Today, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with FloridaCommerce, announced the launch of the second annual Coolest Thing Made in Florida competition, a statewide initiative designed to showcase the innovation, talent, and economic impact of Florida’s manufacturing industry.
Following a successful inaugural year that generated more than 400,000 votes and showcased dozens of Florida-made products, the competition returns, offering manufacturers, employees, and the public an opportunity to nominate products that represent the very best of what is made in Florida.
The competition supports the Florida Chamber’s Florida 2030 Blueprint goal of making Florida a Top 5 state for manufacturing jobs by 2030.
Nominations are now open until May 31 and will be followed by a bracket-style, head-to-head voting competition to determine the 2026 winner.
“Florida’s manufacturers are helping drive job creation, economic growth, and innovation across our state,” said Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “Building on the momentum of our inaugural competition, the Coolest Thing Made in Florida continues to highlight the products and people powering our economy and reinforces our goal of making Florida a Top 5 manufacturing state by 2030.”
Florida’s manufacturing sector employs more than 430,000 Floridians and generates tens of billions of dollars in exports annually, underscoring its essential role in Florida’s long-term economic success.
“The Coolest Thing Made in Florida competition highlights the ingenuity of our manufacturers, elevates our Florida-made products and positions our state as a national leader in advanced manufacturing,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “With more than 27,000 manufacturing establishments across the state, Florida’s growing manufacturing sector continues to drive innovation—fortifying our future-focused economy and creating opportunities for Florida’s job seekers.”
“From cutting-edge technologies to everyday products, Florida manufacturers are producing world-class goods while inspiring the next generation of workforce talent,” said Deputy Secretary of Economics and Chief Manufacturing Officer Jason Mahon. “The Coolest Thing Made in Florida competition celebrates the innovative companies and highly-skilled workers that make up our state’s manufacturing industry—solidifying the foundation for Florida’s strong economy.”
As part of this year’s competition, the Florida Chamber and FloridaCommerce plan to visit the two finalist manufacturers during National Manufacturing Week in October to highlight their facilities, workforce, and the impact manufacturing has in communities across 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: April 13 – May 31, 2026
Businesses, employees, and the public can self-nominate or nominate a company that manufactures a product in Florida. - Popular Vote – Determines Top 32: June 15 – July 1, 2026
The public votes for all nominees, with the Top 32 advancing to the bracket competition. - Top 32 Finalists Announced: July 15
The selected finalists will be revealed, and companies will have time to prepare for the bracket competition. - Bracket Competition (Single Elimination): July 15 – October 23, 2026
- Top 32 to Top 16: July 15 – July 28, 2026
- Top 16 to Top 8: August 4 – August 18, 2026
- Top 8 to Top 4: August 25 – September 8, 2026
- Top 4 to Top 2: September 15 – September 29, 2026
- Final Round Voting: October 12 – October 23, 2026
- Winner Announcement: October 28 at the Florida Chamber’s Future of Florida Forum in Orlando
The winning product receives statewide recognition, a trophy, media spotlight, and a digital badge. To nominate a product, view past winners, or participate in voting, visit CoolestThingMadeInFlorida.com.