Fifth Third Bank is closing out 2025 with two significant milestones in its Southeast strategy, opening its 200th financial center in Florida and its 100th in the Carolinas. The new locations—Champions Crossing in Davenport, Florida, and Weaverville near Asheville, North Carolina—underscore the Bank’s focus on high-growth markets and its commitment to delivering modern, relationship-driven banking experiences.
The openings come during a period of accelerated expansion for Fifth Third. The Bank now operates more than 1,100 financial centers nationwide, a number expected to rise substantially following the planned closing of its Comerica acquisition in the first quarter of 2026.
“We’re proud to celebrate our 200th branch in Florida and our 100th in the Carolinas, regions where we’ve seen exceptional momentum and meaningful impact,” said Jamie Leonard, chief operating officer at Fifth Third. “These milestones reflect our disciplined approach to growth and our commitment to making banking easier and more personalized through innovative technology and local expertise.”
A Southeast Strategy Built on Data, Innovation, and Relationships
Fifth Third’s Southeast footprint has transformed rapidly since the Bank launched its expansion strategy in 2018. In that time, the Bank has opened 172 de novo branches, upgraded 71 existing locations, entered 14 new markets, and added 688 team members to its Consumer Bank division. Alabama joined the footprint this year, and more than 50 new locations are expected to open before year-end.
The Bank projects its Southeast expansion will grow deposits by $15 billion to $20 billion over the next seven years. Much of that momentum comes from what Fifth Third describes as a “best-in-class” branch development model, one that blends speed with precision. Proprietary tools such as the Market Strength Index (MSI) identify high-potential growth markets, while the Bank’s patented geospatial heatmap pinpoints specific sites with the greatest opportunity for consumer and commercial activity.
Once a location is selected, a cross-functional team spanning real estate, technology, human capital, marketing, and retail banking works together to bring the financial center to life. This efficient model has allowed the Bank to move quickly, often establishing a strong presence in new communities long before national competitors.
Florida: A Fast-Growing Market with Deep Community Ties
Florida continues to be one of Fifth Third’s most significant growth markets, with Champions Crossing becoming the Bank’s 200th financial center in the state. The new location offers consumer, commercial, and wealth management services and strengthens Fifth Third’s presence across Central Florida.
The Bank’s Florida strategy extends well beyond branch openings. In recent years, Fifth Third has made substantial community investments, including more than $20 million in East Tampa, nearly $1 million annually to charitable initiatives across the state, and ongoing disaster relief support through the Fifth Third Foundation.
Its mobile financial education unit, the Financial Empowerment Mobile (eBus), travels statewide to deliver financial literacy resources to underserved communities. Fifth Third also maintains strong partnerships with regional organizations, serving as the Official Bank of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Florida Everblades.
These efforts contribute to strong customer satisfaction, with J.D. Power ranking Fifth Third No. 1 for Retail Bank Customer Satisfaction in Florida for the second consecutive year.
Carolinas Growth Expands Regional Influence
With the opening of its 100th financial center in the Carolinas, Fifth Third continues to strengthen its reach across one of the Southeast’s most dynamic economic corridors. The new Weaverville financial center near Asheville reflects a growing demand for personalized financial services and the Bank’s commitment to building long-term relationships in both metropolitan and emerging suburban markets.
Looking Ahead: Texas, Comerica, and a Shift in National Footprint
Beyond the Southeast, Fifth Third has announced plans to add 150 new locations in Texas by 2029. When combined with Comerica’s existing Texas footprint, the Bank is positioned to achieve top-five market share in Dallas, Houston, and Austin. By 2030, more than half of Fifth Third’s national retail banking network will be concentrated in the Southeast, Texas, and Arizona.
The continued growth aligns with Fifth Third’s long-term strategy: leverage data-driven insights, deepen community engagement, and expand in regions with both population growth and strong commercial potential.
As the Bank marks these milestones in Florida and the Carolinas, its expansion is shaping not only its own footprint but also the competitive landscape of banking across the Southeast.
