Exhibit 99.1

   The First Bancshares, Inc. Moves to NASDAQ Global Market Listing


    HATTIESBURG, Miss.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 2, 2006--The First
Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:FBMS), holding company for The First, A
National Banking Association, (www.thefirstbank.com) today announced
that its common stock will begin trading on the NASDAQ Global Market
on Friday, November 3, 2006. The First Bancshares, Inc. had been
trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market.

    David Johnson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented,
"We are extremely pleased that our listing application has been
approved. Our growth and progression as a publicly-traded company
continues as we have moved from the OTCBB to the NASDAQ Capital Market
and now to the NASDAQ Global Market."

    The First Bancshares, Inc. - the parent company of The First, A
National Banking Association - has assets of $362 million at September
30, 2006. With the completion of the merger with The First National
Bank of Wiggins, the assets of the company have increased to $402
million. Founded in 1996, The First operates 9 offices with locations
in Hattiesburg, Laurel, Purvis, Picayune, Pascagoula, Bay St. Louis
and Wiggins, Mississippi.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This news release contains statements regarding the projected
performance of The First Bancshares, Inc. and it subsidiary. These
statements constitute forward-looking information within the meaning
of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. Actual results may
differ materially from the projections provided in this release since
such projections involve significant known and unknown risks and
uncertainties. Factors that might cause such differences include, but
are not limited to: competitive pressures among financial institutions
increasing significantly; economic conditions, either nationally or
locally, in areas in which the Company conducts operations being less
favorable than expected; and legislation or regulatory changes which
adversely affect the ability of the combined Company to conduct
business combinations or new operations. The Company disclaims any
obligation to update such factors or to publicly announce the results
of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements included
herein to reflect future events or developments. Further information
on The First Bancshares, Inc. is available in its filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, available at the SEC's website,
http://www.sec.gov.


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