BankAtlantic Bancorp Ranked In Sandler O'Neill's 2005 Class of Sm-All Stars.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE:BBX) announced today that it has been ranked as one of the top performing small-capitalization banks in the U.S. by investment banking firm Sandler O'Neill. In Sandler O'Neill's "Class of 2005 Bank and Thrift Sm-All Stars", 38 small-capitalization institutions were chosen from a group of 573 U.S. publicly traded banks and thrifts with market capitalizations less than $2 billion.

BankAtlantic Bancorp Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Alan B. Levan commented, "Our financial performance along with our dedication to continuously deliver superior customer service is a reflection of our commitment to excellence. We are very pleased to have been recognized for our continuous efforts amongst this esteemed group of banks and thrifts in the Sandler O'Neill 2005 Class of Sm-All Stars."

The survey focused on growth, profitability, credit quality, and capital strength. Companies were also evaluated based on absolute performance in eight financial variables. To incorporate fundamental momentum in the evaluation, included are growth trends in (1) EPS, (2) loan and (3) deposits. As a measure of profitability, (4) ROAE was included. In terms of asset quality, (5) nonperforming assets to loans plus OREO ratio and the (6) net charge-off ratio were also included. Finally, (7) reserve to nonperforming assets ratio and (8) Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio provided an indication of capital levels. To earn Sm-All Star status, the banks and thrifts needed to be at or above the peer median for the first seven metrics surveyed plus be considered "Well Capitalized" per the Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio.

About BankAtlantic Bancorp:

BankAtlantic Bancorp (NYSE: BBX) is a diversified financial services holding company and the parent company of BankAtlantic and Ryan Beck & Co. Through these subsidiaries, BankAtlantic Bancorp provides a full line of products and services encompassing consumer and commercial banking, brokerage and investment banking.

About BankAtlantic:

BankAtlantic, "Florida's Most Convenient Bank" is one of the largest financial institutions headquartered in Florida and provides a comprehensive offering of banking services and products via its broad network of community stores throughout Florida and its online banking division - BankAtlantic.com. BankAtlantic has 75 stores and operates more than 200 conveniently located ATMs. BankAtlantic is open 7 days a week and offers holiday hours, extended weekday hours, including several stores open until midnight, Totally Free Online Banking & Bill Pay, 24/7 Customer Service Center, Totally Free Change Exchange coin counters and free retail and business checking with a free gift.

About Ryan Beck & Co.:

Founded in 1946, Ryan Beck & Co., Inc. provides financial advice and innovative solutions to individuals, institutions and corporate clients through the activities of approximately 1,100 employees in 39 offices located in 14 states. For individual investors, the firm's Private Client Group provides a full range of financial services, including investment consulting, retirement plans, insurance and investment advisory services. Institutional clients benefit from the market making, underwriting and distribution activities of the firm's experienced Capital Markets Group, which encompasses equity and fixed income trading and institutional sales as well as research. Through its Investment Banking Groups, Ryan Beck raises capital and provides financial advisory services to financial institutions, middle market companies and municipalities.

For further information, please visit our websites:
http://www.BankAtlanticBancorp.com
http://www.BankAtlantic.com
http://www.RyanBeck.com

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BankAtlantic Bancorp Contact Info:
Donna Rouzeau, Assistant Vice President, Investor Relations &
Corporate Communications
Email: [e-mail]
or
Leo Hinkley, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
Email: [e-mail]
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone]
Mailing Address: BankAtlantic Bancorp, Investor Relations,
2100 West Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

Matters discussed in this press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc. ("the Company") and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on factors which are, in many instances, beyond the Company's control. Past performance is not indicative of future results and no representation regarding the Company's future performance has been otherwise expressed or implied as a result of the "Sandler O'Neill Class of 2005 Bank and Thrift Sm-All Star" ranking or any other ranking. In addition to the risks and factors identified above, reference is also made to other risks and factors detailed in reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.