Exhibit 23

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the three Registration Statements on Form S-8 of Heritage Financial Group, Inc. (SEC File Numbers 333-171391, 333-171894, and 333-175154) of our report dated March 15, 2012, relating to our audit of the consolidated financial statements of Heritage Financial Group, Inc. as of December31, 2011 and 2010 and for the years ended December31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 and which report is included in Heritage Financial Group, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

	/s/ Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC
Albany, Georgia
March 15, 2012