The Florida Chamber of Commerce is shining a light on innovation with the launch of the Coolest Thing Made in Florida, a statewide competition designed to spotlight and celebrate the incredible products manufactured in the Sunshine State. As a powerhouse of innovation and economic strength, Florida is on a mission to become a top 5 state for manufacturing by 2030. This initiative highlights the world-class companies and skilled workforce driving Florida’s economy forward – creating jobs, pioneering advancements and reinforcing the state’s position as a leader in American manufacturing.
“Manufacturing is a major driver of Florida’s economy, employing more than 421,000 Floridians and contributing over $68.9 billion in exports,” said Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “This competition will not only showcase the innovation of Florida’s manufacturers but also reinforce the importance of making more in Florida and exporting more from Florida.”
How It Works:
The Coolest Thing Made in Florida follows a bracket-style competition format, with public voting determining that year’s winning product. The timeline is as follows:
- Nominations Open: February 19 – May 31, 2025
- Businesses, employees, and the public can self-nominate or nominate a company that manufactures a product in Florida.
- Popular Vote – Determines Top 32: June 17 – July 1, 2025
- The public votes for all nominees, with the Top 32 advancing to the bracket competition.
- Top 32 Finalists Announced: July 8, 2025
- The selected finalists will be revealed, and companies will have time to prepare for the bracket competition.
- Bracket Competition (Single Elimination): July 15 – October 13, 2025
- Top 32 to Top 16: July 15 – July 28
- Top 16 to Top 8: August 3 – August 16
- Top 8 to Top 4: August 22 – September 4
- Top 4 to Top 2: September 10 – September 23
- Final Round Voting: September 29 – October 13
- Winner Announcement: October 28, 2025, at the Future of Florida Forum
- The winning product receives statewide recognition, a trophy, media spotlight, and a digital badge.
Each year, manufacturers, employees, and the public are invited to nominate a Florida-made product for a chance to be named The Coolest Thing Made in Florida. All nominations must be submitted online at www.coolestthingmadeinflorida.com.
Why It Matters:
Florida’s manufacturing sector is at the heart of economic expansion, with high-paying jobs, industry-leading innovation, and a ripple effect that supports supply chains, logistics, and other essential sectors. Florida Makes is the Florida 2030 Blueprint goal leader working to take Florida from #11 in manufacturing jobs (currently) to top 5 by 2030. Highlighting what’s made in Florida will help all of us accomplish this important goal. Incredibly, every 10 manufacturing jobs in Florida create 20 additional jobs in logistics, legal, finance, and warehousing, making this sector vital to Florida’s continued growth.
Florida is home to a diverse and thriving manufacturing industry, producing high-quality products across multiple sectors. From aerospace and defense to medical and life sciences, consumer goods, food and beverage, and marine and boating, Florida manufacturers are leading in innovation and production. The state’s construction, infrastructure, and technology sectors are also key drivers, contributing to advancements in renewable energy, semiconductors, and AI-driven solutions. This competition serves as a platform to highlight the breadth and impact of Florida’s manufacturing ecosystem.
“Manufacturers play an important role in diversifying Florida’s economy, and this statewide competition is an opportunity to showcase the outstanding products made here,” said Katie Yeutter, COO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and President of the Florida Chamber Leadership Cabinet. “We encourage businesses across Florida to participate and help us shine a light on Florida’s manufacturing sector.”
How to Participate:
- Visit coolestthingmadeinflorida.com to submit a product nomination.
- Encourage your network to vote during the Popular Vote Round starting June 17.
- Follow the competition on social media using #CoolestThingMadeInFlorida to stay updated.
For more information about the Coolest Thing Made in Florida, visit www.coolestthingmadeinflorida.com.