Document:

EXHIBIT 10.9

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

                  This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made and
entered into as of February 23, 2000 by and among REPUBLIC SECURITY FINANCIAL
CORPORATION, a business corporation organized and operating under the laws of
the State of Florida and having an office at 450 South Australian Avenue, West
Palm Beach, FL 33401 (the "Company"), REPUBLIC SECURITY BANK, a commercial bank
organized and operating under the laws of the State of Florida and having an
office at 450 South Australian Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 (the "Bank"),
and CARLA H. POLLARD, an individual residing at 1351 Sycamore Road, Boca Raton,
FL 33486 (the "Executive").

                              W I T N E S S E T H :

                  WHEREAS, the Executive has been elected as Senior Executive
Vice President and Chief Information Officer of the Bank; and

                  WHEREAS, the Company and the Bank desire to assure for
themselves the continued availability of the Executive's services and the
ability of the Executive to perform such services with a minimum of personal
distraction in the event of a pending or threatened Change of Control (as
hereinafter defined); and

                  WHEREAS, the Executive is willing to serve the Bank on the
terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;

                  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the
mutual covenants and conditions hereinafter set forth, the Company, the Bank and
the Executive hereby agree as follows:

                  SECTION 1. EMPLOYMENT.

                  The Bank agrees to employ the Executive, and the Executive
hereby agrees to such employment, during the period and upon the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement.

                  SECTION 2. EMPLOYMENT PERIOD; REMAINING UNEXPIRED EMPLOYMENT
                             PERIOD.

                  (a) The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be and
remain in effect during the period of employment established under this section
2 ("Employment Period"). The Employment Period shall be for an initial term of
two years beginning on the date of this Agreement and ending on the second
anniversary date of this Agreement, plus such extensions, if any, as are
provided pursuant to section 2(b).

                  (b) Beginning on the date of this Agreement, the Employment
Period shall automatically be extended for one (1) additional day each day,
unless either the Company and the Bank, acting jointly, or the Executive, elects
not to extend the Agreement further by giving written notice to the other
parties, in which case the

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Employment Period shall end on the second anniversary of the date on which such
written notice is given. For all purposes of this Agreement, the term "Remaining
Unexpired Employment Period" as of any date shall mean the period beginning on
such date and ending on: (i) if a notice of non-extension has been given in
accordance with this section 2(b), the second anniversary of the date on which
such notice is given; and (ii) in all other cases, the second anniversary of the
date as of which the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period is being determined.
Upon termination of the Executive's employment with the Bank for any reason
whatsoever, any daily extensions provided pursuant to this section 2(b), if not
therefore discontinued, shall automatically cease.

                  (c) Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to prohibit the
Bank from terminating the Executive's employment at any time during the
Employment Period with or without notice for any reason; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
the relative rights and obligations of the Company, the Bank and the Executive
in the event of any such termination shall be determined under this Agreement.

                  SECTION 3. DUTIES.

                  The Executive shall serve as Senior Executive Vice President
and Chief Information Officer of the Bank, having such power, authority and
responsibility and performing such duties as are prescribed by or under the
By-Laws of the Bank, or assigned by the Board of Directors of the Bank or the
President of the Bank, and otherwise as are customarily associated with such
position. The Executive shall devote her full business time and attention (other
than during weekends, holidays, approved vacation periods, and periods of
illness or approved leaves of absence) to the business and affairs of the Bank
and shall use her best efforts to advance the interests of the Bank.

                  SECTION 4. CASH COMPENSATION.

                  In consideration for the services to be rendered by the
Executive hereunder, the Bank shall pay to Executive a salary at an initial
annual rate of ONE HUNDRED TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($110,000), payable in
approximately equal installments in accordance with the Bank's customary payroll
practices for senior officers. At least annually during the Employment Period,
the Board of Directors of the Bank, or the Compensation Committee thereof, shall
review the Executive's annual rate of salary and may, in its discretion, approve
an increase therein. In no event shall the Executive's annual rate of salary
under this Agreement in effect at a particular time be reduced without her prior
written consent. In addition to salary, the Executive may receive other cash
compensation from the Bank for services hereunder at such times, in such amounts
and on such terms and conditions as the Board may determine from time to time.
The Executive and the Bank understand that the maximum amount available for such
other cash compensation for the first year of the term hereof shall be FORTY
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($40,000), and the amount actually paid shall be at the
discretion of the Board or the President in accordance with goals to be
established by the President and/or the Board.

                  SECTION 5. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS AND PROGRAMS.

         During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be treated as an
employee of the Bank and shall be entitled to participate in and receive
benefits under any and all

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qualified or non-qualified retirement, pension, savings, profit-sharing or stock
bonus plans, any and all group life, health (including hospitalization, medical
and major medical), dental, accident and long term disability insurance plans,
and any other employee benefit and compensation plans (including, but not
limited to, any incentive compensation plans or programs, stock option and
appreciation rights plans and restricted stock plans) as may from time to time
be maintained by, or cover employees of, the Bank, in accordance with the terms
and conditions of such employee benefit plans and programs and compensation
plans and programs and consistent with the the Bank's customary practices.

                  SECTION 6. INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE.

         (a) During the Employment Period, the Bank shall cause the Executive to
be covered by and named as an insured under any policy or contract of insurance
obtained by it to insure its directors and officers against personal liability
for acts or omissions in connection with service as an officer or director of
the Bank or service in other capacities at the request of the Company or the
Bank. The coverage provided to the Executive pursuant to this section 6 shall be
of the same scope and on the same terms and conditions as the coverage (if any)
provided to other officers or directors of the Company and the Bank.

         (b) To the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, during the
Employment Period, the Bank shall indemnify the Executive against, and hold him
harmless from, any costs, liabilities, losses and exposures to the fullest
extent and on the most favorable terms and conditions that similar
indemnification is offered to any director or officer of the Bank or any
subsidiary or affiliate of either of them.

                  SECTION 7. OTHER ACTIVITIES.

                  The Executive may serve as a member of the boards of directors
of such business, community and charitable organizations as she may disclose to
and as may be approved by the President of the Company or the Bank (which
approval shall not be unreasonably withheld); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such
service shall not materially interfere with the performance of her duties under
this Agreement. The Executive may also engage in personal business and
investment activities which do not materially interfere with the performance of
her duties hereunder; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such activities are not prohibited
under any code of conduct or investment or securities trading policy established
by the Company or the Bank and generally applicable to all similarly situated
executives.

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                  SECTION 8. WORKING FACILITIES AND EXPENSES.

                  The Executive's principal place of employment shall be at the
Bank's executive offices at the address first above written, or at such other
location within Palm Beach County or Broward County, Florida at which the Bank
shall maintain its principal executive offices, or at such other location as the
Company, the Bank and the Executive may mutually agree upon. The Bank shall
provide the Executive at her principal place of employment with a private
office, secretarial services and other support services and facilities suitable
to her position with the Bank and necessary or appropriate in connection with
the performance of her assigned duties under this Agreement. The Bank shall
provide to the Executive for her exclusive use an automobile owned or leased by
the Bank and appropriate to her position, to be used in the performance of her
duties hereunder. All costs of operation, maintenance and insurance shall be
paid by the Bank. The Executive shall account for the use and expenses of the
automobile in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Bank in effect
from time to time. The Bank shall reimburse the Executive for her ordinary and
necessary business expenses, including, without limitation, all expenses
associated with her business use of the aforementioned automobile, fees for
memberships in such clubs and organizations as the Executive and the Bank shall
mutually agree are necessary and appropriate for business purposes, and her
travel and entertainment expenses incurred in connection with the performance of
her duties under this Agreement, in each case upon presentation to the Bank of
an itemized account of such expenses in such form as the Bank may reasonably
require.

                  SECTION 9. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT WITH SEVERANCE BENEFITS.

                  (a) The Executive shall be entitled to the severance benefits
described herein in the event that her employment with the Bank terminates
during the Employment Period under any of the following circumstances:

                  (i) the Executive's voluntary resignation from employment with
         the Bank within ninety (90) days following:

                           (A) the failure of the Board of Directors of the Bank
                  to appoint or re-appoint or elect or re-elect the Executive to
                  the offices of Senior Executive Vice President and Chief
                  Banking Officer (or a more senior office) of the Bank;

                           (B) the expiration of a thirty (30) day period
                  following the date on which the Executive gives written notice
                  to the Bank of its material failure, whether by amendment of
                  the Bank's Articles of Incorporation or By-laws, action of the
                  Bank's Board of Directors or the Bank's stockholders or
                  otherwise, to vest in the Executive the functions, duties, or
                  responsibilities prescribed in section 3 of this Agreement as
                  of the date hereof, unless, during such thirty (30) day
                  period, the Bank cures such failure; or

                           (C) the relocation of the Executive's principal place
                  of employment, without her written consent, to a location
                  outside of Palm Beach County or Broward County, Florida;

                  (ii) the termination of the Executive's employment with the
         Bank for any other reason not described in section 10(a).

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In such event, the Bank shall provide the benefits and pay to the Executive the
amounts described in section 9(b).

                  (b) Upon the termination of the Executive's employment with
the Bank under circumstances described in section 9(a) of this Agreement, the
Bank shall pay and provide to the Executive (or, in the event of her death
following such termination, to her estate):

                  (i) her earned but unpaid compensation as of the date of the
         termination of her employment with the Bank, such payment to be made at
         the time and in the manner prescribed by law applicable to the payment
         of wages but in no event later than thirty (30) days after termination
         of employment;

                  (ii) the benefits, if any, to which she is entitled as a
         former employee under the employee benefit plans and programs and
         compensation plans and programs maintained for the benefit of the
         Bank's officers and employees;

                  (iii) continued group life, health (including hospitalization,
         medical and major medical), dental, accident and long term disability
         insurance benefits, in addition to that provided pursuant to section
         9(b)(ii), and after taking into account the coverage provided by any
         subsequent employer, if and to the extent necessary to provide for the
         Executive, for a period of two years from the date her employment
         terminates, coverage equivalent to the coverage to which she would have
         been entitled under such plans (as in effect on the date of her
         termination of employment, or, if her termination of employment occurs
         after a Change of Control, on the date of such Change of Control,
         whichever benefits are greater), if she had continued working for the
         Bank during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period at the highest
         annual rate of compensation achieved during that portion of the
         Employment Period which is prior to the Executive's termination of
         employment with the Bank;

                  (iv) within thirty (30) days following her termination of
         employment with the Bank, a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the
         salary that the Executive would have earned if she had continued
         working for the Bank for a period of two years from the date her
         employment terminates at the highest annual rate of salary achieved
         during that portion of the Employment Period which is prior to the
         Executive's termination of employment with the Bank, such lump sum to
         be paid in lieu of all other payments of salary provided for under this
         Agreement in respect of the period following any such termination;

                  (v) within thirty (30) days following her termination of
         employment with the Bank, a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the
         excess, if any, of:

                           (A) the present value of the aggregate benefits to
                  which he would be entitled under any and all qualified and
                  non-qualified defined benefit pension plans maintained by, or
                  covering employees of, the Bank, if she were 100% vested
                  thereunder and had continued working for the Bank for a period
                  of two years from the date her employment terminates, such
                  benefits to be

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                  determined as of the date of termination of employment by
                  adding to the service actually recognized under such plans an
                  additional period equal to the Remaining Unexpired Employment
                  Period and by adding to the compensation recognized under such
                  plans for the most recent year recognized all amounts payable
                  under sections 9(b)(i), (iv), and (vii); over

                           (B) the present value of the benefits to which she is
                  actually entitled under such defined benefit pension plans as
                  of the date of her termination;

         where such present values are to be determined using the mortality
         tables prescribed under section 415(b)(2)(E)(v) of the Code and a
         discount rate, compounded monthly, equal to the annualized rate of
         interest prescribed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation for the
         valuation of immediate annuities payable under terminating
         single-employer defined benefit plans for the month in which the
         Executive's termination of employment occurs ("Applicable PBGC Rate");

                  (vi) within thirty (30) days following her termination of
         employment with the Bank, a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the
         present value of the additional employer contributions (or if greater
         in the case of a leveraged employee stock ownership plan or similar
         arrangement, the additional assets allocable to him through debt
         service, based on the fair market value of such assets at termination
         of employment) to which she would have been entitled under any and all
         qualified and non-qualified defined contribution plans maintained by,
         or covering employees of, the Bank, as if she were 100% vested
         thereunder and had continued working for the Bank for a period of two
         years from the date her employment terminates at the highest annual
         rate of compensation achieved during that portion of the Employment
         Period which is prior to the Executive's termination of employment with
         the Bank, and making the maximum amount of employee contributions, if
         any, required under such plan or plans, such present value to be
         determined on the basis of a discount rate, compounded using the
         compounding period that corresponds to the frequency with which
         employer contributions are made to the relevant plan, equal to the
         Applicable PBGC Rate;

                  (vii) within thirty (30) days following her termination of
         employment with the Bank, a lump sum payment in an amount equal to two
         times the higher of (A) the highest cash incentive compensation or
         bonus (annualized, if paid for a period other than annually) paid to
         the Executive during or accrued with respect to the Executive for
         either (i) any of the two years immediately preceding that in which, or
         (ii) the year in which, Executive's employment with the Bank
         terminates, or (B) the highest cash incentive compensation or bonus
         (annualized, if paid for a period other than annually) so paid or
         accrued in respect of either (x) any of the two years immediately
         preceding that in which, or (y) the year in which, a Change of Control
         (as hereinafter defined) occurs.

The Company, the Bank and the Executive hereby stipulate that the damages which
may be incurred by the Executive following any such termination of employment
are not capable of accurate measurement as of the date first above written and
that the

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payments and benefits contemplated by this section 9(b) constitute reasonable
damages under the circumstances and shall be payable without any requirement of
proof of actual damage and without regard to the Executive's efforts, if any, to
mitigate damages. The Company, the Bank and the Executive further agree that the
Company and the Bank may condition the payments and benefits (if any) due under
sections 9(b)(iii), (iv), (v), (vi) and (vii) on the receipt of the Executive's
resignation from any and all positions which she holds as an officer, director
or committee member with respect to the Company, the Bank or any subsidiary or
affiliate of either of them.

                  SECTION 10. TERMINATION WITHOUT ADDITIONAL COMPANY OR BANK
                              LIABILITY.

                  (a) In the event that the Executive's employment with the Bank
shall terminate during the Employment Period on account of:

                  (i) the discharge of the Executive for "cause," which, for
         purposes of this Agreement (I) prior to a Change of Control (as
         hereinafter defined) shall mean: (A) gross negligence or willful
         misconduct by the Executive in connection with her employment hereunder
         or the business of the Bank; (B) the Executive's misappropriation of
         the Bank's assets or property; (C) the Executive willfully fails or
         refuses to perform her duties under this Agreement, or fails to comply
         with any material term, covenant or condition contained herein; (D) the
         Executive breaches her fiduciary duties to the Bank for personal
         profit; or (E) the Executive's willful breach or violation of any law,
         rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses),
         or final cease and desist order in connection with her performance of
         services for the Bank; and (II), upon and after a Change of Control,
         shall mean (A) the Executive intentionally engages in dishonest conduct
         in connection with her performance of services for the Company or the
         Bank resulting in her conviction of a felony; (B) the Executive is
         convicted of, or pleads guilty or NOLO CONTENDERE to, a felony or any
         crime involving moral turpitude; (C) the Executive willfully fails or
         refuses to perform her duties under this Agreement and fails to cure
         such breach within sixty (60) days following written notice thereof
         from the Bank; (D) the Executive breaches her fiduciary duties to the
         Company or the Bank for personal profit; or (E) the Executive's willful
         breach or violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than traffic
         violations or similar offenses), or final cease and desist order in
         connection with her performance of services for the Bank;

                  (ii) the Executive's voluntary resignation from employment
         with the Bank for reasons other than those specified in section 9(a) or
         11(b);

                  (iii) the Executive's death; or

                  (iv) a determination that the Executive is eligible for
         long-term disability benefits under the Bank's long-term disability
         insurance program or, if there is no such program, under the federal
         Social Security Act;

then the Company and the Bank shall have no further obligations under this
Agreement, other than the payment to the Executive (or, in the event of her
death, to her estate) of her earned but unpaid compensation as of the date of
the termination of her

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employment, and the provision of such other benefits, if any, to which she is
entitled as a former employee under the employee benefit plans and programs and
compensation plans and programs maintained by, or covering employees of, the
Bank.

                  SECTION 11. TERMINATION UPON OR FOLLOWING A CHANGE OF CONTROL

                  (a) A Change of Control ("Change of Control") shall be deemed
to have occurred upon the happening of any of the following events:

                  (i) approval by the stockholders of the Company of a
         transaction that would result in the reorganization, merger or
         consolidation of the Company with one or more other persons, other than
         a transaction following which:

                           (A) at least 50.1% of the common stock or equity
                  ownership interests of the entity resulting from such
                  transaction are beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule
                  13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) in substantially the
                  same relative proportions by persons who, immediately prior to
                  such transaction, beneficially owned (within the meaning of
                  Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) at least 50.1%
                  of the outstanding common stock or equity ownership interests
                  in the Company; and

                           (B) At least 50.1% of the combined voting power of
                  the securities entitled to vote generally in the election of
                  directors of the entity resulting from such transaction are
                  beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3
                  promulgated under the Exchange Act) in substantially the same
                  relative proportions by persons who, immediately prior to such
                  transaction, beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule
                  13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) at least 50.1% of
                  the combined voting power of the securities entitled to vote
                  generally in the election of directors of the Company; and

                           (C) No person, or persons acting in concert,
                  beneficially own (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated
                  under the Exchange Act) 20% or more of the outstanding common
                  stock or equity ownership interests in, or 20% or more of the
                  combined voting power of the securities entitled to vote
                  generally in the election of directors of, the entity
                  resulting from such transaction; and

                           (D) At least a majority of the members of the board
                  of directors of the entity resulting from such transaction are
                  individuals who were described in sections 11(a)(iv)(A) or (B)
                  of this Agreement as of the date of execution of the initial
                  definitive agreement providing for such transaction (or, if
                  earlier, as of the date on which the Board of Directors of the
                  Company authorized such transaction).

                  (ii) the acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets
         of the Company or beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule
         13d-3

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         promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 20% or more of the outstanding
         securities or of the combined voting power of the outstanding
         securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of
         directors by any person or by any persons acting in concert, or
         approval by the stockholders of the Company of any transaction which
         would result in such an acquisition;

                  (iii) a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company, or
         approval by the stockholders of the Company of a plan for such
         liquidation or dissolution; or

                  (iv) the occurrence of any event if, immediately following
         such event, at least 50% of the members of the board of directors of
         the Company do not belong to any of the following groups:

                           (A) individuals who were members of the Board of the
                  Company on the date of this Agreement; or

                           (B) individuals who first became members of the Board
                  of the Company after the date of this Agreement either:

                                    (I) upon election to serve as a member of
                           the Board of directors of the Company by affirmative
                           vote of three-quarters of the members of such Board,
                           or of a nominating committee thereof, in office at
                           the time of such first election; or

                                    (II) upon election by the stockholders of
                           the Company to serve as a member of the Board of the
                           Company, but only if nominated for election by
                           affirmative vote of three-quarters of the members of
                           the board of directors of the Company, or of a
                           nominating committee thereof, in office at the time
                           of such first nomination;

                  PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such individual's election or
                  nomination did not result from an actual or threatened
                  election contest (within the meaning of Rule 14a-11 of
                  Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act) or other
                  actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents
                  (within the meaning of Rule 14a-11 of Regulation 14A
                  promulgated under the Exchange Act) other than by or on behalf
                  of the Board of the Company; or

                  (v) any event which would be described in section 11(a)(i),
         (ii), (iii) or (iv) if the term "Bank" were substituted for the term
         "Company" therein.

In no event, however, shall a Change of Control be deemed to have occurred as a
result of any acquisition of securities or assets of the Company, the Bank, or a
subsidiary of either of them, by the Company, the Bank, or a subsidiary of
either of them, or by any employee benefit plan maintained by any of them. For
purposes of this section 11(a), the term "person" shall have the meaning
assigned to it under sections 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act.

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                  (b) In the event of a Change of Control, the Executive shall
be entitled to the payments and benefits contemplated by section 9(b) in the
event of her termination of employment with the Bank under any of the
circumstances described in section 9(a) of this Agreement or under any of the
following circumstances:

                  (i) resignation, voluntary or otherwise, by the Executive at
         any time during the Employment Period following her demotion, loss of
         title, office or significant authority or responsibility, or following
         any reduction in any element of her package of compensation and
         benefits;

                  (ii) resignation, voluntary or otherwise, by the Executive at
         any time during the Employment Period following any relocation of her
         principal place of employment or any change in working conditions at
         such principal place of employment which the Executive, in her
         reasonable discretion, determines to be embarrassing, derogatory or
         otherwise adverse;

                  (iii) resignation, voluntary or otherwise, by the Executive at
         any time during the Employment Period following the failure of any
         successor to the Company or the Bank in the Change of Control to
         include the Executive in any compensation or benefit program maintained
         by it or covering any of its executive officers, unless the Executive
         is already covered by a substantially similar plan of the Company or
         the Bank which is at least as favorable to her; or

                  (iv) resignation, voluntary or otherwise, for any reason
         whatsoever within 90 days following the effective date of the Change of
         Control, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if the Change of Control is of the
         type described in Section 11(a) (1), such 90 day period shall not be
         deemed to commence until the actual consummation of the transaction
         approved by the stockholders.

                  SECTION 12. TAX LIMITATIONS.

     (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event
that any payment or benefit received or to be received by the Executive in
connection with a Change of Control of the Bank or the Company or the
termination of the Executive's employment (whether pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement with the Company or the
Bank, any person whose actions result in a Change of Control of the Company or
any person affiliated with the Company or the Bank or such person) (all such
payments and benefits, including the payments and benefits provided under this
Agreement (the "Severance Payments"), being hereinafter called "Total Payments")
would not be deductible (in whole or in part) by the Company, the Bank, an
affiliate or a person making such payment or providing such benefit as a result
of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),
then, to the extent necessary to make such portion of the Total Payments
deductible (and after taking into account any reduction in the Total Payments
provided in such other plan, arrangement or agreement), the cash Severance
Payments shall first be reduced (if necessary, to zero); provided, however, that
the Executive may elect (at any time prior to the payment of amounts payable
hereunder) to have the noncash severance payments reduced (or eliminated) prior
to any reduction of the cash Severance Payments.

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(b) For purposes of the limitation contained in subsection (a) of this section
12, (i) no portion of the Total Payments the receipt or enjoyment of which
Executive shall have effectively waived in writing prior to the delivery of a
notice of termination of employment shall be taken into account, (ii) no portion
of the Total Payments shall be taken into account which, in the opinion of tax
counsel ("Tax Counsel") reasonably acceptable to the Executive and selected by
the accounting firm which was, immediately prior to the Change of Control of the
Company or the Bank, the Company's independent auditor (the "Auditor"), does not
constitute a "parachute payment" within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the
Code, including by reason of Section 280G(b)(4)(A) of the Code, (iii) the
Severance Payments shall be reduced only to the extent necessary so that the
Total Payments (other than those referred to in clauses (i) or (ii)) in their
entirety constitute reasonable compensation for services actually rendered
within the meaning of Section 280(G)(b)(4)(B) of the Code or are otherwise not
subject to disallowance as deductions by reason of Section 280G of the Code, in
the opinion of Tax Counsel, and (iv) the value of any noncash benefit or any
deferred payment or benefit included in the Total Payments shall be determined
by the Auditor in accordance with the principles of Sections 280G(d)(3) and (4)
of the Code.

         (c) If it is established pursuant to a final determination of a court
or an Internal Revenue Service proceeding that, notwithstanding the good faith
of the Executive and the Bank and the Company in applying the terms of this
section 12, the aggregate "parachute payments" paid to of for the Executive's
benefit are in an amount that would result in any portion of such "parachute
payments" not being deductible by reason of Section 280G of the Code, then the
Executive shall have an obligation to pay the Bank upon demand an amount equal
to the sum of (i) the excess of the aggregate "parachute payments" paid to or
for the Executive's benefit over the aggregate "parachute payments" that could
have been paid to or for the Executive's benefit without any portion of such
"parachute payments" not being deductible by reason of Section 280G of the Code;
and (ii) interest on the amount set forth in clause (i) of this sentence at 120%
of the rate provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code from the date of
Executive's receipt of such excess until the date of such payment. If the
Severance Payments shall be decreased pursuant to section (a) hereof, and the
benefits under section 8(b)(iii) which remain payable after the application of
this section 12 are thereafter reduced pursuant thereto because of the receipt
by the Executive of substantially similar benefits, the Bank shall, at the time
of such reduction, pay to the Executive the lowest of (a) the amount of the
decrease made in the Severance Payments pursuant to this section 12, (b) the
amount of the subsequent reduction in such benefits, or (c) the maximum amount
which can be paid to the Executive without being, or causing any other payment
to be, nondeductible by reason of Section 280G of the Code.

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                  SECTION 13. CONFIDENTIALITY.

                  Unless she obtains the prior written consent of the Company
and the Bank, the Executive shall keep confidential and shall refrain from using
for the benefit of herself, or any person or entity other than the Company or
any entity which is a subsidiary of the Company or of which the Company is a
subsidiary, any material document or information obtained from the Company, or
from its parent or subsidiaries, in the course of her employment with any of
them concerning their properties, operations or business (unless such document
or information is readily ascertainable from public or published information or
trade sources or has otherwise been made available to the public through no
fault of her own) until the same ceases to be material (or becomes so
ascertainable or available); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that nothing in this section 13
shall prevent the Executive, with or without the Company's consent, from
participating in or disclosing documents or information in connection with any
judicial or administrative investigation, inquiry or proceeding to the extent
that such participation or disclosure is required under applicable law.

                  SECTION 14. NO EFFECT ON EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS OR PROGRAMS.

                  The termination of the Executive's employment during the term
of this Agreement or thereafter, whether by the Bank or by the Executive, shall
have no effect on the rights and obligations of the parties hereto under the
Bank's qualified or non-qualified retirement, pension, savings, thrift,
profit-sharing or stock bonus plans, group life, health (including
hospitalization, medical and major medical), dental, accident and long term
disability insurance plans or such other employee benefit plans or programs, or
compensation plans or programs, as may be maintained by, or cover employees of,
the Bank from time to time.

                  SECTION 15. NON-SOLICITATION.

(a) NON-COMPETITION. During the Employment Period, the Executive agrees not to
engage, directly or indirectly, in any aspect of the financial institutions
business, including without limitation engaging in business activities for or on
behalf of state, national or foreign banks, state or federal savings
associations or savings banks, credit unions, mortgage or loan companies or any
other entity which makes or acquires loans or takes deposits or engages in any
other business engaged in by the Bank on the date hereof (the "Banking
Business"), other than the Bank, whether as stockholder (except for immaterial
interests in publicly-traded institutions), partner, director, officer,
employee, agent, consultant or otherwise. In the event of termination of the
Executive's employment hereunder prior to a Change of Control, the Executive,
until one (1) year after the date of such termination, agrees not to engage,
directly or indirectly, in the Banking Business in any capacity in any city,
town or county in which the Bank or the Company has an office or has filed an
application for regulatory approval to establish an office, determined as of the
date of this Agreement.

(b) NON-SOLICITATION. The Executive hereby covenants and agrees that, for a
period of one (1) year following her termination of employment with the Bank,
she shall not, without the written consent of the Bank, either directly or
indirectly:

                  (i) solicit, offer employment to, or take any other action
         intended, or that a reasonable person acting in like circumstances
         would expect, to have the effect of causing any officer or employee of
         the Company, the Bank or any affiliate, as

                                       12
<PAGE>

         of the date of this Agreement, of either of them, to terminate his or
         her employment and accept employment or become affiliated with, or
         provide services for compensation in any capacity whatsoever to, any
         savings bank, savings and loan association, bank, bank holding company,
         savings and loan holding company, or other institution engaged in the
         business of accepting deposits, making loans or doing other business
         done by the Bank, doing business in any city, town or county in which
         the Bank or the Company has an office or has filed an application for
         regulatory approval to establish an office, determined as of the date
         of this Agreement;

                  (ii) provide any information, advice or recommendation with
         respect to any such officer or employee to any savings bank, savings
         and loan association, bank, bank holding company, savings and loan
         holding company, or other institution engaged in the business of
         accepting deposits and making loans, doing business in any city, town
         or county in which the Bank or the Company has an office or has filed
         an application for regulatory approval to establish an office,
         determined as of the date of this Agreement, that is intended, or that
         a reasonable person acting in like circumstances would expect, to have
         the effect of causing any officer or employee of the Company, the Bank,
         or any affiliate, as of the date of this Agreement, of either of them,
         to terminate his or her employment and accept employment or become
         affiliated with, or provide services for compensation in any capacity
         whatsoever to, any such savings bank, savings and loan association,
         bank, bank holding company, savings and loan holding company, or other
         institution engaged in the business of accepting deposits and making
         loans; or

                  (iii) solicit, provide any information, advice or
         recommendation or take any other action intended, or that a reasonable
         person acting in like circumstances would expect, to have the effect of
         causing any customer of the Bank to terminate an existing business or
         commercial relationship with the Bank.

                  SECTION 16. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.

                  This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding
upon the Executive, her legal representatives and testate or intestate
distributees, and the Company and the Bank and their respective successors and
assigns, including any successor by merger or consolidation or a statutory
receiver or any other person or firm or corporation to which all or
substantially all of the assets and business of the Company or the Bank may be
sold or otherwise transferred.

                  SECTION 17. NOTICES.

                  Any communication required or permitted to be given under this
Agreement, including any notice, direction, designation, consent, instruction,
objection or waiver, shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given
at such time as it is delivered personally, or five (5) days after mailing if
mailed, postage prepaid, by registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested, or one (1) day after it is sent by reputable overnight delivery
service, addressed to such party at the address listed below or at such other
address as one such party may by written notice specify to the other party:

                                       13
<PAGE>

                  If to the Executive:

                           Carla H. Pollard
                           1351 Sycamore Road
                           Boca Raton, FL 33486

                  If to the Company:

                           Republic Security Financial Corporation
                           450 S. Australian Avenue
                           West Palm Beach, FL 33401
                           Attention: Rudy E. Schupp, Chairman & CEO

                  If to the Bank:

                           Republic Security Bank
                           450 S. Australian Avenue
                           West Palm Beach, FL 33401
                           Attention: Rudy E. Schupp, Chairman & CEO

                  SECTION 18. INDEMNIFICATION FOR ATTORNEYS' FEES.

                  The Bank shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend the
Executive against reasonable costs, including legal fees, incurred by him in
connection with or arising out of any action, suit or proceeding in which he may
be involved, as a result of her efforts, in good faith, to defend or enforce the
terms of this Agreement.

                  SECTION 19. SEVERABILITY.

                  A determination that any provision of this Agreement is
invalid or unenforceable shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any
other provision hereof.

                  SECTION 20. WAIVER.

                  Failure to insist upon strict compliance with any of the
terms, covenants or conditions hereof shall not be deemed a waiver of such term,
covenant, or condition. A waiver of any provision of this Agreement must be made
in writing, designated as a waiver, and signed by the party against whom its
enforcement is sought. Any waiver or relinquishment of any right or power
hereunder at any one or more times shall not be deemed a waiver or
relinquishment of such right or power at any other time or times.

                  SECTION 21. COUNTERPARTS.

                  This Agreement may be executed in two (2) or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which shall
constitute one and the same Agreement.

                                       14
<PAGE>

                  SECTION 22. GOVERNING LAW.

                  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced
in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida applicable to contracts
entered into and to be performed entirely within the State of Florida.

                  SECTION 23. HEADINGS AND CONSTRUCTION.

                  The headings of sections in this Agreement are for convenience
of reference only and are not intended to qualify the meaning of any section.
Any reference to a section number shall refer to a section of this Agreement,
unless otherwise stated.

                  SECTION 24. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; MODIFICATIONS.

                  This instrument contains the entire agreement of the parties
relating to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes in its entirety any and
all prior agreements, understandings or representations relating to the subject
matter hereof. This Agreement specifically supercedes that certain Change of
Control Agreement dated as of January 27, 1999 by and among the parties hereto.
No modifications of this Agreement shall be valid unless made in writing and
signed by the parties hereto.

                  SECTION 25. SURVIVAL.

                  The provisions of sections 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 20,
22, 26, 27 and 28 shall survive the expiration of the Employment Period or
termination of this Agreement.

                  SECTION 26. EQUITABLE REMEDIES.

                  The Company, the Bank and the Executive hereby stipulate that
money damages are an inadequate remedy for violations of sections 6(a), or 13 of
this Agreement and agree that equitable remedies, including, without
limitations, the remedies of specific performance and injunctive relief, shall
be available with respect to the enforcement of such provisions.

                  SECTION 27. REQUIRED REGULATORY PROVISION.

                  (a) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary,
any payments to the Executive by the Company or the Bank, whether pursuant to
this Agreement or otherwise, are subject to and conditioned upon their
compliance with section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C.
ss.1828(k), and any regulations promulgated thereunder.

                  (b) Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to subject
the Bank or its assets to any contractual obligation undertaken by the Company
hereunder or to liability for any breach by the Company.

                                       15
<PAGE>

                  SECTION 28. GUARANTEE.

         The Company hereby irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees to the
Executive the payment of all amounts, and the performance of all other
obligations, due from the Bank in accordance with the terms of this Agreement as
and when due without any requirement of presentment, demand of payment, protest
or notice of dishonor or nonpayment.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Bank have caused this Agreement
to be executed and the Executive has hereunto set her hand, all as of the day
and year first above written.

REPUBLIC SECURITY FINANCIAL CORPORATION

By:  /s/ Rudy E. Schupp
   ------------------------------------
NAME:    Rudy E. Schupp
     ----------------------------------
TITLE:   Chairman/CEO
      ---------------------------------

REPUBLIC SECURITY BANK

By:  /s/ Rudy E. Schupp
   ------------------------------------
NAME:    Rudy E. Schupp
     ----------------------------------
TITLE:   Chairman/CEO
      ---------------------------------

/s/ Carla H. Pollard
---------------------------------------
    Carla H. PollardEXHIBIT 10.10

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

                  This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made and
entered into as of January 10, 2000 by and between REPUBLIC SECURITY BANK, a
commercial bank organized and operating under the laws of the State of Florida
and having an office at 450 South Australian Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(the "Bank"), and W. ANDREW KIRKMAN, an individual residing at 501 Knights Run
Ave. #0102, Tampa, Florida 33602 (the "Executive").

                              W I T N E S S E T H :

                  WHEREAS, the Bank desires to employ the Executive as Market
President--Central Florida of the Bank on the condition that Executive agrees to
enter into the non-competition and non-solicitation covenants contained herein;
and

                  WHEREAS, the Executive is willing to serve the Bank on the
terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;

                  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the
mutual covenants and conditions hereinafter set forth, the Bank and the
Executive hereby agree as follows:

                  SECTION 1. EMPLOYMENT.

                  The Bank agrees to employ the Executive, and the Executive
hereby agrees to such employment, during the period and upon the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement.

                  SECTION 2. EMPLOYMENT PERIOD; REMAINING UNEXPIRED EMPLOYMENT
                             PERIOD.

                  (a) The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be and
remain in effect during the period of employment established under this section
2 ("Employment Period"). The Employment Period shall be for an initial term
beginning on January 10, 2000 and ending on December 31, 2000 (the "First
Anniversary Date"), plus such extensions, if any, as are provided pursuant to
section 2(b).

                  (b) The Employment Period shall automatically be extended for
one (1) additional year on the First Anniversary Date and on each anniversary of
the First Anniversary Date, unless either the Bank or the Executive elects not
to extend the Agreement further by giving written notice to the other party at
least 60 days prior to the First Anniversary Date or any subsequent anniversary
of the First Anniversary Date, in which case the Employment Period shall end on
the First Anniversary Date or any subsequent anniversary of the First
Anniversary Date. Upon termination of the Executive's employment with the Bank
for any reason whatsoever, any renewals provided pursuant to this section 2(b),
if not theretofore discontinued, shall automatically cease.

                  (c) Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to prohibit the
Bank from terminating the Executive's employment at any time during the
Employment Period with or without notice for any reason; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
the relative rights and obligations of the

                                       1
<PAGE>

Bank and the Executive in the event of any such termination shall be determined
under this Agreement.

                  SECTION 3. DUTIES.

                  The Executive shall serve as Market President--Central Florida
of the Bank, having such power, authority and responsibility and performing such
duties as are prescribed by or under the By-Laws of the Bank, or assigned by the
Board of Directors of the Bank or the Chief Banking Officer of the Bank (or
other officer of equal or senior rank) and otherwise as are customarily
associated with such position. Except as otherwise provided herein, the
Executive shall devote his full business time and attention (other than during
weekends, holidays, approved vacation periods, and periods of illness or
approved leaves of absence) to the business and affairs of the Bank and shall
use his best efforts to advance the interests of the Bank.

                  SECTION 4. CASH COMPENSATION.

         In consideration for the services to be rendered by the Executive
hereunder, the Bank shall pay to Executive a base salary at an initial annual
rate of ONE HUNDRED TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($120,000), payable in approximately
equal installments in accordance with the Bank's customary payroll practices for
senior officers. The Board of Directors of the Bank (or such committee or person
to whom the Board shall delegate this authority) shall from time to time review
the Executive's annual rate of salary and may, in its discretion, approve an
increase therein. In no event shall the Executive's annual rate of salary under
this Agreement in effect at a particular time be reduced without his prior
written consent. In addition to salary, the Executive shall be eligible to
receive incentive compensation from the Bank in accordance with the schedule
attached hereto as Exhibit A, which schedule may be amended annually by the
Bank.

                  SECTION 5. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS AND PROGRAMS.

         During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be treated as an
employee of the Bank and shall be entitled to participate in and receive
benefits under any and all qualified or non-qualified retirement, savings,
profit-sharing or stock bonus plans, any and all group life, health (including
hospitalization, medical and major medical), dental, accident and long term
disability insurance plans, and any other employee benefit and compensation
plans (including, but not limited to, any incentive compensation plans or
programs, stock option and appreciation rights plans and restricted stock plans)
as may from time to time be maintained by, or cover employees of, the Bank, in
accordance with the terms and conditions of such employee benefit plans and
programs and compensation plans and programs and consistent with the the Bank's
customary practices.

                  SECTION 6. OTHER ACTIVITIES.

                  The Executive may serve as a member of the boards of directors
of such business, community and charitable organizations as he may disclose to
and as may be approved by the Board of Directors of the Bank (which approval
shall not be unreasonably withheld); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such service shall
not materially interfere with the performance of his duties under this
Agreement. The Executive may also engage in personal business and investment
activities which do not materially interfere with the performance of his duties
hereunder; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such activities are not prohibited under any
code of

                                       2
<PAGE>

conduct or investment or securities trading policy established by the Bank or
Republic Security Financial Corporation and generally applicable to all
similarly situated executives.

                  SECTION 7. WORKING FACILITIES AND EXPENSES.

                  The Executive's principal place of employment shall be at
Tampa, Florida, or at such other location as the Bank and the Executive may
mutually agree upon. The Bank shall reimburse the Executive for his ordinary and
necessary business expenses, and his travel and entertainment expenses incurred
in connection with the performance of his duties under this Agreement, in each
case upon presentation to the Bank of an itemized account of such expenses in
such form as the Bank may reasonably require.

                  SECTION 8. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT WITH SEVERANCE BENEFITS.

                  (a) The Executive shall be entitled to the severance benefits
described herein in the event that his employment with the Bank terminates
during the Employment Period under any of the following circumstances:

                  (i) the Executive's voluntary resignation from employment with
         the Bank within ninety (90) days following:

                           (A) the failure to appoint or re-appoint or elect or
                  re-elect the Executive to the office of Market
                  President--Central Florida (or a more senior office) of the
                  Bank;

                           (B) the relocation of the Executive's principal place
                  of employment, without his written consent, to a location
                  outside of Hillsborough County (or adjacent counties in the
                  greater Tampa metropolitan area), Florida, Broward County,
                  Florida, Dade County, Florida or Palm Beach County, Florida;

                  (ii) the termination of the Executive's employment with the
         Bank for any other reason not described in section 9.

In such event, the Bank shall provide the benefits and pay to the Executive the
amounts described in section 8(b).

                  (b) Upon the termination of the Executive's employment with
the Bank under circumstances described in section 8(a) of this Agreement, the
Bank shall pay and provide to the Executive (or, in the event of his death
following such termination, to his estate):

                  (i) his earned but unpaid compensation as of the date of the
         termination of his employment with the Bank, such payment to be made at
         the time and in the manner prescribed by law applicable to the payment
         of wages but in no event later than thirty (30) days after termination
         of employment;

                  (ii) the benefits, if any, to which he is entitled as a former
         employee under the employee benefit plans and programs and compensation
         plans and programs maintained for the benefit of the Bank's officers
         and employees;

                  (iii) continued group life, health (including hospitalization,
         medical and major medical), and dental insurance benefits, in addition
         to that provided pursuant to section 8(b)(ii), and after taking into
         account the coverage provided

                                       3
<PAGE>

         by any subsequent employer, if and to the extent necessary to provide
         for the Executive, for a period beginning on the date his employment
         terminates and ending on the last day of the Employment Period,
         coverage equivalent to the coverage to which he would have been
         entitled under such plans, if he had continued working for the Bank
         during the Employment Period at the highest annual rate of compensation
         achieved during that portion of the Employment Period which is prior to
         the Executive's termination of employment with the Bank;

                  (iv) within thirty (30) days following his termination of
         employment with the Bank, a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the
         salary that the Executive would have earned if he had continued working
         for the Bank for the remainder of the Employment Period at the highest
         annual rate of salary achieved during that portion of the Employment
         Period which is prior to the Executive's termination of employment with
         the Bank, such lump sum to be paid in lieu of all other payments of
         salary provided for under this Agreement in respect of the period
         following any such termination;

                  (v) within thirty (30) days following his termination of
         employment with the Bank, a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the
         average annual cash incentive compensation or bonus paid to the
         Executive with respect to the two complete calendar years immediately
         preceding the year in which Executive's employment with the Bank
         terminates, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the
         amount of lump sum payment described in section 8(b)(iv) and the
         denominator of which is the highest annual rate of base salary achieved
         during the portion of the Employment Period that is prior to the
         Executive's termination of employment.

The Bank and the Executive hereby stipulate that the damages which may be
incurred by the Executive following any such termination of employment are not
capable of accurate measurement as of the date first above written and that the
payments and benefits contemplated by this section 8(b) constitute reasonable
damages under the circumstances and shall be payable without any requirement of
proof of actual damage and without regard to the Executive's efforts, if any, to
mitigate damages. The Bank and the Executive further agree that the Bank may
condition the payments and benefits (if any) due under sections 8(b)(iii), (iv)
and (v) on the receipt of the Executive's resignation from any and all positions
which he holds as an officer, director or committee member with respect to the
Bank or any parent or affiliate of the Bank.

                  SECTION 9. TERMINATION WITHOUT ADDITIONAL BANK LIABILITY.

                  In the event that the Executive's employment with the Bank
shall terminate during the Employment Period on account of:

                  (i) the discharge of the Executive for "cause," which, for
         purposes of this Agreement shall mean: (A) gross negligence or willful
         misconduct by the Executive in connection with his employment hereunder
         or the business of the Bank; (B) the Executive's misappropriation of
         the Bank's assets or property; (C) the Executive willfully fails or
         refuses to perform his duties under this Agreement, or fails to comply
         with any material term, covenant or condition contained herein; (D) the
         Executive breaches his fiduciary duties to the Bank for personal
         profit; or (E) the Executive's willful breach or violation of any law,
         rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses),
         or final cease and desist order in connection with his performance of
         services for the Bank;

                                       4
<PAGE>

                  (ii) the Executive's voluntary resignation from employment
         with the Bank for reasons other than those specified in section 8(a);

                  (iii) the Executive's death; or

                  (iv) a determination that the Executive is eligible for
         long-term disability benefits under the Bank's long-term disability
         insurance program or, if there is no such program, under the federal
         Social Security Act;

then the Bank shall have no further obligations under this Agreement, other than
the payment to the Executive (or, in the event of his death, to his estate) of
his earned but unpaid compensation (including incentive compensation) as of the
date of the termination of his employment, and the provision of such other
benefits, if any, to which he is entitled as a former employee under the
employee benefit plans and programs and compensation plans and programs
maintained by, or covering employees of, the Bank.

                  SECTION 10. CONFIDENTIALITY.

                  Unless he obtains the prior written consent of the Bank, the
Executive shall keep confidential and shall refrain from using for the benefit
of himself, or any person or entity other than the Bank or any entity which is a
subsidiary of the Bank or of which the Bank is a subsidiary, any material
document or information obtained from the Bank, or from its parent, parent's
parent, affiliates or subsidiaries, in the course of his employment with any of
them concerning their properties, operations or business (unless such document
or information is readily ascertainable from public or published information or
trade sources or has otherwise been made available to the public through no
fault of his own) until the same ceases to be material (or becomes so
ascertainable or available); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that nothing in this section 10
shall prevent the Executive, with or without the Bank's consent, from
participating in or disclosing documents or information in connection with any
judicial or administrative investigation, inquiry or proceeding to the extent
that such participation or disclosure is required under applicable law.

                  SECTION 11. NO EFFECT ON EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS OR PROGRAMS.

                  The termination of the Executive's employment during the term
of this Agreement or thereafter, whether by the Bank or by the Executive, shall
have no effect on the rights and obligations of the parties hereto under the
Bank's qualified or non-qualified retirement, pension, savings, thrift,
profit-sharing or stock bonus plans, group life, health (including
hospitalization, medical and major medical), dental, accident and long term
disability insurance plans or such other employee benefit plans or programs, or
compensation plans or programs, as may be maintained by, or cover employees of,
the Bank from time to time.

                  SECTION 12. NON-COMPETITION AND NON-SOLICITATION.

(a) NON-COMPETITION. During the Employment Period, the Executive agrees not to
engage, directly or indirectly, in any aspect of the financial institutions
business, including without limitation engaging in business activities for or on
behalf of state, national or foreign banks, state or federal savings
associations or savings banks, credit unions, mortgage or loan companies or any
other entity which makes or acquires loans or takes deposits or engages in any
other business engaged in by the Bank on the date hereof (the "Banking
Business"), other than for the Bank, whether as stockholder (except for
immaterial interests in publicly-traded institutions), partner, director,
officer, employee, agent, consultant or otherwise. In the event of termination

                                       5
<PAGE>

of the Executive's employment hereunder by the Bank with cause or voluntarily by
the Executive other than pursuant to Section 8(a)(i), until twelve (12) months
after the date of such termination, the Executive agrees not to engage, directly
or indirectly, in the Banking Business in any capacity in any city, town or
county in which the Bank has an office, determined as of the date of such
termination.

(b) NON-SOLICITATION. The Executive hereby covenants and agrees that, following
his termination of employment with the Bank for any reason whatsoever, he shall
not, without the written consent of the Bank, either directly or indirectly:

                  (i) for a period of twelve (12) months after such termination,
         solicit, offer employment to, or take any other action intended, or
         that a reasonable person acting in like circumstances would expect, to
         have the effect of causing any officer or employee of the Bank or any
         affiliate, as of the date of this Agreement, of either of them, to
         terminate his or her employment and accept employment or become
         affiliated with, or provide services for compensation in any capacity
         whatsoever to, any Bank engaged in the Banking Business doing business
         in any city, town or county in which the Bank has an office, determined
         as of the date of such termination;

                  (ii) for a period of twelve (12) months after such
         termination, provide any information, advice or recommendation with
         respect to any such officer or employee to any Bank engaged in the
         Banking Business doing business in any city, town or county in which
         the Bank has an office, determined as of the date of such termination,
         that is intended, or that a reasonable person acting in like
         circumstances would expect, to have the effect of causing any officer
         or employee of the Bank or any affiliate, as of the date of this
         Agreement, of either of them, to terminate his or her employment and
         accept employment or become affiliated with, or provide services for
         compensation in any capacity whatsoever to, any such Bank engaged in
         the Banking Business; or

                  (iii) solicit, provide any information, advice or
         recommendation or take any other action intended, or that a reasonable
         person acting in like circumstances would expect, to have the effect of
         causing any customer of the Bank to terminate an existing business or
         commercial relationship with the Bank.

                  SECTION 13. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.

                  This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding
upon the Executive, his legal representatives and testate or intestate
distributees, and the Bank and its respective successors and assigns, including
any successor by merger or consolidation or a statutory receiver or any other
person or firm or corporation to which all or substantially all of the assets
and business of the Bank may be sold or otherwise transferred.

                  SECTION 14. NOTICES.

                  Any communication required or permitted to be given under this
Agreement, including any notice, direction, designation, consent, instruction,
objection or waiver, shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given
at such time as it is delivered personally, or five (5) days after mailing if
mailed, postage prepaid, by registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested, or one (1) day after it is sent by reputable overnight delivery
service, addressed to such party at the address listed below or at such other
address as one such party may by written notice specify to the other party:

                                       6
<PAGE>

                  If to the Executive:

                           W. Andrew Kirkman

                  If to the Bank:

                           Republic Security Bank
                           450 S. Australian Avenue
                           West Palm Beach, FL 33401
                           Attention: R. Michael Strickland,
                                      Chief Banking Officer

                  SECTION 15. INDEMNIFICATION FOR ATTORNEYS' FEES.

                  The Bank shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend the
Executive against reasonable costs, including legal fees, incurred by him in
connection with or arising out of any action, suit or proceeding in which he may
be involved, as a result of his efforts, in good faith, to defend or enforce the
terms of this Agreement.

                  SECTION 16. SEVERABILITY.

                  A determination that any provision of this Agreement is
invalid or unenforceable shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any
other provision hereof.

                  SECTION 17. WAIVER.

                  Failure to insist upon strict compliance with any of the
terms, covenants or conditions hereof shall not be deemed a waiver of such term,
covenant, or condition. A waiver of any provision of this Agreement must be made
in writing, designated as a waiver, and signed by the party against whom its
enforcement is sought. Any waiver or relinquishment of any right or power
hereunder at any one or more times shall not be deemed a waiver or
relinquishment of such right or power at any other time or times.

                  SECTION 18. COUNTERPARTS.

                  This Agreement may be executed in two (2) or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which shall
constitute one and the same Agreement.

                  SECTION 19. GOVERNING LAW.

                  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced
in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida applicable to contracts
entered into and to be performed entirely within the State of Florida.

                  SECTION 20. HEADINGS AND CONSTRUCTION.

                  The headings of sections in this Agreement are for convenience
of reference only and are not intended to qualify the meaning of any section.
Any reference to a section number shall refer to a section of this Agreement,
unless otherwise stated.

                                       7
<PAGE>

                  SECTION 21. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; MODIFICATIONS.

                  This instrument contains the entire agreement of the parties
relating to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes in its entirety any and
all prior agreements, understandings or representations relating to the subject
matter hereof. The parties acknowledge and agree, however, that that certain
Change of Control Agreement dated January __, 1999 by and among the parties
hereto and Republic Security Financial Corporation shall supersede this
Employment Agreement from and after the occurrence of a Change of Control (as
defined in such Change of Control Agreement). No modifications of this Agreement
shall be valid unless made in writing and signed by the parties hereto.

                  SECTION 22. SURVIVAL.

                  The provisions of sections 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 17, 19,
23, 24 and 25 shall survive the expiration of the Employment Period or
termination of this Agreement.

                  SECTION 23. EQUITABLE REMEDIES.

                  The Bank and the Executive hereby stipulate that money damages
are an inadequate remedy for violations of sections 6, 10 or 12 of this
Agreement and agree that equitable remedies, including, without limitations, the
remedies of specific performance and injunctive relief, shall be available with
respect to the enforcement of such provisions.

                  SECTION 24. REQUIRED REGULATORY PROVISION.

Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, any payments to the
Executive by the Bank, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, are
subject to and conditioned upon their compliance with section 18(k) of the
Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. ss.1828(k), and any regulations
promulgated thereunder.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Bank has caused this Agreement to be executed and the
Executive has hereunto set his hand, all as of the day and year first above
written.

                           REPUBLIC SECURITY BANK

By: /s/  Rudy E. Schupp
   -----------------------------
NAME:    Rudy E. Schupp
TITLE:   President

/s/ Andrew Kirkman
---------------------------------
    W. Andrew Kirkman

                                       8

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