- Net Worth: $40 Million
- Category: Richest Politicians › Republicans
- Birthdate: January 22, 1948 (77 years old)
- Birthplace: Rugby, North Dakota, U.S.
- Profession: Politician, Businessman, Healthcare Executive
- Nationality: United States of America
What is Don Gaetz’s Net Worth?
Don Gaetz is an American businessman, healthcare executive, and former Florida State Senator with an estimated net worth of $40 million. He is widely known for:
- Co-founding VITAS Healthcare, one of the largest hospice care companies in the U.S.
- Selling VITAS Healthcare for $400 million in 2004
- Serving as President of the Florida Senate (2012–2014)
- Being the father of U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz
According to financial disclosures made during his time in the Florida Senate, Gaetz’s net worth was $25 million in 2015. His wealth has since grown, primarily due to investments and assets from the VITAS sale.
Early Life and Education
Tragic Loss of His Father
Don Gaetz was born on January 22, 1948, in Rugby, North Dakota. His father, Jerry Gaetz, was a state legislator and mayor of Rugby.
In 1964, Jerry ran for Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota, but tragically suffered a fatal heart attack while appearing live at the 1964 Republican National Convention. At just 16 years old, Don Gaetz watched his father collapse and die on live television.
Education and Early Career
Gaetz attended Concordia College and later earned a Master’s in Public Administration (M.P.A.) from Troy State University.
In 1978, at the age of 30, he moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where he began working as a hospital administrator. In this role, he successfully lobbied for the first licensure laws in hospice care, making Florida the first U.S. state to require hospice providers to be licensed.
Business Career and VITAS Healthcare
Revolutionizing Hospice Care
Gaetz played a pivotal role in shaping modern hospice care. In 1982, he was a key figure in passing the Federal Hospice Care Reimbursement Act, which:
- Made hospice care a benefit covered under Medicare
- Allowed hospice programs to receive federal funding
The Birth of VITAS Healthcare
In 1983, Gaetz and a group of partners transformed a nonprofit hospice organization into a for-profit healthcare company called Hospice Incorporated, later renamed VITAS Healthcare.
VITAS Healthcare’s Growth
- Became the largest end-of-life care provider in the U.S.
- Operates in 50 hospitals across 14 states + Washington, D.C.
- Employs over 12,000 healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and home health aides
- Provides care for 20,000+ patients daily
The $400 Million VITAS Sale
In 2004, VITAS Healthcare was acquired by Chemed Corporation, the parent company of Roto-Rooter, for $400 million.
At the time of the sale, Gaetz’s personal stake in VITAS left him with a net worth of approximately $25 million, as per Florida Senate financial disclosures.
Chemed Corporation’s Success Post-Acquisition
- Today, Chemed is a publicly traded company
- Market capitalization: $7.5 billion
- Annual revenue: $2 billion
- Primary divisions: Roto-Rooter and VITAS Healthcare
The VITAS sale solidified Gaetz’s fortune and made him one of Florida’s wealthiest politicians.
Political Career
Early Political Involvement
- 1994: Elected to the Okaloosa County School Board
- 1998: Re-elected to the School Board
- 2000–2008: Served as Okaloosa County Superintendent
Florida Senate and Leadership Role
In 2006, Gaetz was elected to the Florida Senate (1st District), serving until 2016.
Key Senate Leadership Positions
- 2012–2014: President of the Florida Senate
- 2014–2016: Chairman of the Senate Education Appropriations Committee
Gaetz championed education reform and healthcare policy, playing a crucial role in state-level governance.
Personal Life and Family
Marriage and Children
Don Gaetz is married to Victoria “Vicky” Quertermous, a former pharmacist who worked for over two decades.
They have two children, including:
- Matt Gaetz: U.S. Congressman from Florida (since 2017)
Matt Gaetz has been a high-profile, controversial Republican politician, often making headlines for his staunch conservative views and legal controversies.
The Truman Show House: Iconic Real Estate Ownership
One of Don Gaetz’s most famous real estate holdings is the house used in the 1998 film “The Truman Show”, starring Jim Carrey.
Details of the Truman Show House
- Location: Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
- Purchased in: 1991
- Famous for: Being the marital home of Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey) and Meryl Burbank (Laura Linney)
Even after the film’s release, the Gaetz family kept the house number (36) and a sign reading “The Truman House”.
Breakdown of Don Gaetz’s Wealth
| Source of Wealth | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| VITAS Healthcare Sale (2004) | $400 million (Company Sale) |
| Gaetz’s Personal Stake in VITAS (2015 disclosure) | $25 million |
| Current Estimated Net Worth | $40 million |
| Real Estate Holdings (including Truman Show House) | Multi-million-dollar properties |
Summary of Don Gaetz’s Wealth and Influence
- Net Worth: $40 million
- Co-founder of VITAS Healthcare, the largest hospice care company in the U.S.
- Florida Senate President (2012–2014)
- Successful healthcare executive, investor, and policymaker
- Father of U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz
- Owner of the famous Truman Show House
Gaetz’s legacy spans both the business and political worlds, making him a highly influential figure in Florida and U.S. politics.
Final Thoughts
Don Gaetz’s journey from hospital administrator to multimillionaire healthcare mogul and state senator is a testament to strategic business and political acumen. His $40 million fortune reflects his success in both the private and public sectors.
With his investment in VITAS Healthcare, real estate, and political career, Gaetz remains an influential figure in Florida politics and business.
