Computing technology raced forward in the 1980s, and banks could process transactions faster than ever. A new data system installed in June 1982 allowed the bank to process and balance transactions on site before they were transmitted to a remote data center. With Information available more quickly, services could be created or improved.

Around the same time, the bank placed its ownership under a holding company. On November 1, 1983, Lake City Bank became the single subsidiary of the newly formed Lakeland Financial Corporation, allowing the company to expand into other areas of finance.

These actions paved the way for Lake City Bank to help more customers in more ways. Some of these included:

• Personal cash reserve and combined statements (1983)
• 24-hour banking via automatic teller machines (ATMs) (1984)
• Home equity lines of credit (1984)
• Discount brokerage services (1984)
• 24-hour mortgage loan approval (1989)
• Investor’s weekly account (1989)