UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): August 16, 2013

Howard Bancorp, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (410) 750-0020

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

⃞ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

⃞ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Section 8 – Other Events

Item  8.01.  Other Events.

On August 16, 2013, Howard Bank, the operating subsidiary of Howard Bancorp, Inc., purchased from Cecil Bank its branch located at 3 West Bel Air Avenue, Aberdeen, Maryland.  Pursuant to the transaction, Howard Bank acquired $37.1 million in loans and $35.2 million in deposits from Cecil Bank, as well as the branch premises and equipment at their book value.  In connection with its purchase of the branch from Cecil Bank, Howard Bank made a net cash payment to Cecil Bank of $3.3 million, including a premium of approximately $240,000.

The Registrant’s press release announcing the closing of the transaction is filed herewith as Exhibit 99.1.

Section 9 – Financial Statements and Exhibits

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits

10.19.1   First Amendment to Branch Purchase and Assumption Agreement between Cecil Bank and Howard Bank dated as of May 8, 2013

99.1        Press Release dated August 19, 2013

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.