A federal judge on Nov. 7 approved a settlement between the U.S. Department of Justice and Ameris Bank over redlining allegations after the parties refiled the agreement.
U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard denied a motion to approve it Nov. 1 because she found some language in the agreement unenforceable.
The major provisions of the settlement remain intact, including an agreement by Ameris to invest $9 million in the Jacksonville community to promote home ownership in predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods.
“There have been no factual findings or adjudication in this case,” Howard said in her order filed in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division.
“The Parties enter into this Consent Order to voluntarily resolve all claims arising from the conduct alleged in the complaint. Entry of this Consent Order is in the public interest,” it said.
The Department of Justice alleged Atlanta-based Ameris engaged in redlining by not providing enough mortgage loans in predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Jacksonville from 2016 to 2021.
Ameris denied the allegations.
“The Bank maintains that it was in compliance with applicable law at all times, but seeks to resolve this matter in order to avoid prolonged litigation,” Howard’s order said.
Ameris has 18 branches in the Jacksonville market. As part of the settlement, Ameris agreed to open a branch in a predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhood, where it currently has no offices.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the agreement Oct. 19 at a Jacksonville news conference and the Justice Department filed its motion to approve the settlement the same day.