Universal Insurance Services (UIS) was founded in 1988 as one of the early true independent Brokerage Agencies. In the beginning, Universal Insurance Service's main focus was on aligning carriers and large producers directly. Recognizing the tremendous value of the relationships they had created, Universal Insurance Service shifted its focus, and began successfully wholesaling a variety of insurance products, utilizing their strong carrier relationships to support its retail clients and firms. By early 2000, Universal Insurance Services had grown to become one of the leading Broker General Agencies.

In late 2002, Universal Insurance Services attracted the attention of National Financial Partners (NFP), the largest independent distributor of life insurance in the United States. NFP was built to serve corporations and high net worth individuals who value client-focused advice, product choice and assistance in comprehensive financial planning. NFP and its businesses partner with companies and individuals to provide a full range of advisory and brokerage services, helping them preserve their assets, build wealth and prosper over the long term. NFP recognized the tremendous growth and potential of UIS and acquired the firm. As a subsidiary of NFP, Universal Insurance Services now had the advantages of a national organization, including access to a large pool of financial and intellectual capital, cross-selling and joint marketing opportunities, and a broad array of financial institution relationships, technology solutions and compliance support.

Shortly after the acquisition, in 2003, Michael Sorensen joined Universal Insurance Services as the National Brokerage Director. He specialized in the recruitment of independent brokers and was instrumental in a sales capacity, building a "scratch" service platform with UIS, consistently improving agent business and cultivating confidence. As a result of his success, in 2007, Mr. Sorensen was named president of Universal Insurance Services. He implemented countless improvements that not only increased company profitability, but also established Universal Insurance Services' position as the fastest growing and one of the most profitable BGA's within NFP.

In 2008, NFP acquired Gaines and Smith Financial Group, which was founded by Mitchell Smith in 1997. Gaines & Smith featured a unique agency platform, with specialties more diverse than a typical firm, ranging from financial planning and money management to executive benefits, advanced insurance planning and robust product expertise.

In 2010, Universal Insurance Services and Gaines and Smith Financial Group, along with its divisions, merged into a single business. The merger added significantly to Universal Insurance Services's expertise and service offerings, bringing platforms in practice management, marketing and advanced sales, and leaving them well-positioned for even greater growth in the BGA marketplace. As a result of their continued growth and to better reflect they synergy created by the merger, the company changed the name of their independent advisory group from Gaines and Smith Financial Group to Universal Partners, in 2011.