Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure

On December 12, 2012, Heartland Financial USA, Inc. issued a press release announcing that its board of directors has approved a special cash dividend of $0.10 per share on the company's common stock payable on December 28, 2012, to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 24, 2012. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits

(a) Financial Statements of Business Acquired.

None.

(b) Pro Forma Financial Information.

None.

(c) Exhibits.

99.1 Press Release dated December 12, 2012.