1 EXHIBIT 23 ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent certified public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our report incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K of Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida, into the Company's previously filed registration statements on Form S-8 (File Nos. 33-61925, 33-46504, 33-25267 and 33-22846). /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Miami, Florida, March 24, 1997.