About hugh cotton
Our Mission
To provide exceptional insurance products and risk management services while establishing trust and cultivating relationships with the individuals and businesses we serve.
Hugh cotton heritage
Your shield of protection
for over 70 years.
1948
Hugh Cotton Is Founded
Hugh Cotton Sr, a retired insurance company executive, opened a small agency in downtown Orlando. When he died unexpectedly, his son Hugh Cotton Jr stepped in to take over. Hugh Cotton Insurance was incorporated soon after.
1983
A Boat Division Develops
Hugh Cotton Insurance develops and launches a boat dealer and marina insurance program through Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. It grows to over $20,000,000 in written premium and becomes the largest affinity group program in the country.
Thomas M. Cotton joins the agency as a commercial lines producer after graduating from Florida State University with a degree in Risk Management followed by training at the National Agents Training School in San Rafael California.
1999
Thomas M. Cotton
Now a Certified Insurance Councilor, Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter as well as a Commercial Risk Manager, becomes President and CEO.
2018
Hugh Cotton Today
Hugh Cotton Insurance is the oldest and largest independent insurance agency in Central Florida that remains privately held. Owner and CEO Thomas M. Cotton has declined offers from publicly traded national brokers and numerous aggregators choosing to remain focused on client service rather than shareholder value.
Our Accolades
Hugh Cotton Insurance has been a consistent performer and top producer with its insurance company partners winning a variety of awards and accolades. The agency was the first runner up in the Insurance Journal’s Commercial Agency of the Year. We have also been named Central Florida Insurance Broker of the year for nine consecutive years. Thomas Cotton has been awarded 2 Insurpac National Championships, four regional Producer of the Year awards, been presented with the Richard S. McKay Cup and awarded the Mitchell Stallings Memorial Award.