The City of Cottondale was one of several Florida Panhandle communities devastated by Hurricane Michael in 2018.

[5] The approximate coordinates for the City of Cottondale is located in western Jackson County at 30°47′49″N 85°22′34″W / 30.79694°N 85.37611°W / 30.79694; -85.37611 (30.796810, –85.376031).

U.S. Route 231 runs through the center of Cottondale as Main Street, leading north 31 miles (50 km) to Dothan, Alabama, and south 51 miles (82 km) to Panama City.

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters.

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 848 people, 353 households, and 220 families residing in the city.

[10] As of the 2010 United States census, there were 933 people, 321 households, and 209 families residing in the city.