News Summary
A federal judge has terminated the consent order against Ameris Bank regarding redlining allegations. The ruling from Judge Marcia Morales Howard confirms the bank’s commitment to rectify previous discriminatory practices. Ameris Bank faced scrutiny for opening branches in majority-white neighborhoods and not addressing the needs of Black or Hispanic communities. As part of a settlement, the bank committed to mortgage loan subsidies and community outreach efforts. Amidst the termination, community advocates continue to press for equitable lending reforms in Jacksonville.
Jacksonville – A federal judge has officially terminated the consent order against Ameris Bank concerning allegations of redlining. The decision, confirmed by U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard on May 20, 2025, marks a significant development following a settlement announced in October 2023 by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. The U.S. Justice Department’s motion to terminate the order indicated that Ameris Bank has shown a substantial commitment to rectifying its previous practices.
The consent order was originally enacted after allegations arose that Ameris Bank had engaged in a systematic pattern of redlining in predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Jacksonville from 2016 to 2021. According to the Justice Department, the bank established 18 full-service branches exclusively in majority-white neighborhoods and failed to open any in areas where the populations were primarily Black or Hispanic. This lack of presence in diverse communities raised significant concerns regarding equitable lending practices.
Additional evidence presented during the settlement highlighted that Ameris Bank had mailed over 22,000 postcards promoting a “free checking mailer” to 13 ZIP codes within Jacksonville. However, not a single mailer was sent to neighborhoods where most residents were Black or Hispanic, reinforcing the insinuations of discriminatory practices.
In response to these allegations, Ameris Bank denied any wrongdoing but opted to agree to the consent order as a means to avoid protracted litigation. As part of the original settlement agreement, Ameris Bank was obligated to provide $7.5 million in mortgage loan subsidies over five years to enhance lending opportunities in minority neighborhoods. The terms also included a financial commitment of $900,000 for targeted advertising and outreach, as well as an allocation of $600,000 dedicated to community development partnerships that focused on financial education and homeownership within these communities.
The recent termination of the consent order comes after the Justice Department reported that Ameris Bank had fully complied with the stipulated requirements before the order’s dissolution. The bank, which shifted its executive offices from Jacksonville to Atlanta in 2019, was able to demonstrate significant strides toward remediation of the identified issues.
As this legal matter reaches its conclusion, community advocates such as the Red Alliance for Justice continue to voice their concerns about redlining and its impact on local neighborhoods. The group, which works towards fighting against discriminatory lending practices, holds monthly meetings that address pressing community concerns and potential solutions for affected neighborhoods in Jacksonville. Anthony Brown, a representative from the Red Alliance for Justice, has underscored the necessity for enhanced legislation and infrastructure improvements to assist those impacted by redlining.
This termination of the consent order signifies a shift in Ameris Bank’s relationship with federal oversight, yet the ongoing dialogue within the community about lending equity and access remains vital. As community leaders and organizations push for lasting changes and accountability in financial practices, engagement and advocacy efforts continue to evolve in the wake of the bank’s previous allegations.
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Additional Resources
- News4Jax: Community Group’s Fight Against Redlining
- Wikipedia: Redlining
- Jax Daily Record: Court Ends Ameris Bank Redlining Order
- Google Search: Redlining Jacksonville
- First Coast News: Dilapidated Homes and Redlining
- Google Scholar: Redlining Impact on Housing
- Axios: Ameris Consent Decree and Redlining
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Redlining
- AP News: Redlining and Ameris Bank
- Google News: Ameris Bank Redlining
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
