BankAtlantic Salutes Florida’s Veterans and Active-Duty Military Members - Offers Veterans Administration Home Loans-

BankAtlantic Salutes Florida’s Veterans and Active-Duty Military Members
- Offers Veterans Administration Home Loans-

          FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida – May 28, 2009 – With home sales in Florida on the rise, BankAtlantic reminds American veterans and active duty military personnel of the various benefits available to them when it comes to purchasing a home. According to the Florida Association of Realtors, sales of existing single-family homes in Florida were up 25 percent during the first quarter of 2009 compared to the first quarter of 2008.

         “BankAtlantic believes that America's veterans and active duty personnel should be well rewarded for their service and sacrifice and we take pride in assisting those who have served our country,” said Jarett Levan, CEO of BankAtlantic.

         Many veterans and active-duty military members are unaware of their benefits, especially when it comes to a VA Loan, and many more think they have to get their VA Loan through the Department of Veterans Affairs. However, the Department of Veterans Affairs does not lend money to borrowers; it simply guarantees the VA loans. BankAtlantic is an approved VA mortgage lender participating in the VA home loan program.

         VA loan programs are specifically designed for veterans and active duty military personnel and are very often the best choice for them when purchasing a home. They include favorable financing terms and are guaranteed by the federal government as an added benefit to our nation’s veterans. The VA home loan is easier to qualify for than a conventional loan, has no down payment or private mortgage insurance requirements, and can be done with a fixed loan interest rate that can be as good as, or better than, conventional rates. Furthermore, additional VA refinance loan products can enable homeowners to lower their monthly mortgage payment, or lower their interest rate and take cash-out.

         There are several eligibility requirements that must be met in order to qualify, however BankAtlantic is committed to help make the process as easy as possible so that the families of our Armed Services may utilize the VA Loan benefits they have earned and deserve. For further information, please contact BankAtlantic Mortgage Services (BAMS) at 866-266-2063, or visit any of our convenient neighborhood locations and a Banking representative will connect you with BAMS. For added convenience, you may also visit us online at www.BankAtlantic.com


About BankAtlantic: BankAtlantic, Florida’s Most Convenient Bank is one of the largest financial institutions headquartered in Florida. Via its broad network of community branches, online banking division - BankAtlantic.com , and conveniently located ATMs, BankAtlantic provides a full line of personal, small business and commercial banking products and services. BankAtlantic is open 7 days a week with extended weekday hours, Free Online Banking & Bill Pay, a 7-Day Customer Service Center and Change Exchange coin counters.

BankAtlantic Bancorp (NYSE: BBX) is a bank holding company and the parent company of BankAtlantic.


BankAtlantic, Florida’s Most Convenient Bank, Contact Info:
Media Relations:
Sharon Lyn, V.P.
Telephone: 954-940-6383
Fax: 954-940-5320
Email: CorpComm@BankAtlanticBancorp.com

Public Relations for BankAtlantic:
Rbb Public Relations
Sandra Fine
Telephone: 305-567-0535, Fax: 305-448-5027
Email: sandra.fine@rbbpr.com

BankAtlantic Bancorp Investor Relations:
Leo Hinkley, Investor Relations Officer, SVP
Phone: 954-940-5300, Fax: 954-940-5320
Email: InvestorRelations@BankAtlanticBancorp.com

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Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of BankAtlantic and BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc. and are subject to change based on factors which are, in many instances, beyond the Company’s control. In addition to the risks and factors identified above, reference is also made to other risks and factors detailed in reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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