Empire Underwriters, 9654 W Linebaugh Ave, Tampa, FL 33626, US

Almost eight decades ago, with a business empire that included citrus farming, cattle ranching, banking, trucking, natural gas and a steamship line, the Lykes family struggled to find someone to provide insurance coverage for them. In 1925, they decided to start their own insurance company instead, calling it Lykes Insurance. More than 75 years later, it is the oldest insurance company still based in Florida. It offers property and casualty insurance, professional and executive protection, workers compensation, general liability insurance, employee benefits packages and home, auto, life and health insurance coverage. Lykes Insurance is headquartered in Tampa, Fla.