TAMPA and MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. — Launch Credit Union members have voted to approve a merger with Suncoast Credit Union, paving the way to combine the Space Coast institution with Florida’s largest credit union effective Sept. 1.

The approval follows a 45-day voting period where 79.5% of voting Launch Credit Union members supported the move. The merger has received clearance from both boards of directors and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

The combined organization will operate under the Suncoast Credit Union name, managing over $22 billion in assets and serving more than 1.5 million members across Florida. Launch Credit Union currently serves more than 86,000 members across Florida’s Space Coast and operates 17 branches in Brevard and Volusia counties, including local facilities in Titusville.

No branch closures or job losses will occur as a result of the merger.

Beginning Sept. 1, Launch Credit Union will operate as “Launch, a Branch of Suncoast Credit Union” during a transition period as systems are integrated. Certain regulated documents will feature the transitional logo. Operational Day One—when members and employees fully integrate under the Suncoast umbrella—is scheduled for summer 2027.

During the transition, members will not experience immediate changes to their accounts, debit or credit cards, direct deposits, checks, or online banking access. Because both institutions will continue running on separate systems during the transition, members must continue using their existing credit union’s local branches, digital platforms, and service channels.

As part of the merger agreement, a special dividend of up to $15 million will be paid to qualified Launch Credit Union account holders before the Sept. 1 effective date. The combined credit union has also committed $5 million to local community outreach, school districts, non-profit organizations, food banks, and affordable housing initiatives across Brevard and Volusia counties.

Suncoast Credit Union President and CEO Kevin Johnson will lead the combined organization. Launch Credit Union CEO Joe Mirachi will retire following the completion of the merger.

“Today marks an exciting new chapter as Launch Credit Union members become part of Suncoast Credit Union,” Johnson said. “Together, we’ll continue investing in innovative products, enhanced services and meaningful community impact while remaining focused on our mission of helping our members achieve financial success.”

Mirachi said the vote reflects member confidence in the future of the financial cooperative.

“Our members’ approval reflects confidence in a partnership that positions us to deliver even greater value while preserving the member-first philosophy that has guided Launch Credit Union for more than 60 years,” Mirachi said. “We’re grateful for the trust our members have placed in us and look forward to the opportunities this new partnership creates.”

Upon full operational integration in 2027, members will gain access to 96 total branch locations across Florida and more than 30,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide, including locations at Publix and Wawa stores. Fixed-rate loans and certificate terms will remain unchanged through their current terms, and all member deposits will remain federally insured up to applicable limits by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF).

Launch Credit Union was founded in 1963 to serve workers at Kennedy Space Center. Suncoast Credit Union was chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Union.