The Curtiss-Bright Company developed Brighton to attract visitors with its natural beauty and outdoor recreational activities. A grand hotel was constructed, attracting notable guests from across the country. However, the Great Depression and the decline of the resort industry led to Brighton’s downfall as a tourist destination.

Today, Brighton is primarily known as the Brighton Seminole Indian Reservation, one of the six reservations held in trust by the federal government for the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The reservation’s economy is based on agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and tourism. Brighton offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about Seminole culture and history, including traditional crafts, dance, and music.