EXHIBIT 23.1

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

         We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement on Form S-8 of F.N.B. Corporation for the registration of up to
626,486 shares of its common stock upon the exercise of options assumed by
F.N.B. Corporation in connection with its merger with Promistar Financial
Corporation of our report dated February 5, 2001, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of F.N.B. Corporation and Subsidiaries
incorporated by reference in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2000, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Birmingham, Alabama
February 26, 2002