We are celebrating 15 Years serving Central Florida. 

 

After over a decade of bringing expert banking to our community, we’re proud and excited about our ongoing success. “We really started from nothing,” says Paul Noris, our CEO and Founder. “When we see a business thriving in the community – or an entrepreneur that we helped launch their business – that’s an amazing feeling.”


Read on for a timeline of our growth, and our biggest achievements since the day we opened our doors.



15 Years in Motion: A Timeline of Our Growth



  • On March 19, 2007, the first Bank of Central Florida location opened. Our intent was simple: to assist local business-owners and support their dreams. We set up shop in Downtown Lakeland with a total of nine employees.



Bank of Central Florida’s very first client, Delaney Noris (daughter of Paul Noris).


  • In 2008, we opened our Bartow location.

  • In 2009, we opened our South Lakeland office. It wasn’t our headquarters yet– we had more growing to do. 

  • By 2011, we expanded into two floors in our South Lakeland location and established it as our Bank of Central Florida Headquarters.

  • Also in 2011, we launched our Personal Mobile Banking App. For the first time, clients could view their account information from their phone, from anywhere in the world.

  • In 2015, our Human Resources Department was established. Noris notes that he knew the bank was establishing itself when he hired this position. “Everyone just always wore multiple hats,” says Noris. “When we were able to get people really established in their positions– that’s when I thought, ‘Wow, this is really growing.’”




P.S.– We’re proud to report that our NEW office in Downtown Winter Haven is opening soon!


  • In 2019, our Downtown Lakeland office moved to 724 South Florida Avenue.

  • Also in 2019, we hired our president, David Moore.

  • In 2020, we launched our Vision 2025 Initiative: a commitment to growth, and a strategy to achieve it. 

  • In 2020, our small but mighty Plant City team set down roots to serve the local community and its small businesses.



Our Plant City team was recently voted “Best of the Best” Banking Institution in the area!


  • Also in 2020, we provided PPP loans to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. With our help, businesses were able to continue paying their employees despite an unpredictable marketplace.

  • In 2021, we joined the vibrant Tampa Bay community. In addition to establishing a whole team, we also added an SBA Expert to partner with our local small businesses. 


Meet our Tampa Bay Team and learn why they're so passionate about community banking on the bay.


  • On October 25, 2021, we reached $1 billion in assets.



In the past two years, we’ve more than doubled our influence on our local communities. Our growth strategy, Vision 2025, will continue propelling us forward as we grow into new cities and marketplaces. 


Most of all, thank you for your continued support in our development and growth. 


When asked why he believes the bank has been so successful, Noris’s answer is simple: “We just try to do the right thing.”



#15YearsInMotion