Coolest Thing Made in Florida

Celebrating Innovation, Growth, and Manufacturing Excellence

Popular Voting is Now Open!

Cast your vote for the Coolest Thing Made in Florida — now through July 1!

Check out the nominees and help decide which Florida-made product takes the crown in this year’s statewide competition.

Nomination Period Closed. (Feb 19 – May 31, 2025)

  • Any product manufactured in Florida is eligible.
  • Businesses, employees, and the public can self-nominate or nominate a company.

Popular Vote –Determines Top 32
(June 17 – July 1, 2025)

  • Public voting is open to all nominees.
  • Voters may vote once per day
  • Top 32 products advance to the Bracket Competition

Bracket Competition Begins
(Single Elimination)

(July 15 – October 13, 2025)

  • Top 32 → Top 16: July 15 – July 28
  • Top 16 → Top 8: Aug 3 – Aug 16
  • Top 8 → Top 4: Aug 22 – Sept 4
  • Top 4 → Top 2: Sept 10 – Sept 23
  • Final Round Voting: Sept 29 – Oct 13

Winner Announcement
(October 28, 2025)

  • The Coolest Thing Made in Florida will be crowned at the Future of Florida Forum!
  • The winner receives statewide recognition, a trophy, media spotlight, and a digital badge.

About the Program

What is the Coolest Thing Made in Florida?

The Coolest Thing Made in Florida is a bracket-style competition designed to spotlight the incredible products manufactured in the Sunshine State. This program aligns with the Florida Chamber’s goal of making Florida a Top 5 state in manufacturing by 2030.

Manufacturing fuels Florida’s economy, employing hundreds of thousands and driving innovation across industries like aerospace, healthcare, agriculture, and consumer goods.

This competition isn’t just about winning, it’s about recognizing the businesses that keep Florida’s economy strong. Join us in celebrating innovation, job creation, and the future of Florida manufacturing!

Manufacturing in Florida: Why It Matters

Florida Manufacturing by the Numbers:

Florida-Origin Exports:
$68.9 billion

Florida ranks #10
in U.S. manufacturing jobs – goal to reach Top 5 by 2030.

421,400
manufacturing jobs statewide.

Florida needs 139,100 additional jobs to break into the Top 5 in U.S. manufacturing rankings.

Manufacturing accounts for 4.3% of all Florida jobs.

Average annual wage of manufacturing jobs: $78,060
(Increasing, $11,638 higher than state average)

Manufacturing success impacts multiple industries, with every 10 manufacturing jobs creating 20 additional jobs in sectors such as logistics, law, finance, and warehousing.

Investments in trade and logistics have fueled growth—such as the deepening of Port Miami, which has enhanced Florida’s role as a national and global export hub.

(Source: Florida Chamber’s Scorecard & Florida Trade & Logistics 2030 Study)

Trade & Logistics play a key role in Florida’s manufacturing success. Stay tuned for more insights from the Florida Chamber’s Scorecard!

What Participants Receive

Recognition at the Future of Florida Forum (Oct 28, 2025)

Trophy & Award for the Winner

Media Spotlight for Finalists

Exclusive Made in Florida Digital Badge for All Participants

Every company that submits a product will receive a “Made in Florida” Manufacturing Digital Badge to display on their website, social media, and marketing materials.

Become a Florida Chamber Member

Membership not only offers a network of fellow manufacturers, but it also provides you with peace of mind knowing that while you are running your business, we are monitoring issues that affect you, your business, and your bottom line.

Sign-Up for Updates

Enter your email below to subscribe to our mailing list and receive updates about the Coolest Thing Made in Florida competition.

Social Media Toolkit

Social Media Toolkit

Help Spread the Word About the Coolest Thing Made in Florida

The Coolest Thing Made in Florida competition is a statewide celebration of innovation, manufacturing, and the incredible products made right here in the Sunshine State. Whether you’re a participating company, a proud supporter, or simply excited to spotlight Florida-made products, this toolkit makes it easy to get involved.

Use these ready-to-share resources to promote your product, encourage voting, and help raise awareness of Florida’s growing manufacturing industry.

The toolkit includes:

  • Social media graphics (square posts, stories, and web banners)
  • Sample captions and suggested messaging
  • Press release template
  • Official logos and branding assets

Be Sure To:

  • Use our official hashtag: #CoolestThingMadeInFL
  • Tag us: @FloridaChamber on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram

Let’s showcase the innovation, talent, and products driving Florida forward — and celebrate the businesses that make our state a national leader in manufacturing.

Official Press Releases & Media Announcements

Explore the latest news from the Florida Chamber of Commerce related to the Coolest Thing Made in Florida campaign. Check back here for media advisories, press announcements, and key updates highlighting Florida’s manufacturing leadership.

Help Spread the Word About the Coolest Thing Made in Florida

Explore the latest news from the Florida Chamber of Commerce related to the Coolest Thing Made in Florida campaign. Check back here for media advisories, press announcements, and key updates highlighting Florida’s manufacturing leadership.

FULL RELEASE COMING SOON

June 2025

Florida Moves Up in Manufacturing – Now Ranked #10

Florida has officially surpassed Georgia to become the 10th-ranked state for manufacturing employment. This milestone brings us one step closer to the Florida 2030 Blueprint goal of becoming Top 5 in the nation.

READ FULL RELEASE

March 2025

Florida Chamber Launches “Coolest Thing Made in Florida” Contest

The Florida Chamber of Commerce has launched a statewide competition to spotlight the innovative products made across the Sunshine State and celebrate the companies behind them.

READ FULL RELEASE

FEbruary 2025

Media Contact:

Crystal Campbell
Senior Director of Marketing
Florida Chamber of Commerce

ccampbell@flchamber.com

FAQs

Have questions about the competition? Read our Frequently Asked Questions for details on nominations, voting, and rules.

Any Florida resident, business, or organization can nominate a product that is manufactured in Florida.

A product must be made using a manufacturing process at a Florida-based facility. Custom, made-to-order items (such as restaurant meals) do not qualify.

Yes! Businesses are encouraged to self-nominate their own products.

No, participation is completely free.

All nominated companies will be contacted and must confirm their participation before being added to the voting round.

Yes, but only one product per company can advance beyond the nomination phase.

Voting is open to the public and follows a bracket-style elimination process. Products will face off in head-to-head matchups, with winners advancing to the next round based on total votes. The product with the most votes in the final round will be crowned The Coolest Thing Made in Florida.

In the Popular Vote Round, voters can vote once per day.
In the Bracketed Rounds, voters can vote once per day per matchup.

Trophy & Recognition at the Future of Florida Forum.
Media Spotlight and statewide promotion.
A Made in Florida Digital Badge for marketing & branding

A social media toolkit will be available to help nominees promote their participation and encourage votes.

Get Involved!

Trade Associations, Local Chambers, Colleges, Universities and Businesses—Help Spread the Word!

  • If you’re part of an economic development organization, trade group, technical school, law firm, or bank, encourage your members to nominate their products!
  • Contact us for co-branding opportunities to support Florida’s growing manufacturing sector.

Contact Us

For general questions or media inquiries, contact: Crystal Campbell at ccampbell@flchamber.com

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