaction price in the vicinity of approximately $12.50 per share of JAXB common stock.

On July 28, 2015, JAXB’s board of directors met with a Hovde representative to discuss potential strategic business combinations and to evaluate JAXB’s options to engage in a strategic business combination.

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The Hovde representative gave a presentation on the current Florida merger and acquisition market for banks, an analysis of possible buyers of JAXB, a valuation analysis of JAXB and a timeline for a possible business combination transaction. After a lengthy discussion with Hovde on its analysis and assessments, JAXB’s board of directors determined that it would be in the best interests of JAXB and its shareholders to direct Hovde to make confidential preliminary inquiries with an identified list of potential buyers to determine who might be interested in a potential business combination with JAXB.

On the same day, July 28, 2015, Dennis J. Zember Jr., the Chief Financial Officer of ABCB, emailed the Hovde representative to request a meeting after hearing at a community banking conference that Hovde had been engaged as JAXB’s financial advisor. On August 3, 2015, Edwin W. Hortman, Jr., the Chief Executive Officer of ABCB, and Mr. Zember met with the Hovde representative to discuss ABCB’s interest in possibly acquiring JAXB. ABCB informed Hovde that its executives were relocating to Jacksonville, Florida and were highly motivated to complete a business combination in the Jacksonville, Florida market. Hovde advised Messrs. Hortman and Zember that JAXB might be interested in discussing a possible transaction at a range of $17.00 per share of JAXB common stock.

On August 5, 2015, Mr. Zember called the Hovde representative to offer pursuing a transaction in the range of $16.00 to $16.50 per share of JAXB common stock with shares of ABCB common stock to constitute a majority of the merger consideration. They also indicated that ABCB would be able to conduct due diligence and negotiate definitive documents quickly.

On August 6, 2015, the Hovde representative and Mr. Zember further discussed various issues relating to JAXB’s current financial position and a possible business combination and also discussed entering into a confidentiality agreement.

On August 7, 2015, ABCB and JAXB entered into a confidentiality agreement.

On August 10, 2015, the Merger Committee held a telephonic meeting to discuss the non-binding ABCB proposal and review information on ABCB. Hovde had provided three reports to the Merger Committee for review: an analysis of FIG Partners relating to ABCB, SNL’s profile of ABCB and Hovde’s preliminary offer analysis of ABCB’s proposal. The Merger Committee members discussed that ABCB was requesting an exclusivity period to complete its due diligence and further consider negotiation of a merger agreement for a target merger price of $16.50 per share of JAXB common stock. The Merger Committee members discussed the proposed pricing in the context of historical Florida merger transactions and noted that ABCB’s offer was considerably better than what JAXB could have reasonably anticipated based on Hovde’s analysis of recent bank merger and acquisition transactions. The Merger Committee also discussed certain information about ABCB that made it an attractive business combination partner, including that ABCB has a strong presence in Jacksonville and desires to raise its profile in the market, that ABCB’s executives are familiar with JAXB and its key employees and customers, and SNL’s favorable evaluation of ABCB. The Merger Committee also considered the advantages and disadvantages of a negotiated transaction versus an auction process. The Merger Committee then determined to move the proposal to JAXB’s full board of directors for consideration.

On August 12, 2015, a special meeting of JAXB’s board of directors was held for the purpose of considering the merits of the ABCB proposal. The board members had previously been provided with the analysis of FIG Partners relating to ABCB, SNL’s profile of ABCB and Hovde’s preliminary analysis of ABCB’s proposal. Chairman Glisson summarized the proposed transaction and information about ABCB, as well as timing expectations. After lengthy discussion, including the type of consideration proposed in the merger, the state of the overall mergers and acquisitions market in Florida, and whether, based on Hovde’s analysis and other considerations, to conduct a pre-signing market check, the directors approved authorizing JAXB management to continue discussions with ABCB towards the possibility of entering into a definitive merger agreement.

On August 13, 2015, ABCB confirmed to Hovde that it was interested in pursuing a transaction at $16.50 per share of JAXB common stock and sent Hovde a non-binding letter of intent with a 45-day exclusivity period. Also on August 13, 2015, the Merger Committee authorized Mr. Glisson to sign the letter of intent, which was signed on behalf of JAXB that same day.

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On August 17, 2015, the Merger Committee met to discuss retention of legal counsel to assist JAXB in connection with a possible merger transaction. Legal counsel was retained on August 20, 2015.

In mid to late August, 2015, ABCB conducted formal due diligence on JAXB and confirmed its pricing. On August 25, 2015, an executive session of JAXB’s board of directors was held. Chairman Glisson provided an update on the due diligence process being conducted by ABCB and discussed additional information regarding possible transaction timing.

On September 4, 2015, ABCB sent a first draft of a merger agreement to JAXB. On September 8, 2015, JAXB retained Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund, a Florida-based accounting firm (“Saltmarsh”), to assist it in a due diligence review of ABCB.

Over the course of the next few weeks, counsel for ABCB and JAXB, as well as the financial advisors and senior officers of ABCB and JAXB, negotiated and finalized the definitive merger agreement and related agreements. In addition, during this period, CapGen Capital Group IV, LP agreed to execute a voting and support agreement in favor of the proposed merger. JAXB directors Robert B. Goldstein and John P. Sullivan are also principals of CapGen. During this period, ABCB and JAXB completed their respective due diligence reviews of the other, and provided materials to the boards of their respective companies for review. JAXB’s due diligence on ABCB included, among other things, review of ABCB’s financial position, credit and lending processes, credit risk and interest rate risk positions, IT matters, human resources, internal audits, corporate governance documents and other compliance matters. The reverse due diligence process included onsite visits to ABCB by JAXB executives on September 24, 2015 and discussions between JAXB advisors and ABCB advisors.

On September 17, 2015, another financial institution made an unsolicited phone call to a former JAXB director to inquire if JAXB would be interested in discussing a possible business combination. The former JAXB director contacted Mr. Glisson and advised him of the inquiry. At the direction of Chairman Glisson, Hovde advised the other financial institution that JAXB was in an exclusivity period with another interested party and that the parties appeared to be on track for entering into a definitive agreement.

On September 18, 2015, ABCB and JAXB extended the 45-day exclusivity period by an additional six days to provide additional time to finalize due diligence and the documents related to the proposed business combination.

On September 29, 2015, the Merger Committee met to review the proposed merger and to review the findings of JAXB’s due diligence. Representatives from Hovde, Saltmarsh and merger counsel for JAXB were present at the meeting as well as members of JAXB management. The Saltmarsh representative and management detailed the extensive due diligence that had been conducted with respect to ABCB and reported on their findings. A discussion with the Merger Committee followed. The Merger Committee then unanimously approved the recommendation to seek approval of the full board of directors.

On September 30, 2015, JAXB’s board of directors held a special meeting to review and consider the merger agreement and related agreements. All of JAXB’s directors attended the meeting. In addition, representatives from Hovde, Saltmarsh and merger counsel for JAXB participated in the meeting. JAXB executives involved in the negotiations and due diligence efforts also attended the meeting. JAXB’s merger counsel reviewed for JAXB’s board of directors their fiduciary duties and responsibilities. Saltmarsh reported on JAXB’s due diligence review of ABCB. Mr. Zember and Andrew B. Cheney, ABCB’s Chief Operating Officer, then joined the meeting to make a brief presentation and to answer questions from JAXB’s board of directors with respect to ABCB and the proposed business combination. After Messrs. Zember and Cheney concluded and left the meeting, a representative of Hovde provided JAXB’s board of directors with a presentation of Hovde’s analysis of the fairness of the merger consideration to JAXB shareholders and advised JAXB’s board of directors that Hovde was prepared to issue its opinion to the effect that the merger consideration is fair to JAXB shareholders from a financial point of view. JAXB’s merger counsel then reviewed the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, the Voting and Support Agreement and related agreements. JAXB’s board of directors board had a lengthy discussion with its advisors on the reasons for the proposed merger. After taking into account, among other things, the factors described in the section entitled “Proposal 1 — The Merger Proposal — JAXB’s Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of JAXB’s Board of Directors” beginning on page 58 of this proxy

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statement/prospectus, JAXB’s board of directors unanimously approved the merger agreement, authorized its execution in substantially the form presented at the meeting, and recommended that JAXB shareholders vote to approve the merger agreement and the merger.

Following approval of JAXB’s board of directors, on September 30, 2015, JAXB and ABCB signed the merger agreement and the transaction was announced in a joint press release issued on October 1, 2015.

JAXB’s Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of JAXB’s Board of Directors

After careful consideration, at its meeting on September 30, 2015, JAXB’s board of directors determined that the merger is in the best interests of JAXB and its shareholders. Accordingly, JAXB’s board of directors, by a unanimous vote, approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and unanimously recommended that JAXB shareholders vote “FOR” approval of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. In addition, all of JAXB’s directors, as well as certain of JAXB’s executive officers and CapGen, have agreed to vote the stock of JAXB over which they have voting authority in favor of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, subject to certain exceptions.

In reaching its decision to adopt and approve the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, and recommend the merger to its shareholders, JAXB’s board of directors evaluated the merger and the merger agreement and the related ancillary agreements, in consultation with JAXB’s management, as well as its legal and financial advisors, and considered a number of positive factors, including the following material factors, which are not presented in the order of priority:

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