1

                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Pre-Effective Amendment No.1 to the Registration Statement (Form S-4 No.
333-66548) and related Prospectus of F.N.B. Corporation for the registration of
16,500,000 shares of its common stock and to the incorporation by reference
therein of our report dated February 5, 2001, with respect to the consolidated
financial statements of F.N.B. Corporation included in its Annual Report (Form
10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2000, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Birmingham, Alabama
September 6, 2001