1
                                                                 EXHIBIT 23.1


                        [DELOITTE & TOUCHE LETTERHEAD]


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
First Palm Beach Bancorp, Inc. on Form S-4 of our report dated December 10,
1996, incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of First Palm
Beach Bancorp, Inc. for the year ended September 30, 1996, and to the reference
to us under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of this
registration statement.


/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


September 9, 1997