Florida Chamber of Commerce and FloridaCommerce Announce Top 32 Finalists in 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Florida Competition
Following a statewide public vote that showcased the strength and innovation of Florida’s manufacturing industry, the Florida Chamber of Commerce and FloridaCommerce today announced the Top 32 products advancing in the second annual Coolest Thing Made in Florida competition.
The Top 32 finalists emerged from 100 products representing manufacturers in all 67 Florida counties. The bracket-style competition celebrates the products, companies, and workers driving economic growth while highlighting the important role manufacturing plays in Florida’s continued success.
Presented in partnership with FloridaCommerce, the 2nd Annual Coolest Thing Made in Florida competition supports the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Florida 2030 Blueprint goal of making Florida a Top 5 state for manufacturing jobs by 2030.
Florida’s manufacturing sector employs more than 430,000 Floridians, pays an average annual wage of $86,405, and produces products that are sold across the nation and around the world.
“The response to this year’s competition demonstrates just how much interest Floridians have in the products made right here in our state,” said Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “The manufacturers advancing to the Top 32 represent the innovation, craftsmanship, and skilled talent that continue to strengthen Florida’s economy. As we work toward making Florida a Top 5 state for manufacturing jobs by 2030, these companies are creating opportunities, investing in their communities, and helping secure Florida’s future.”
The Top 32 products will now compete in a head-to-head, single-elimination bracket with public voting determining which products advance through each round.
The bracket competition will narrow the field from the Top 32 to the Top 16, Top Eight, Top Four, and the final round of voting before one product is named the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Florida.
As part of this year’s competition, the Florida Chamber and FloridaCommerce will visit the two finalist manufacturers during National Manufacturing Week in October to highlight their facilities, workforce and contributions to Florida’s economy.
The winner of the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Florida competition will be announced Oct. 28 during the Florida Chamber’s Future of Florida Forum and Annual Meeting in Orlando.
Competition Schedule
- Top 32 to Top 16: July 15–28
- Top 16 to Top 8: Aug. 4–18
- Top 8 to Top 4: Aug. 25–Sept. 8
- Top 4 to Top 2: Sept. 15–29
- Final Round Voting: Oct. 12–23
- Winner Announced: Oct. 28 at the Florida Chamber’s Future of Florida Forum and Annual Meeting in Orlando
Click here to view the Top 32 bracket and vote at CoolestThingMadeInFlorida.com.