Back to GetFilings.com



==========================================================================

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.    20549

________________________

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

 

[X]

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES

 

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002

 

or

[  ]

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES

 

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

 

 

 

For the transition period from _______________ to ______________

 

 

 

 

Commission file number 0-7201.

 

 

 

BROWN & BROWN, INC.

 

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

 

 

Florida

59-0864469

 

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

 

 

 

220 South Ridgewood Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32114

 

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

 

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (386) 252-9601

 

Registrant's Website: www.bbinsurance.com

 

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

 

 

 

Title of each class

Name of each exchange on which Registered

__________________________________

_____________________________________

COMMON STOCK, $0.10 PAR VALUE

NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE

RIGHTS TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK

NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE

 

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

________________________

 

     Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes [X]   No [  ]

 

     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [X ]

 

     Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2) Yes [ ] No [ X]

 

 

 

     The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant (i.e., other than directors, officers, or holders of more than 5% of the Registrant's common stock) computed by reference to the last reported price at which the stock was sold on March 18, 2003, was $30.46.

 

     The number of shares of the Registrant's common stock, $.10 par value, outstanding as of March 18, 2003 was 68,096,951.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Registrant's 2002 Annual Report to Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Parts I and II of this Report.  With the exception of those portions which are incorporated by reference, the Registrant's Annual Report to Shareholders is not deemed filed as part of this Report.

Portions of the Registrant's Proxy Statement for the 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report.

==============================================================================


 

 

BROWN & BROWN, INC.

 

FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002

 

PART I

 

 

ITEM 1. 

Business

 

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

We make "forward-looking statements" within the "safe harbor" provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 throughout this report and in the documents we incorporate by reference into this report.  You can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "plan" and "continue" or similar words.  We have based these statements on our current expectations about future events.  Although we believe that our expectations reflected in or suggested by our forward-looking statements are reasonable, our actual results may differ materially from what we currently expect.  Important factors which could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this report include:

 

            -material adverse changes in economic conditions in the markets we serve;

 

            -future regulatory actions and conditions in the states in which we conduct our business;

 

            -competition from others in the insurance agency and brokerage business;

 

            -the integration of our operations with those of businesses or assets we have acquired or
             may acquire in the future and the failure to realize the expected benefits of such
             integration; and

 

            -other risks and uncertainties as may be detailed from time to time in our public
             announcements and Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

 

You should carefully read this report completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect.  All forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements.

 

We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

 

 

 

General

 

We are the largest insurance agency and brokerage headquartered in the southeastern United States and the sixth largest in the country, based on 2001 total revenues. The name of the company following the 1993 combination of Brown & Brown, Inc., which commenced doing business in 1939, and Poe & Associates, Inc., which commenced doing business in 1959, was Poe & Brown, Inc. The name was changed to Brown & Brown, Inc. in 1999.

 

We market and sell to our customers insurance products and services, primarily in the property and casualty area. As an agent and broker, we do not assume underwriting risks. Instead, we provide our customers with quality insurance contracts, as well as other targeted, customized risk management products.

 

We are compensated for our services primarily by commissions paid by insurance companies and fees paid by customers for certain services. The commission is usually a percentage of the premium paid by the insured. Commission rates generally depend upon the type of insurance, the particular insurance company and the nature of the services provided by us. In some cases, a commission is shared with other agents or brokers who have acted jointly with us in a transaction. We may also receive from an insurance company a contingent commission that is generally based on the profitability and volume of business placed with it by us over a given period of time. Fees are principally generated by our Services Division, which offers third-party administration, benefit consulting and managed healthcare services primarily in the workers' compensation and employee benefit markets. The amount of our income from commissions and fees is a function of, among other factors, continued new business production, retention of existing customers, acquisitions and fluctuations in insurance premium rates and insurable exposure units.

 

Premium pricing within the property and casualty insurance underwriting industry has historically been cyclical, displaying a high degree of volatility based on prevailing economic and competitive conditions. From the mid-1980s through 1999, the property and casualty insurance industry experienced a "soft market" during which the underwriting capacity of insurance companies expanded, stimulating an increase in competition and a decrease in premium rates and related commissions. The effect of this softness in rates on our revenues was somewhat offset by our acquisitions and new business production. As a result of increasing "loss ratios" (the comparison of incurred losses plus adjustment expense against earned premiums) of insurance companies through 1999, there was a general increase in premium rates beginning in the first quarter of 2000 and continuing through the fourth quarter of 2002. Although premium increases vary by line of business, geographical region, insurance company and specific underwriting factors, we believe this was the first time since 1987 that we operated in an environment of increased premiums for three consecutive years.  While we cannot predict the timing or extent of premium pricing changes as a result of market fluctuations or their effect on our operations in the future, we believe that premium rates will continue to increase through at least 2003.

 

Beginning in 1993 through 2002, we acquired 118 insurance agency operations (excluding acquired books of business) that had aggregate estimated annual revenues of $302.0 million for the 12 calendar months immediately following the date of acquisition.  Of these, 32 operations were acquired during 2002, with aggregate estimated annual revenues of $62.0 million for the 12 calendar months immediately preceding the date of acquisition.  Additionally, 26 operations were acquired during 2001, with aggregate estimated annual revenues of $148.0 million for the 12 calendar months immediately following the date of acquisition, including our asset acquisition of the insurance agency business-related assets of Riedman Corporation, effective January 1, 2001, with estimated annual revenues of $54.0 million for the 12 calendar months immediately following the date of acquisition. The large number of acquisitions in 2001 was largely due to the then-anticipated elimination of pooling-of-interests accounting for stock acquisitions, which encouraged the shareholders of certain agencies, especially "C" corporations, to accelerate the sale of their stock to us. As of December 31, 2002, our activities were conducted in 135 locations in 30 states as follows

 

Florida..................

37

 

Arkansas................

2

New York............

19

 

Connecticut............

2

Virginia................

8

 

Minnesota..............

2

South Carolina......

  6

 

Pennsylvania..........

2

California.............

  5

 

Tennessee..............

2

Colorado..............

5

 

Illinois....................

1

Georgia................

5

 

Indiana...................

1

Louisiana..............

  5

 

Iowa......................

1

North Dakota.......

5

 

Michigan................

1

New Jersey.........

  4

 

Missouri.................

1

Texas..................

4

 

Nevada..................

1

Arizona................

3

 

North Carolina........

1

New Mexico........

3

 

Ohio.......................

1

Oklahoma............

  3

 

Wisconsin...............

1

Washington..........

3

 

Wyoming................

1

 

Our business is divided into four reportable segments: (1) the Retail Division; (2) the National Programs Division; (3) the Services Division; and (4) the Brokerage Division. The Retail Division provides a broad range of insurance products and services to commercial, governmental, professional and individual customers. The National Programs Division is comprised of two units: Professional Programs, which provides professional liability and related package products for certain professionals; and Special Programs, which markets targeted products and services designated for specific industries, trade groups and market niches. These programs and products are marketed and sold primarily through independent agencies and agents across the United States. For these programs, we receive an "override commission," which is a commission based upon the commissions generated by these independent agencies. The Services Division provides insurance-related services, including third-party administration, consulting for the workers' compensation and employee benefit self-insurance markets and managed healthcare services. The Brokerage Division markets and sells excess and surplus commercial insurance and reinsurance, primarily through independent agents and brokers. In 2002, we generated commission and fee revenues of $452.3 million.

 

The following table sets forth a summary of (1) the commission and fee revenues generated by each of our reportable segments for 2002, 2001 and 2000, and (2) the percentage of our total commission and fee revenues represented by each segment for each such period:

 

(in thousands, except percentages)

 

2002   

 

%    

 

2001   

 

%    

 

2000   

 

%    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail Division(1).......................

$342,331

75.7%

$281,118

78.2%

$195,222

75.6%

National Programs Division........

57,764

12.8    

42,176

11.7    

34,011

13.2 

Services Division.......................

28,149

6.2    

24,509

6.8    

21,299

8.2 

Brokerage Division....................

24,045

5.3    

11,894

3.3    

7,777

 3.0 

     Total....................................

$452,289

100.0% 

$359,697

100.0% 

$258,309

100.0 

 

(1) Numbers and percentages have been restated to give effect to acquisitions accounted for under the pooling-of-interests method of accounting. In addition, we made acquisitions accounted for under the purchase method of accounting during those periods, which affect the comparability of results. See "Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations: General" and notes 2 and 3 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements for a description of our acquisitions.

 

DIVISIONS

 

Retail Division

 

As of December 31, 2002, our Retail Division operated in 28 states and employed approximately 2,493 persons. Our retail insurance agency business provides a broad range of income products and sources to commercial, governmental, professional and individual customers. The categories of insurance principally sold by us are: Property insurance against physical damage to property and resultant interruption of business or extra expense caused by fire, windstorm or other perils; and Casualty insurance relating to legal liabilities, workers' compensation, commercial and private passenger automobile coverages, and fidelity and surety insurance. We also sell and service group and individual life, accident, disability, health, hospitalization, medical and dental insurance.

 

No material part of our retail business is attributable to a single client or a few customers. During 2002, commissions and fees from our largest single Retail Division customer represented less than one percent of the Retail Division's total commission and fee revenues.

 

In connection with the selling and marketing of insurance coverages, we provide a broad range of related services to our customers, such as risk management surveys and analysis, consultation in connection with placing insurance coverages and claims processing. We believe these services are important factors in securing and retaining customers.

 

National Program Division

 

As of December 31, 2002, our National Programs Division employed approximately 316 persons. Our National Programs Division consists of two units: Professional Programs and Special Programs.

 

Professional Programs.  Professional Programs provides professional liability and related package products for certain professionals delivered through nationwide networks of independent agents. Professional Programs tailors insurance products to the needs of a particular professional group, negotiates policy forms, coverages and commission rates with an insurance company and, in certain cases, secures the formal or informal endorsement of the product by a professional association. The professional groups serviced by the National Programs Division include dentists, lawyers, physicians, optometrists, opticians, insurance agents and real estate agents.  The professional medical-related programs are marketed and sold primarily through a national network of independent agencies, while the professional liability programs of our CalSurance operations in Orange, California are marketed and sold directly to our insured customers.  We also market a variety of these products through certain of our retail offices. Under agency agreements with the insurance companies that underwrite these programs, we often have authority to bind coverages, subject to established guidelines, to bill and collect premiums and, in some cases, to process claims.

 

Below are brief descriptions of the programs offered to these major professional groups:

 

 

  

Dentists:  The Professional Protector Plan® is a package insurance policy that provides comprehensive coverage for dentists, dental schools and dental students, including practice protection and professional liability. This program, initiated in 1969, is endorsed by a number of state and local dental societies and is offered in 49 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

 

 

 

 

Lawyers:  We began marketing lawyers' professional liability insurance in 1973, and the national Lawyer's Protector Plan® was introduced in 1983. This program is presently offered in 47 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

 

 

 

 

Physicians:  We market professional liability insurance for physicians, surgeons and other health care providers through a program known as the Physicians Protector Plan®. This program, initiated in 1980, is currently offered in five states.  The contract with the underwriting company on this program expires in March 2003.  We are actively seeking a replacement carrier, but there is no assurance that one will be found.

 

 

 

 

Optometrists and Opticians:  The Optometric Protector Plan® ("OPP®") and the Optical Services Protector Plan® ("OSPP®") were created in 1973 and 1987, respectively, to provide optometrists and opticians with a package of practice and professional liability coverage. These programs insure optometrists and opticians in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

 

 

 

 

CalSurance:  CalSurance provides professional liability programs to insurance agents, financial advisors, security broker dealers, real estate brokers, title agents and home inspectors.  CalSurance also sells commercial insurance packages directly to customers in certain industry niches, including entertainment, destination resort hotels, Asian business owners, pizza operators, plus others.  An important aspect of CalSurance is its Lancer Claims Services which provides specialty claims administrations for insurance companies involved with CalSurance product lines.

 

 

 

Special Programs.  Special Programs markets targeted products and services designated for specific industries, trade groups and market niches.  All of the Special Programs, except for the Parcel Insurance Plan®, are marketed and sold primarily through independent agents.  Parcel Insurance Plan® markets and sells its insurance product directly to the insured customers.  Under agency agreements with the insurance companies that underwrite these programs, we often have authority to bind coverages, subject to established guidelines, to bill and collect premiums and, in some cases, to process claims.

 

Below are brief descriptions of the Special Programs:

 

 

 

 

Florida Intracoastal Underwriters, Limited Company ("FIU") is a managing general agency that specializes in providing insurance coverage for coastal and inland high-value condominiums and apartments. FIU has developed a specialty reinsurance facility to support the underwriting activities associated with these risks. One of our wholly-owned subsidiaries had a 75% ownership interest in FIU through December 31, 2002.  Effective January 1, 2003, that subsidiary acquired the remaining 25% ownership interest in FIU.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parcel Insurance Plan® ("PIP®") is a specialty insurance agency providing insurance coverage to commercial and private shippers for small packages and parcels with insured values of less than $25,000 each.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Program Management Services is a managing general agent that offers unique property and casualty insurance products targeted at governmental entities on a national basis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

AFC offers commercial insurance package products to social services organizations in 11 states.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial Programs serves the insurance needs of certain specialty trade/industry groups. Programs offered include:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manufacturers Protector Plan®.  Introduced in 1997, this program provides specialized coverages for manufacturers, with an emphasis on selected niche markets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wholesalers & Distributors Preferred Program®.  Introduced in 1997, this program provides property and casualty protection for businesses principally engaged in the wholesale-distribution industry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Railroad Protector Plan®.  Also introduced in 1997, this program is designed for contractors, manufacturers and other entities that service the needs of the railroad industry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Environmental Protector Plan®.  Introduced in 1998, this program provides a variety of specialized coverages primarily to municipal Mosquito Control and Water Control Districts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Food Processors Preferred Program(SM).  This program, introduced in 1998, provides property and casualty insurance protection for businesses involved in the handling and processing of various foods.

 

 

 

 

During 2001, we discontinued the following Commercial Programs due to loss of underwriting insurance companies:  Towing Operators Protector Plan®; Automobile Dealers Protector Plan®; Automobile Transporters Protector Plan®; Automotive Aftermarket Protector Plan®; High-Tech Target Program(SM)   and Assisted Living Facilities Protector Plan®.  We are currently evaluating the continued viability of these and certain other programs.

 

 

 

Service Division

 

 

 

At December 31, 2002, our Services Division employed approximately 311 persons and consisted of subsidiaries that provide the following services: (1) insurance-related services as a third-party administrator and consultant for employee health and welfare benefit plans; (2) insurance-related services providing comprehensive risk management and third-party administration to insurance entities and self-funded or fully-insured workers' compensation and liability plans; and (3) certified managed care and utilization management services for both insurance programs and self-funded plans.

 

 

 

In connection with its employee benefit plan administrative services, the Services Division provides third-party administration and consulting related to benefit plan design and costing, arrangement for the placement of stop-loss insurance and other employee benefit coverages, and settlement of claims. Services Division units also provide utilization management services such as pre-admission review, concurrent/retrospective review, pre-treatment review of certain non-hospital treatment plans and medical and psychiatric case management. In addition to the administration of self-funded health care plans, this unit offers administration of flexible benefit plans, including plan design, employee communication, enrollment and reporting.

 

 

 

The Services Division's workers' compensation and liability third-party administration includes claim administration, access to major reinsurance markets, cost containment consulting, services for secondary disability and subrogation recoveries and risk management services such as loss control. In 2002, our largest workers' compensation contract represented approximately 33.4% of our workers' compensation third-party administration revenues, or approximately 1.2% of our total commission and fee revenues. In addition, the Services Division provides managed care services certified by the American Accreditation Health Care Commission, which include medical networks, case management and utilization review services.

 

 

 

Brokerage Division

 

 

 

The Brokerage Division markets excess and surplus commercial insurance and reinsurance to retail agencies primarily in the southeastern United States, as well as throughout the United States, including through our Retail Division. The Brokerage Division represents various U.S. and U.K. surplus lines companies and is also a Lloyd's of London correspondent. In addition to surplus lines insurance companies, the Brokerage Division represents admitted insurance companies for smaller agencies that do not have access to large insurance company representation. Excess and surplus products include commercial automobile, garage, restaurant, builder's risk and inland marine lines. Difficult-to-insure general liability and products liability coverages are a specialty, as is excess workers' compensation coverage. Retail agency business is solicited through mailings and direct contact with retail agency representatives. At December 31, 2002, the Brokerage Division employed approximately 201 persons.

 

 

 

In September 2001, we established Brown & Brown Re, Inc., a subsidiary based in Stamford, Connecticut that specializes in treaty and facultative reinsurance brokerage services.

 

 

 

Employees

 

 

 

At December 31, 2002, we had approximately 3,384 employees. We have contracts with our sales employees and certain other employees that include provisions restricting their right to solicit our customers and employees after termination of employment with us. The enforceability of such contracts varies from state to state depending upon state statutes, judicial decisions and factual circumstances. The majority of these contracts are terminable by either party; however, the agreements not to solicit our customers and employees generally continue for a period of two or three years after employment termination.

 

 

 

None of our employees is represented by a labor union, and we consider our relations with our employees to be satisfactory.

 

 

 

Competition

 

 

 

The insurance agency and brokerage business is highly competitive, and numerous firms actively compete with us for customers and insurance companies. Although we are the largest insurance agency and brokerage headquartered in the southeastern United States and were ranked in 2002, based on 2001 revenues, as the nation's sixth largest by Business Insurance magazine, a number of firms with substantially greater resources and market presence compete with us in the southeastern United States and elsewhere. This situation is particularly pronounced outside of Florida. Competition in the insurance business is largely based on innovation, quality of service and price.

 

 

 

A number of insurance companies are engaged in the direct sale of insurance, primarily to individuals, and do not pay commissions to third-party agents and brokers. In addition, the Internet continues to be a source for direct placement of personal lines business. To date, such direct writing has had little effect on our operations, primarily because our Retail Division is commercially oriented.

 

 

 

In addition, to the extent that the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999 and regulations recently enacted thereunder permit banks, securities firms and insurance companies to affiliate, the financial services industry may experience further consolidation, which in turn could result in increased competition from diversified financial institutions, including competition for acquisition candidates.

 

 

 

Regulation, Licensing and Agency Contracts

 

 

 

We or our designated employees must be licensed to act as agents by state regulatory authorities in the states in which we conduct business. Regulations and licensing laws vary in individual states and are often complex.

 

 

 

The applicable licensing laws and regulations in all states are subject to amendment or reinterpretation by state regulatory authorities, and such authorities are vested in most cases with relatively broad discretion as to the granting, revocation, suspension and renewal of licenses. The possibility exists that we or our employees could be excluded or temporarily suspended from carrying on some or all of our activities in, or otherwise subjected to penalties by, a particular state.

 

 

 

ITEM 2. 

Properties

 

 

 

We lease our executive offices, which are located at 220 South Ridgewood Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114, and 401 East Jackson Street, Suite 1700, Tampa, Florida 33602. We lease offices at every location with the exception of our; Washington, New Jersey; Dansville, Hornell and Jamestown, New York; and Grand Forks, North Dakota offices, where we own the buildings. In addition, we own buildings in Loreauville and Scott, Louisiana where we no longer have offices, as well as a parcel of undeveloped property outside of Lafayette, Louisiana and an office condominium in Sarasota, Florida.  There is a mortgage on the Grand Forks, North Dakota building with an outstanding balance as of December 31, 2002 of $0.1 million. There are no outstanding mortgages on our other owned properties. Set forth below is information relating to our office locations as of December 31, 2002, summarized by business segment:

 

 

 

Retail Division Office Locations:

 

 

Arizona:  Phoenix, Prescott, Tucson

 

 

Arkansas: Little Rock, Russellville

 

 

California:  Brea, Novato, Oakland, Orange, Thousand Oaks

 

 

Colorado:  Colorado Springs, Denver, Ft. Collins, Longmont, Steamboat Springs

 

 

Connecticut:  Newington

 

 

Florida: Brooksville, Clearwater, Daytona Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Myers, Ft. Pierce, Jacksonville, Largo, Leesburg,   Melbourne, Miami Lakes, Monticello, Naples, Ocala, Orlando, Panama City, Perry, Port Charlotte,   Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Tallahassee, Tampa, Titusville, West Palm Beach, Winter Haven

 

 

Georgia:   Atlanta, Canton, Rome

 

 

Illinois:  Joliet

 

 

Indiana:  Indianapolis

 

 

Iowa:  Des Moines

 

 

Louisiana:  Baton Rouge, Breaux Bridge, Lafayette, Opelousas

 

 

Michigan:  Flint

 

 

Minnesota:  East Grand Forks, Mankato

 

 

Nevada:  Las Vegas

 

 

New Jersey:  Clark, Freehold, Parsippany, Washington

 

 

New Mexico:  Albuquerque, Roswell, Taos

 

 

New York:  Avon, Clifton Park, Dansville, East Greenbush, Endicott, Geneva, Hornell, Ithaca, Jamestown,   Naples, Rochester, Rome, Sodus, Spencerport, Syracuse, Wellsville, Williamsville, Wolcott

 

 

North Dakota:  Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Minot

 

 

Ohio:  Toledo

 

 

Oklahoma:  Chandler, Pryor

 

 

Pennsylvania:  Bethlehem

 

 

South Carolina:  Charleston, Georgetown, Greenville, Spartanburg, Union

 

 

Tennessee:  Kingsport

 

 

Texas:  El Paso, Houston

 

 

Virginia:  Bristol, Manassas, Norfolk, Norton, Richlands, Richmond, Salem, Virginia Beach

 

 

Washington:  Seattle, Tacoma, Wenatachee

 

 

Wisconsin:  Lacrosse

 

 

Wyoming:  Cheyenne

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Programs Division Office Locations:

 

 

Professional Programs:

 

 

 

•   California: Orange

 

 

 

•   Florida:  Tampa

 

 

 

Special Programs:

 

 

 

Florida: Altamonte Springs, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami Lakes, Plantation, Tampa

 

 

Missouri: St. Louis

 

 

New York: Mechanicville

 

 

Pennsylvania:  Bethlehem

 

 

Texas: San Antonio

 

Services Division Office Locations:

 

Florida:  Altamonte Springs, Daytona Beach, Orlando, Oviedo

 

Louisiana:  Lafayette

 

Brokerage Division Office Locations:

 

 

 

Arkansas: Little Rock

 

 

California:  Brea

 

 

Connecticut:  Stamford

 

 

Florida:  Daytona Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Lake Mary, Orlando, St. Petersburg

 

 

Georgia:  Atlanta

 

 

New York:  Massapequa, Rochester

 

 

North Carolina:  Charlotte

 

 

Oklahoma:  Bartlesville

 

 

Tennessee:  Nashville

 

 

 

 

Our operating leases expire on various dates. These leases generally contain renewal options and escalation clauses based on increases in the lessors' operating expenses and other charges. We expect that most leases will be renewed or replaced upon expiration. From time to time, we may have unused space and seek to sublet such space to third parties, depending on the demand for office space in the locations involved. See note 13 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements for additional information on our lease commitments.

 

ITEM 3.      

Legal Proceedings

 

We prevailed on a motion for summary judgment in the action filed on January 19, 2000, in the Superior Court of Henry County, Georgia, captioned Gresham & Associates, Inv. v. Anthony T. Strianese, et al.  The complaint named us, certain of our subsidiaries and employees as defendants and alleged, among other things, that we tortuously interfered with contractual relationships and otherwise engaged in anti-competitive activities.  The complaint sought compensatory and punitive damages in excess of $10,000,000.  Although the plaintiff has appealed the adverse summary judgment, we expect an affirmation of the judgment by the appellate court.

 

We are involved in various other pending or threatened proceedings by or against us or one or more of our subsidiaries that involve routine litigation relating to insurance risks placed by us and other contractual matters. Our management does not believe that any of such pending or threatened proceedings will have a materially adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or future operations.

 

ITEM 4. 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during our fourth quarter ended December 31, 2002.

 

PART II

 

ITEM 5. 

Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

 

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol "BRO". The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, the intra-day high and low sales prices for our common stock as reported on the NYSE Composite Tape and dividends declared on our common stock. The stock prices and dividends reflect the two-for-one common stock split on November 21, 2001 that was effected as a stock dividend.

 

 

 

  Cash     

 

High  

Low  

Dividends

2001

  First Quarter..........................................

 

$19.96

 

$14.38

 

$0.0375

  Second Quarter......................................

23.05

16.95

0.0375

  Third Quarter.........................................

26.30

20.50

0.0375

  Fourth Quarter.......................................

31.50

23.70

0.0475

2002

 

 

 

  First Quarter..........................................

$36.33

$26.03

$0.0475

  Second Quarter......................................

37.00

30.15

0.0475

  Third Quarter.........................................

31.80

24.00

0.0475

  Fourth Quarter.......................................

34.80

27.40

0.0575

2003

 

 

 

  First Quarter..........................................

33.81

26.75

$0.0595

 

The last reported sale price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on March 18, 2003 was $30.46 per share. At March 18, 2003, there were 68,096,951 shares of our common stock outstanding, held by approximately 1,090 shareholders of record.

 

Information under the caption "Equity Compensation Plans" on page 12 of the Company's Proxy Statement for its 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 6. 

Selected Financial Data

 

Information under the caption "Financial Highlights" on page 24 of the Company's 2002 Annual Report to Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 7. 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Information under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" on pages 25-37 of the Company's 2002 Annual Report to Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates and equity prices. We are exposed to market risk through our investments, revolving credit line and term loan agreements.

 

Our invested assets are held as cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, available-for-sale marketable equity securities, non-marketable equity securities and certificates of deposit. These investments are subject to interest rate risk and equity price risk. The fair values of our cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and certificates of deposit at December 31, 2002 and 2001 approximated their respective carrying values due to their short-term duration and therefore such market risk is not considered to be material.

 

We do not actively invest or trade in equity securities. In addition, we generally dispose of any significant equity securities received in conjunction with an acquisition shortly after the acquisition date. However, we have no current intentions to add or dispose of any of the 559,970 common stock shares of Rock-Tenn Company, a publicly-held NYSE company, which we have owned for over ten years. The investment in Rock-Tenn Company accounted for 84% and 85% of the total value of available-for-sale marketable equity securities, non-marketable equity securities and certificates of deposit as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Rock-Tenn Company's closing stock price at December 31, 2002 and 2001 was $13.48 and $14.40 respectively. Our exposure to equity price risk is primarily related to the Rock-Tenn Company investment. As of December 31, 2002, the value of the Rock-Tenn Company investment was $7,548,000.

 

To hedge the risk of increasing interest rates from January 2, 2002 through the remaining six years of our seven-year $90 million term loan, on December 5, 2001 we entered into an interest rate swap agreement that effectively converted the floating rate LIBOR-based interest payments to fixed interest rate payments at 4.53%.  We do not otherwise enter into derivatives, swaps or other similar financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

 

At December 31, 2002, the interest rate swap agreement was as follows:

 

 

(in thousands, except percentages)

Contractual/
Notional Amount

Fair Value

Weighted Average
  Pay Rates

Weighted Average
Received Rates

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate swap

 

 

 

 

  agreement ......................

$64,286

$3,339

4.53%

1.40%

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 8.      

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

The Consolidated Financial Statements of Brown & Brown, Inc. and its subsidiaries, together with the reports thereon of Deloitte & Touche LLP and Arthur Andersen LLP appearing on pages 38-66 of the Company's 2002 Annual Report to Shareholders, are incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 9.    

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial

 

Disclosure

 

On June 14, 2002, the Company's Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of its Audit Committee, decided no longer to engage Arthur Andersen LLP ("Andersen") and decided to engage Deloitte & Touche LLP to serve as the independent public accountants for the Company. 

 

Andersen's audit reports on the Company's consolidated financial statements for each of the years ended 2001 and 2000 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor were they qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 and through June 14, 2002, there were no disagreements with Andersen on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreement(s), if not resolved to the satisfaction of Andersen, would have caused them to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement(s) in connection with their report.

 

None of the reportable events described under Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K occurred within Brown's two most recent fiscal years and the subsequent interim period through June 19, 2002.  The Company provided Andersen with a copy of the above disclosures.  A copy of Andersen's letter dated June 19, 2002, stating its agreement with such statements was filed as Exhibit 16 with the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2002.

 

PART III

 

 

 

ITEM 10.

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

 

 

Information contained under the captions "Management" and "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" on pages 4-7, and page 10, respectively, of the Company's Proxy Statement for its 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

ITEM 11.

Executive Compensation

 

 

Information contained under the caption "Executive Compensation" on pages 10-13 of the Company's Proxy Statement for its 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference; provided, however, that the report of the Compensation Committee on executive compensation, which begins on page 14 thereof, shall not be deemed to be incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

 

 

Information contained under the caption "Security Ownership of Management and Certain Beneficial Owners" on pages 2-3 of the Company's Proxy Statement for its 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

ITEM 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

 

 

 

 

Information contained under the captions "Management - Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" and "Executive Compensation - Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" on pages 8-10 and 13, respectively, of the Company's Proxy Statement for its 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

PART IV

 

ITEM 14.

Controls and Procedures.

 

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Within 90 days prior to the date of this report, we carried out an evaluation (the "Evaluation"), under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures ("Disclosure Controls").  Based on the Evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that, subject to the limitations noted below, our Disclosure Controls are effective in timely alerting them to material information required to be included in our periodic Securities and Exchange Commission reports

 

Changes in Internal Controls

 

We have also evaluated our internal controls for financial reporting, and there have been no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect those controls subsequent to the date of their last evaluation. 

 

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

 

Our management, including our CEO and CFO, does not expect that our Disclosure Controls and internal controls will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control.

 

The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

 

CEO and CFO Certifications

 

Appearing immediately following the Signatures section of this report there are Certifications of the CEO and the CFO. The Certifications are required in accordance with Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "Section 302 Certifications").  This Item of this report, which you are currently reading is the information concerning the Evaluation referred to in the Section 302 Certifications and this information should be read in conjunction with the Section 302 Certifications for a more complete understanding of the topics presented.

 

 

ITEM 15.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K

 

 

 

(a)

The following documents are filed as part of this report:

 

 

 

 

 

1.

 

Consolidated Financial Statements of Brown & Brown, Inc. consisting of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2002 and 2001.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c)

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(d)

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(e)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(f)

Reports of Independent Certified Public Accountants.

 

 

 

 

 

2.

Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules. The Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules are omitted because they are not applicable.

 

 

 

 

 

3.

EXHIBITS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2a

Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of July 25, 2001, by and among the Registrant, Brown & Brown of Washington, Inc., Raleigh, Schwarz & Powell, Inc. and the Raleigh, Schwarz & Powell, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Form S-4/A filed October 3, 2001).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2b

Amendment No. 1 to Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of August 10, 2001, by and among the Registrant, Brown & Brown of Washington, Inc., Raleigh, Schwarz & Powell, Inc. and the Raleigh, Schwarz & Powell, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to Form S-4/A filed October 3, 2001).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3a

Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3a to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001), and Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3a to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1999).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3b

Bylaws of the Registrant as amended effective as of November 8, 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10a

Amended and Restated Revolving and Term Loan Agreement dated January 3, 2001 by and between the Registrant and SunTrust Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4a to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10a(1)

Extension of the Term Loan Agreement between the Registrant and SunTrust (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10b to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10a(2)

Asset Purchase Agreement dated September 11, 2000, by and among the Registrant, Riedman Corporation, and Riedman Corporation's shareholders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10a to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10a(3)

First Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated January 3, 2001, by and among the Registrant, Riedman Corporation, and Riedman Corporation's shareholders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(b) to Form 8-K filed on January 18, 2001).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10a(4)

General Assignment and Bill of Sale, dated January 1, 2001, from Riedman Insurance of Wyoming, Inc. to Brown & Brown of Wyoming, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(c) to Form 8-K filed on January 18, 2001).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10b(1)

Lease of the Registrant for office space at 220 South Ridgewood Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida dated August 15, 1987 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10a(3) to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10b(2)

Lease Agreement for office space at SunTrust Financial Centre, Tampa, Florida, dated February 1995, between Southeast Financial Center Associates, as landlord, and the Registrant, as tenant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10a(4) to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10b(3)

Lease Agreement for office space at Riedman Tower, Rochester, New York, dated January 3, 2001, between Riedman Corporation, as landlord, and the Registrant, as tenant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10b(3) to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10c(1)

Loan Agreement between Continental Casualty Company and the Registrant dated August 23, 1991 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10d to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1991).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10c(2)

Extension to Loan Agreement, dated August 1, 1998, between the Registrant and Continental Casualty Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10c(2) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10d

Indemnity Agreement dated January 1, 1979, among the Registrant, Whiting National Management, Inc., and Pennsylvania Manufacturers' Association Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10g to Registration Statement No. 33-58090 on Form S-4).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10e

Agency Agreement dated January 1, 1979 among the Registrant, Whiting National Management, Inc., and Pennsylvania Manufacturers' Association Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10h to Registration Statement No. 33-58090 on Form S-4).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10f(1)

Deferred Compensation Agreement, dated May 6, 1998, between the Registrant and Kenneth E. Hill (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10l to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10f(2)

Letter Agreement, dated May 6, 1998, between the Registrant and Kenneth E. Hill (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10m to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10g

Employment Agreement, dated as of July 29, 1999, between the Registrant and J. Hyatt Brown (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10f to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10h

Portions of Employment Agreement, dated April 28, 1993 between the Registrant and Jim W. Henderson (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10m to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10i

Employment Agreement, dated May 6, 1998 between the Registrant and Kenneth E. Hill (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10k to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10j

Noncompetition, Nonsolicitation and Confidentiality Agreement, effective as of January 1, 2001 between the Registrant and John R. Riedman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10l to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10k

Asset Purchase Agreement, effective as of May 1, 2001, by and among Brown & Brown of Missouri, Inc., Parcel Insurance Plan, Inc., Overseas Partners Capital Corp., and Overseas Partners, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10l to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10l

Asset Purchase Agreement, effective October 1, 2001, by and among Brown & Brown of Lehigh Valley, Inc., Henry S. Lehr, Inc., William H. Lehr, and Patsy A. Lehr (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10m to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10m(1)

Registrant's 2000 Incentive Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to Registration Statement No. 333-43018 on Form S-8 filed on August 3, 2000).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10m(2)

Registrant's Stock Performance Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to Registration Statement No. 333-14925 on Form S-8 filed on October 28, 1996).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10n

Rights Agreement, dated as of July 30, 1999, between the Registrant and First Union National Bank, as Rights Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K filed on August 2, 1999).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10o

International Swap Dealers Association, Inc. Master Agreement dated as of December 5, 2001 between SunTrust Bank and the Registrant and letter agreement dated December 6, 2001, regarding confirmation of interest rate transaction (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10p to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10p

Asset Purchase Agreement, effective October 3, 2001, by and among Brown & Brown of Lehigh Valley, Inc., Apollo Financial Corporation, William H. Lehr and Patsy A. Lehr (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10q to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10q

Amended and Restated Asset Purchase Agreement, effective November 1, 2002, by and among Brown & Brown. Inc., CalSurance Associates, Inc., United Network of Insurance Services, Inc., Sterling Reinsurance Intermediaries, Inc., Lancer Claims Services Corporation, Donald W. Martin and Renee Martin, as Trustees of the Martin Living Trust U/D/T dated August 14, 1984, as Amended October 22, 1986, and Donald E. Martin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13

Portions of Registrant's 2002 Annual Report to Shareholders (not deemed "filed" under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except for those portions specifically incorporated by reference herein).

 

 

 

 

 

 

16

Letter Regarding Change of Certifying Accountant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 16 to Form 8-K filed on June 19, 2002).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21

Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23

Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24

Powers of Attorney pursuant to which this Form 10-K has been signed on behalf of certain directors and officers of the Registrant.

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

 

 

 

     We filed the following Current Reports on Form 8-K during the last quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

Current report on Form 8-K regarding the announcement of the election of Jim W. Henderson as President and Chief Operating Officer, the assumption of expanded responsibilities by Linda S. Downs, and the elections of Charles H. Lydecker and J. Powell Brown as Regional Executive Vice Presidents, filed on November 15, 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 2.

Current report on Form 8-K regarding the announcement that the Company had completed the previously announced asset acquisition of CalSurance Associates, Inc., United Network of Insurance Services, Inc., Sterling Reinsurance Intermediaries, Inc., Lancer Claims Service, Inc., and Chartered Financial Services Corporation, effective November 1, 2002, filed on November 12, 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

            Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

BROWN & BROWN, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

Registrant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:___________*_____________

 

 

 

 

 

J. Hyatt Brown

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

Date:  March 24, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

Title

Date

                       

 

 

                             *                                

Chairman of the Board and

March 24, 2003

J. Hyatt Brown

  Chief Executive Officer

 

 

  (Principal Executive Officer)

 

                       

 

 

                            *                                  

Director

March 24, 2003

Samuel P. Bell, III

 

 

                         

 

 

                            *                                  

Director

March 24, 2003

Bradley Currey, Jr.

 

 

                      

 

 

                             *                                   

President and Chief Operating

March 24, 2003

Jim W. Henderson

  Officer, Director

 

 

 

 

                            *                                   

Director

March 24, 2003

David H. Hughes

 

 

          

 

 

                            *                                   

Director

March 24, 2003

Theodore J. Hoepner

 

 

 

 

 

                            *                                   

Director

March 24, 2003

Toni Jennings

 

 

 

 

 

                             *                                   

Director

March 24, 2003

John R. Riedman

 

 

 

 

 

                            *                                   

Director

March 24, 2003

Jan E. Smith

 

 

 

 

 

                             *                                      

Vice President, Treasurer and

March 24, 2003

Cory T. Walker

  Chief Financial Officer (Principal

 

 

  Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

*By: 

/S/ LAUREL L. GRAMMIG

 

Laurel L. Grammig

 

Attorney-in-Fact

 

 

 

CERTIFICATIONS

 

I, J. Hyatt Brown, certify that:

 

 

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Brown & Brown, Inc. ("Registrant");

 

 

 

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

 

 

 

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows  of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

 

 

 

 

4.

The Registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the Registrant and have:

 

 

 

 

 

a)

designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

 

 

 

 

 

 

b)

evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

 

 

 

 

 

 

c)

presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date.

 

 

 

 

 

5.

The Registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the Registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

 

 

 

 

a)

all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the Registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial data and have identified for the Registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

b)

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant's internal controls.

 

 

 

 

 

6.

The Registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

 

 

 

 

Date:  March 24, 2003

 

/S/ J. HYATT BROWN

  ________________________

  J. Hyatt Brown

Chief Executive Officer


 

CERTIFICATIONS

 

I, Cory T. Walker, certify that:

 

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Brown & Brown, Inc. ("Registrant");

 

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

 

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

 

 

4.

The Registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the Registrant and have:

 

 

 

a)

designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

 

 

 

 

b)

evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

 

 

 

 

c)

presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date.

 

 

 

5.

The Registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the Registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

 

 

a)

all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the Registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial data and have identified for the Registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

 

 

 

 

b)

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant's internal controls.

 

 

 

6.

The Registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

 

 

Date:  March 24, 2003

 

/S/ CORY T. WALKER

________________________________

Cory T. Walker

Chief Financial Officer