J. Hyatt Brown is an American businessman, the self-made billionaire Founder and former CEO of Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE: BRO), one of the largest insurance agencies in the United States. Born in Orlando, Florida, in 1937, his father founded a small insurance brokerage in Daytona Beach in 1939.

Brown graduated from the University of Florida. His career began when he joined his father and brother at the agency in 1959. He quickly recognized the potential for growth and adopted a strategy of aggressively securing commercial accounts, transforming the small local agency (which had only $45,000 in annual revenue) into a national powerhouse. His leadership philosophy is built on unwavering integrity, employee empowerment, and prudent financial management.

• Brown & Brown, Inc. (Founder & Former CEO/Chairman): The core publicly traded asset, one of the largest insurance agencies in the U.S. (with over 10,000 employees and billions in annual revenue).
• Political Career: He served as a Democrat in the Florida House of Representatives (1972–1980) and was Speaker of the Florida House (1978–1980).
• Insurance Strategy: His success is built on aggressive growth, performance discipline, and a focus on commercial accounts.
• Family Heritage: His father founded the small insurance brokerage in 1939.

J. Hyatt Brown acquired full control of the family business in 1963 for $75,000 after his father retired and his brother left. He led Brown & Brown through its exponential growth phase, building it into a publicly traded giant (NYSE). His structural contribution is tied to the successful consolidation and professionalization of the regional insurance brokerage industry.

His political career is equally significant: he served as a Democrat in the Florida House of Representatives from 1972 to 1980 and was the Speaker of the Florida House from 1978 to 1980, reflecting a deep commitment to Florida's political and civic life. He retired as CEO and Chairman but remains an influential figure. His wealth is secured by his long-term stake in the publicly traded, high-growth insurance services sector.

J. Hyatt Brown's social impact is structural, stemming from Brown & Brown's role as a massive employer and provider of essential insurance brokerage services (risk management) for businesses and individuals globally. His political career contributed significantly to Florida state governance in the 1970s.

His personal philanthropy supports various educational and community initiatives, often at his alma mater, the University of Florida. His career is a testament to the profitability of disciplined financial management and aggressive growth in the insurance services sector.

J. Hyatt Brown maintains the professional, distinguished style of a businessman and former statesman. His attire is consistently formal and high-quality, favoring tailored suits. His aesthetic reflects stability and immense corporate authority, blending his financial background with his civic service.

Residing in Ormond Beach, Florida, his luxury is the immense security and financial reward derived from his multi-billion dollar fortune. His life is dedicated to insurance management, corporate governance, and Florida politics.