Exhibit 99.1


    The First Bancshares, Inc. Approved for Listing on NASDAQ Capital Market


     HATTIESBURG, Miss.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 24, 2006--The First Bancshares,
Inc. (OTCBB:FBMS) today announced that its common stock has been approved for
listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market. The First Bancshares, Inc. will commence
trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the same symbol "FBMS," effective at
market opening on May 26, 2006.
     David Johnson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are
extremely pleased that our listing application has been approved as we approach
our ten year anniversary. Our growth and progression as a publicly-traded
company continues as we move from the OTCBB to the NASDAQ Capital Market.
Trading on NASDAQ should help expand our shareholder base and increase the
liquidity of the stock."

     The First Bancshares, Inc. - the parent company of The First, A National
Banking Association - has assets of $311 million. Founded in 1996, The First
operates 8 offices with locations in Hattiesburg, Laurel, Purvis, Picayune,
Pascagoula and Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.

     Investors can access additional information or on-line banking and bill pay
services at www.thefirstbank.com.


    CONTACT: The First Bancshares Inc., Hattiesburg
             David Johnson or Dee Dee Lowery, 601-268-8998