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Florida Chamber: Nominations Now Open for Coolest Thing Made in Florida

April 14, 2026 2:06 pm

Nominations Are Now Open


In partnership with FloridaCommerce, the Florida Chamber of Commerce launches the 2nd annual Coolest Thing Made in Florida—a statewide competition highlighting the innovation, talent, and economic impact of products manufactured across Florida.


Nominations are now open and will close on May 31, 2026.

Watch Florida Chamber President & CEO Mark Wilson and FloridaCommerce Chief Manufacturing Officer & Deputy Secretary of Economic Development Jason Mahon officially announce the opening of nominations.


Read the official announcement: View Press Release

The Coolest Thing Made in Floridacompetition is back for its second year—celebrating the innovation, talent, and economic impact of products made right here in our state.


Florida’s manufacturing sector supports more than 426,700 jobs and drives billions in economic activity across Florida—making it an essential part of our state’s continued growth.


Last year’s competition generated strong statewide engagement, and in 2026, we’re aiming even higher—with participation from all 67 counties.


From aerospace and aviation to ag tech, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and more—if it’s made in Florida, we want to see it.


Whether you manufacture a product in Florida or know a company that does, we encourage you to nominate and help spread the word across your network.


As part of the Florida Chamber’s Florida 2030 Blueprint, this initiative supports our goal of making Florida a Top 5 state for manufacturing jobs by 2030.

🏆 How The Competition Works🏆

The Coolest Thing Made in Florida is a statewide, bracket-style competition where products are nominated, advance through public voting, and compete head-to-head until one winner is crowned.


Finalists will be featured during National Manufacturing Week, including exclusive visits to the Top 2 facilities—before the winner is announced at the Future of Florida Forum (F3) & Florida Chamber Annual Meeting, held October 27-28 in Orlando.

Now through May 31, 2026, nominate a product made in Florida and be part of this statewide competition.


Encourage your teams, customers, and communities to get involved—because public voting will determine which products advance.

Become a Partner in Florida's Manufacturing Movement

Why Partner

Align your organization with a high-impact, statewide initiative helping make Florida a Top 5 manufacturing state by 2030.

  • Statewide brand visibility
  • Direct connection to Florida manufacturers
  • Alignment with Florida’s business leadership


By the Numbers (2025 Campaign Impact)

  • 132M+ total media and digital impressions
  • 628K+ website visits and engagements across the campaign
  • 400K+ votes cast by consumers, employees, and communities statewide
  • 100+ Florida-made products nominated across key industries
  • Statewide participation from manufacturers, partners, and voters across Florida


Opportunities Available

  • Presenting Sponsor (Exclusive)
  • Manufacturing Week Tour Sponsor (Exclusive)
  • Supporting Sponsors (Limited Available)
  • Official Media Partner (Exclusive)

Interested in getting involved? Contact Justin Sandlin to learn more.

Did You Know? Florida manufacturers export more than $78.9 billion in goods globally — driving economic growth and global trade.

🔔 Stay in the Loop on the Competition



Get updates on voting, key milestones, and winner announcements.

🤝 Support Florida’s Manufacturing Community



Join the Florida Chamber in championing businesses driving our state forward.

Questions?

Contact us at coolestthing@flchamber.com or media@flchamber.com.