# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001518621
**File Stem:** 0001104659-25-071047
**Filing Date:** 2025-7
**Character Count:** 30940
**Document Hash:** 08d0081fd9fcf2cc796b6b4f66dceb9e
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001104659-25-071047.hdr.sgml**: 20250728

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001104659-25-071047

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 8-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 18

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20250728

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Other Events

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Financial Statements and Exhibits

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20250728

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20250728

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** Orchid Island Capital, Inc.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001518621
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS [6798]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 05 Real Estate & Construction
- **EIN:** 273269228
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** MD
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 8-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-35236
- **FILM NUMBER:** 251153356

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 3305 FLAMINGO DRIVE
- **CITY:** VERO BEACH
- **STATE:** FL
- **ZIP:** 32963
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 772-231-1400

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 3305 FLAMINGO DRIVE
- **CITY:** VERO BEACH
- **STATE:** FL
- **ZIP:** 32963

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'?

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549**

**FORM 8-K**

**CURRENT REPORT**

**Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The**

**Securities Exchange Act of 1934**

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): **July 28, 2025**

**Orchid Island Capital, Inc.**

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Maryland** | **001-35236** | **27-3269228** |
| (State or other jurisdiction of<br> incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) |

---

**3305 Flamingo Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32963**

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code **(772) 231-1400**

**N/A**

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

◻ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

◻ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

◻ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

◻ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Title of each class | &nbsp;&nbsp;Trading Symbol | &nbsp;&nbsp;Name of each exchange on which registered |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share | &nbsp;&nbsp;ORC | &nbsp;&nbsp;NYSE |

---

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ◻

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ◻

Item 8.01. Other Events.

**<u>ATM Program Amendment</u>**

On July 28, 2025, Orchid Island Capital, Inc. (the "Company") and Bimini Advisors, LLC entered into Amendment No. 1 ("Amendment No. 1") to the equity distribution agreement, dated February 24, 2025 (the "Original Agreement" and, together with Amendment No. 1, the "Equity Distribution Agreement"), with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, BTIG, LLC, Citizens JMP Securities, LLC and JonesTrading Institutional Services LLC (collectively, the "Sales Agents"), pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell shares ("Shares") of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share, through the Sales Agents in transactions that are deemed to be "at the market" offerings as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including sales made directly on the New York Stock Exchange or sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange or in negotiated transactions (which may include block trades). Shares with an aggregate offering price of up to $350,000,000 were available for sale under the Original Agreement and, as of the date hereof, the Company has sold 34,517,584 Shares under the Original Agreement for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $266.5 million. Amendment No. 1 increased the aggregate offering price of Shares that may be offered and sold under the Equity Distribution Agreement by $150,000,000. Accordingly, as of the date hereof, the Company may sell Shares having an aggregate offering price up to approximately $233.5 million under the Equity Distribution Agreement.

The Shares will be issued pursuant to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-269339). The Company has filed a prospectus supplement, dated July 28, 2025, to the prospectus, dated January 27, 2023, with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares from time to time in the future. This Current Report on Form 8-K shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.

The foregoing description of Amendment No. 1 is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the entire Amendment No. 1, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 1.1, and incorporated herein by reference.

In connection with the filing of the prospectus supplement, dated July 28, 2025, the Company is filing as Exhibit 5.1 hereto the opinion of its counsel, Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., with respect to the legality of the Shares, and as Exhibit 8.1 hereto the opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. regarding certain U.S. federal income tax matters.

**Caution About Forward-Looking Statements** 

This Current Report on Form 8-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws, including, but not limited to, statements about the Company's offer and sale of Shares under the Equity Distribution Agreement. These forward-looking statements are based upon the Company's present expectations, but the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will not vary from the expectations contained in the forward-looking statements. Investors should not place undue reliance upon forward looking statements. For further discussion of the factors that could affect outcomes, please refer to the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. New risks and uncertainties arise over time, and it is not possible to predict those events or how they may affect the Company. Except as required by law, the Company is not obligated to, and does not intend to, update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Exhibits

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit No.** | **Description** |
| [1.1](tm2521678d1_ex1-1.htm) | [Amendment No. 1 to the Equity Distribution Agreement, dated July 28, 2025, by and among the Company, Bimini Advisors, LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, BTIG, LLC, Citizens JMP Securities, LLC and JonesTrading Institutional Services LLC](tm2521678d1_ex1-1.htm) |
| [5.1](tm2521678d1_ex5-1.htm) | [Opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., dated July 28, 2025, with respect to the legality of the Shares](tm2521678d1_ex5-1.htm) |
| [8.1](tm2521678d1_ex8-1.htm) | [Opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., dated July 28, 2025, with respect to certain U.S. federal income tax matters](tm2521678d1_ex8-1.htm) |
| [23.1](tm2521678d1_ex5-1.htm) | [Consent of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 5.1](tm2521678d1_ex5-1.htm) and [Exhibit 8.1](tm2521678d1_ex8-1.htm)) |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRLdocument) |

---

**SIGNATURE**

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Date: July 28, 2025

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ORCHID ISLAND CAPITAL, INC.** | **ORCHID ISLAND CAPITAL, INC.** |
| By: | /s/ Robert E. Cauley |
| Name: | Robert E. Cauley |
| Title: | Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |

---

## Exhibit 1.1

**Exhibit 1.1**

ORCHID ISLAND CAPITAL, INC.

***Amendment No. 1 to the Equity Distribution Agreement***

July 28, 2025

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

383 Madison Avenue

New York, NY 10179

BTIG, LLC

65 East 55th Street

New York, NY 10022

Citizens JMP Securities, LLC

101 California Street, Suite 1700

San Francisco, CA 94111

JonesTrading Institutional Services LLC

325 Hudson Street, 6th Floor

New York, NY 10013

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Reference is made to the Equity Distribution Agreement, dated February 24, 2025 (the "**Agreement**"), among Orchid Island Capital, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "**Company**"), its manager, Bimini Advisors, LLC, a Maryland limited liability company, and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, BTIG, LLC, Citizens JMP Securities, LLC and JonesTrading Institutional Services LLC, as an agent and/or principal (each, an "**Agent**" or collectively, the "**Agents**"), with respect to the issuance and sale from time to time by the Company of shares of Common Stock having an aggregate gross sales price not to exceed $350,000,000 on the terms set forth in the Agreement.

SECTION 1. <u>Definitions</u>. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used herein shall have the respective meanings assigned thereto in the Agreement.

SECTION 2. <u>Amendments</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) *Section 1 (Description of Transactions)*:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) The aggregate gross sales price in Section 1(a) of the Agreement is amended to replace "$350,000,000"
with "$500,000,000".

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) For the avoidance of doubt, the Shares sold counted against the aggregrate gross sales price shall include
all Shares sold pursuant to the Agreement prior to the date hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*(b)* *Section 3 (Sale and Delivery of Shares)*:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) The maximum aggregate amount of shares sold pursuant to the Agreement or any Terms Agreement is amended
to replace "$350,000,000" with "$500,000,000".

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) For the avoidance of doubt, the Shares sold counted against the aggregrate gross sales price shall include
all Shares sold pursuant to the Agreement prior to the date hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) *Annex*:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) The introductory paragraph in Annex I of the Agreement is hereby amended to add "as amended,"
immediately after the open parenthesis and immediately before the phrase "(the "**Equity Distribution Agreement** ")".

SECTION 4. <u>No Further Amendment</u>. The Agreement, as amended by this Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement (this "**Amendment**"), is in all respects ratified and confirmed and all the terms, conditions, and provisions thereof shall remain in full force and effect. This Amendment is limited precisely as written and shall not be deemed to be an amendment to any other term or condition of the Agreement or any of the documents referred to therein.

SECTION 5. <u>Governing Law; Jurisdiction</u>. This Amendment and any claim, counterclaim, controversy or dispute of any kind or nature whatsoever arising out of or in any way relating to this Amendment, directly or indirectly, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with Sections 14 – 16 of the Agreement.

SECTION 6. <u>Counterparts</u>. This Amendment may be signed in counterparts (which may include counterparts delivered by any standard form of telecommunication), each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

SECTION 7. <u>Headings</u>. The headings herein are included for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of, or to affect the meaning or interpretation of, this Amendment.

[Signature page follows]

If the foregoing correctly sets forth the understanding between the Company and each of the Agents, please so indicate in the space provided below for that purpose, whereupon this Amendment and your acceptance shall constitute a binding agreement among the Company and each of the Agents.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | Very truly yours, |
| **ORCHID ISLAND CAPITAL, INC.** | **ORCHID ISLAND CAPITAL, INC.** |
| By: | /s/ Robert E. Cauley |
|  | Name: Robert E. Cauley |
|  | Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
| **BIMINI ADVISORS, LLC** | **BIMINI ADVISORS, LLC** |
| By: | /s/ Robert E. Cauley |
|  | Name: Robert E. Cauley |
|  | Title: Chief Executive Officer |
| The foregoing Agreement is hereby confirmed and accepted as of the date first written above. | The foregoing Agreement is hereby confirmed and accepted as of the date first written above. |
| **J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC** | **J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC** |
| By: | /s/ Sanjeet Dewal |
|  | Name: Sanjeet Dewal |
|  | Title: Managing Director |
| **BTIG, LLC** | **BTIG, LLC** |
| By: | /s/ Tosh Chandra |
|  | Name: Tosh Chandra |
|  | Title: Managing Director |
| **CITIZENS JMP SECURITIES, LLC** | **CITIZENS JMP SECURITIES, LLC** |
| By: | /s/ Mark Timperman |
|  | Name: Mark Timperman |
|  | Title: Managing Director |
| **JONESTRADING INSTITUTIONAL SERVICES LLC** | **JONESTRADING INSTITUTIONAL SERVICES LLC** |
| By: | /s/ Burke Cook |
|  | Name: Burke Cook |
|  | Title: General Counsel & Secretary |

---

## Exhibit 5.1

**Exhibit 5.1**

![](tm2521678d1_ex5-1img001.jpg)

July 28, 2025

Board of Directors

Orchid Island Capital, Inc.

3305 Flamingo Drive

Vero Beach, Florida 32963

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have served as special counsel to Orchid Island Capital, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "<u>Company</u>"), in connection with the issuance and sale by the Company, from time to time, pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "<u>Securities Act</u>"), of up to $500,000,000 of shares of the Company's common stock (the "<u>Shares</u>"), $0.01 par value per share (the "<u>Common Stock</u>"), pursuant to the Equity Distribution Agreement, dated February 24, 2025, as amended on July 28, 2025 (the "<u>Distribution Agreement</u>"), by and among the Company, Bimini Advisors, LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, BTIG, LLC, Citizens JMP Securities, LLC and JonesTrading Institutional Services LLC. The Shares have been registered on a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-269339), filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the Securities Act on January 20, 2023, as amended by Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed by the Company with the Commission on January 25, 2023, and declared effective by the Commission on January 27, 2023 (the "<u>Registration Statement</u>"). Up to approximately $233,500,000 of Shares are available for issuance and sale pursuant to the Distribution Agreement on and after the date hereof.

In connection with the foregoing, we have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of the following documents:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. The Registration Statement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. The prospectus supplement, dated July 28, 2025, as filed with the Commission on July 28, 2025, pursuant to Rule 424(b) promulgated under the Securities Act, together with the base prospectus dated January 27, 2023 (collectively, the "<u>Prospectus</u>").

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Vinson & Elkins LLP Attorneys at Law**<br> Austin Dallas Denver Dubai Dublin Houston London Los Angeles<br> New York Richmond San Francisco Tokyo Washington  | &nbsp;&nbsp; 2200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 500 West<br> Washington, DC 20037-1701<br> **Tel** +1.202.639.6500 **Fax** +1.202.639.6604 **velaw.com** |

---

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|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2521678d1_ex5-1img002.jpg) | July 28, 2025 Page 2 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. An executed copy of the Distribution Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. The charter of the Company, as certified by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland (the "<u>SDAT</u>") on April 21, 2025, and as certified by the Secretary of the Company on the date hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. The Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, dated as of December 13, 2022, as certified by the Secretary of the Company on the date hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. Resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company, dated January 11, 2023, February 20, 2025 and July 24, 2025 (the "<u>Resolutions</u>"), with respect to, among other things, the issuance, sale and due authorization of the Shares, as certified by the Secretary of the Company on the date hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. The certificate of the SDAT as to the due incorporation, existence and good standing of the Company, dated July 25, 2025 (the "<u>Maryland Certificate</u>").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. An executed copy of a certificate of the Secretary of the Company, dated the date hereof, as to certain factual matters (the "<u>Secretary's Certificate</u>").

For purposes of the opinions expressed below, we have assumed (i) the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, (ii) the conformity to the originals of all documents submitted as certified or photostatic copies and the authenticity of the originals thereof, (iii) the legal capacity of natural persons, (iv) the genuineness of all signatures and (v) the due authorization, execution and delivery of all documents by all parties and the validity, binding effect and enforceability thereof (other than the authorization, execution and delivery of documents by the Company and the validity, binding effect and enforceability thereof upon the Company). As to factual matters, we have relied upon the Secretary's Certificate and upon certificates of public officials.

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|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2521678d1_ex5-1img002.jpg) | July 28, 2025 Page 3 |

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Based upon the foregoing and such other information and documents as we have considered necessary for the purposes hereof, we are of the opinion that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. The Company is a corporation duly incorporated and existing under the laws of the State of Maryland, is in good standing with the SDAT and has the corporate power and authority to issue the Shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. The issuance of the Shares has been duly authorized and, when and if issued and delivered upon payment therefor in accordance with the Registration Statement, the Resolutions and the Distribution Agreement, the Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

The opinion with respect to the incorporation, existence and good standing of the Company in the State of Maryland is based solely on the Maryland Certificate and the Secretary's Certificate.

We do not express an opinion on any laws other than the laws of the State of Maryland.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed by the Company with the Commission on the date hereof and its incorporation by reference into the Registration Statement, and to the reference to this firm under the heading "Legal Matters" in the Prospectus. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Commission.

This opinion is limited to the matters stated in this letter, and no opinions may be implied or inferred beyond the matters expressly stated in this letter. The opinions expressed in this letter speak only as of the date hereof. We do not undertake to advise you of any changes in the opinions expressed herein from matters that might hereafter arise or be brought to our attention.

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| |
|:---|
| Very truly yours, |
| /s/ Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. |

---

## Exhibit 8.1

**Exhibit 8.1**

July 28, 2025

Orchid Island Capital, Inc.

3305 Flamingo Drive, Suite 100

Vero Beach, Florida 32963-1731

Re: Qualification as a Real Estate Investment Trust

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel to Orchid Island Capital, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "***Company***"), in connection with the preparation of a Form S-3 registration statement (File No. 333-269339) declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "***SEC***") on January 27, 2023 (the "***Registration Statement***"), with respect to the offer and sale by the Company of common stock, par value $0.01, of the Company ("***Common Stock***"), preferred stock, par value $0.01, of the Company ("***Preferred Stock***"), debt securities of the Company, warrants entitling the holders to purchase Common Stock or Preferred Stock, and units comprising one or more of the preceding securities of the Company to be offered from time-to-time, having an aggregate public offering price not to exceed $1,000,000,000, and the offer and sale from time-to-time of Common Stock having a maximum aggregate value of up to $500,000,000 pursuant to a prospectus supplement filed with the SEC on July 28, 2025 (the "***Prospectus Supplement***"), forming part of the Registration Statement. You have requested our opinion regarding certain U.S. federal income tax matters.

In giving this opinion letter, we have examined the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. the Registration Statement, the prospectus filed as a part of the Registration Statement (the "***Prospectus***"), and the Prospectus Supplement;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. the Company's Articles of Incorporation filed on August 17, 2010 with the Department of Assessments and Taxation of the State of Maryland (the "***SDAT***"), and the Articles of Amendment and Restatement filed on February 19, 2013 with SDAT, as amended through the date hereof;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. the Company's Amended and Restated Bylaws;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. the Officer's Certificates (as defined below);

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Vinson & Elkins LLP Attorneys at Law**<br> Austin Dallas Denver Dubai Dublin Houston London<br> Los Angeles New York Richmond San Francisco Tokyo Washington | &nbsp;&nbsp; 901 East Byrd Street, Suite 1500<br> Richmond, VA 23219<br> **Tel** +1.804.327.6300 **Fax** +1.804.327.6300 **www.velaw.com** |

---

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|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2521678d1_ex8-1img001.jpg) | July 28, 2025 Page 2 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. the Management Agreement, by and among the Company and Bimini Advisors, LLC dated February 20, 2013, as amended;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. the Equity Distribution Agreement, dated February 24, 2025, by and among the Company, Bimini Advisors, LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, BTIG, LLC, Citizens JMP Securities, LLC, and JonesTrading Institutional Services LLC, as amended by that certain Amendment No. 1 to the Equity Distribution Agreement, dated July 28, 2025; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. such other documents as we have deemed necessary or appropriate for purposes of this opinion.

In connection with the opinions rendered below, we have assumed, with your consent, that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. each of the documents referred to above has been duly authorized, executed, and delivered; is authentic, if an original, or is accurate, if a copy; and has not been amended;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. during its taxable year ending December 31, 2025, and future taxable years, the Company will operate in a manner that will make the factual representations contained in a certificate, dated the date hereof and executed by a duly appointed officer of the Company (the "***Company Officer's Certificate***"), true for such years;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. the Company will not make any amendments to its organizational documents after the date of this opinion that would affect its qualification as a REIT (as defined below) for any taxable year; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. no action will be taken by the Company or Bimini Capital Management, Inc., a Maryland corporation ("***Bimini***"), after the date hereof that would have the effect of altering the facts upon which the opinions set forth below are based.

In connection with the opinions rendered below, we also have relied upon the correctness of the factual representations contained in the Company's Officer's Certificate and a certificate, dated the date hereof and executed by a duly appointed officer of Bimini (together with the Company's Officer's Certificate, the "***Officer's Certificates***"). No facts have come to our attention that would cause us to question the accuracy and completeness of such factual representations. Furthermore, where such factual representations involve terms defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "***Code***"), the Treasury regulations thereunder (the "***Regulations***"), published rulings of the Internal Revenue Service (the "***Service***"), or other relevant authority, we have explained to the individuals making such representations the relevant provisions of the Code, the applicable Regulations and published administrative interpretations thereof.

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|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2521678d1_ex8-1img001.jpg) | July 28, 2025 Page 3 |

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Based solely on the documents and assumptions set forth above, the representations set forth in the Officer's Certificates, and the factual matters discussed in the Prospectus under the caption "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations" and in the Prospectus Supplement under the caption "Additional Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations" (which are incorporated herein by reference), we are of the opinion that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the Company qualified to be taxed as a real estate investment trust pursuant to sections 856 through 860 of the Code (a "***REIT***") for its taxable years ended December 31, 2013 through December 31, 2024, and the Company's organization and current and proposed method of operation will enable it to continue to qualify for taxation as a REIT for its taxable year ending December 31, 2025, and thereafter; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) the descriptions of the law and the legal conclusions contained in the Prospectus under the caption "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations" and in the Prospectus Supplement under the caption "Additional Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations" are correct in all material respects.

We will not review on a continuing basis the Company's or Bimini's compliance with the documents or assumptions set forth above, or the representations set forth in the Officer's Certificates. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the actual results of the Company's operations for any given taxable year will satisfy the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT. Although we have made such inquiries and performed such investigations as we have deemed necessary to fulfill our professional responsibilities as counsel, we have not undertaken an independent investigation of all of the facts referred to in this letter or the Officer's Certificates.

The foregoing opinions are based on current provisions of the Code, the Regulations, published administrative interpretations thereof, and published court decisions. The Service has not issued Regulations or administrative interpretations with respect to various provisions of the Code relating to REIT qualification. No assurance can be given that the law will not change in a way that will prevent the Company from qualifying as a REIT.

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|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2521678d1_ex8-1img001.jpg) | July 28, 2025 Page 3 |

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The foregoing opinions are limited to the U.S. federal income tax matters addressed herein, and no other opinions are rendered with respect to other U.S. federal tax matters or to any issues arising under the tax laws of any other country, or any state or locality. We undertake no obligation to update the opinions expressed herein after the date of this letter. This opinion letter speaks only as of the date hereof. Except as provided in the next paragraph, this opinion letter may not be distributed, quoted in whole or in part or otherwise reproduced in any document, or filed with any governmental agency without our express written consent.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the use of our name under the captions "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations" and "Legal Matters" in the Prospectus. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the SEC.

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| Very truly yours, |
| /s/ Vinson & Elkins LLP |

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