Our story.

Harvey Smith opened for business in 1960 as a Nationwide Insurance Agency. Back then, we operated out of a small, converted house on Florida Avenue in Lakeland, Florida. About a decade later – in 1971, to be exact – Harvey’s son-in-law, Bill Thomas, joined.

In 1975, Smith & Thomas Insurance became a fully independent agency. This change gave us the freedom to partner with more carriers, allowing us to provide customized coverage options that better fit the unique needs of Florida residents.

We’ve grown significantly from that small, converted house on Florida Avenue to a full-service agency, but we haven’t lost sight of our roots. Today, those roots are a little deeper as we proudly welcome the fourth generation of our family into the business. We’re still committed to serving Florida as a premier local insurance agency, and we look forward to getting to know you.

Meet the Next Generation

As we enter our seventh decade of service, we’re proud to continue growing while staying true to the values that built our reputation. Our Agent Colin Etheridge – Bill Thomas’ Grandson and Harvey Smith’s Great Grandson – represents the next generation of insurance professionals at Smith & Thomas, combining modern technology, responsive service, and a commitment to helping Florida families and businesses find the right protection.

In his first year as an insurance agent, Colin was honored to be nominated as a Top 5 finalist for Best Insurance Agent in Central Florida, a recognition driven by the support of clients, friends, and the local community.

While the insurance industry continues to evolve, our mission remains the same: provide honest advice, personalized coverage, and service that puts clients first.

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Our values.

At Smith & Thomas Insurance, our values are rooted in family, trust, and service. Since 1960, we’ve built our business on the belief that insurance is more than a policy—it’s a promise to protect what matters most.

Family First

We’re a multi-generational family business, and we treat our clients like part of the family. That means honest guidance, long-term relationships, and being there when you need us most.

Integrity Always

We believe in doing the right thing—even when no one is watching. Our clients trust us to give straightforward advice, transparent options, and coverage that truly fits their needs.

Service with Heart

We don’t just sell policies. We listen, educate, and advocate. Our team is here to make the insurance process clear and personal from start to finish.

Community Commitment

We’re proud to call Florida home. Whether it’s protecting your home, your business, or your legacy, we’re committed to strengthening the communities we serve across the state.

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Our Specialties.

We’re proud to be a full-service agency, ready to help with all your insurance needs. While we do a lot, over six decades of experience has helped us build a strong reputation in a few unique areas where our experience truly stands out.

Mobile Home Insurance

Our roots run deep in the mobile and manufactured home market. It’s how we built our reputation for understanding the unique needs of Florida homeowners others often overlook. We know these homes have unique coverage needs and challenges, and we work with carriers experienced in this space to ensure your investment is protected. Whether it’s a single-wide or double-wide, new or older, we’re committed to finding the right policy that fits your situation and keeps you secure.

Church Insurance

We’ve proudly served churches and ministries across the state of Florida for decades. Our carriers work with churches of all sizes — from small start-ups to long-established congregations — who are looking for coverage from a company that understands their unique needs. If you’re looking for anything from property and liability to pastoral protection and beyond, we’ve help you find it.

Harder-to-Insure Homes

While some homes don’t fit the traditional mold, we don’t back away from a challenge. We work with carriers like Citizens and more to help clients with properties that are sometimes tough to insure — because every home deserves coverage.

In a world where the 1990s is sometimes deemed “old,” it can be tough for clients with truly historic homes. At Smith & Thomas Insurance, we understand your passion. While coverage options are limited in Florida right now, we’re keeping a close eye on the market and are exploring new ways to help protect these local treasures.

Classic Cars

Classic cars are more than just vehicles — they’re passion projects, weekend cruises, pieces of history, and in many cases, years of hard work. At Smith & Thomas Insurance, we don’t just insure classic cars — we own and enjoy them too. That firsthand experience helps us better understand the unique concerns collector and enthusiast owners face, from agreed value coverage and storage requirements to modified vehicles and project cars. Whether you own a restored cruiser, muscle car, antique, or weekend collectible, we’re here to help you protect it properly.