I grow a few cold-hardy palms and, over time, have done a little reading in the palm literature. I seem to recall that there is general agreement that, like the Washingtonia palms, the European fan palm, though cold tolerant, is difficult to establish in the Southeast--the reason being that although it is tolerant of dry, winter cold, it dislikes the humid winter cold that is typical of a Southeastern winter. I don't think the European fan palm likes to have its feet wet in the winter or any other season, for that matter.

Another thing to consider is that your palm my also have suffered a little tip burn due to slightly colder than normal winter temperatures.