The Florida Chamber of Commerce and FloridaCommerce announced the 100 products competing in the second annual Coolest Thing Made in Florida competition. The bracket-style tournament is designed to celebrate products manufactured across the state while highlighting an industry that provides employment to more than 430,000 Floridians at an average annual wage of $86,405.
This year's competition reached a significant milestone by featuring manufacturers from all 67 Florida counties for the first time. "That achievement reflects the strength, diversity, and statewide impact of Florida's manufacturing sector," said Florida Chamber President and CEO Mark Wilson. "From rural communities to major metropolitan areas, manufacturers are creating jobs, driving innovation, and helping secure Florida's future as we work toward our Florida 2030 Blueprint goal of becoming a Top 5 state for manufacturing jobs." The competition received hundreds of nominations from manufacturers, employees and consumers throughout the state.
The 100 finalists represent the breadth of Florida's manufacturing capabilities, spanning aerospace and defense technologies, consumer goods, industrial equipment and agricultural products. Public voting is currently underway to narrow the field to the Top 32, with voting continuing through July 1. The remaining products will advance through a head-to-head tournament bracket leading to the selection of the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Florida winner.
Florida Chamber and FloridaCommerce officials plan to visit the two finalist manufacturers during National Manufacturing Week in October before announcing the overall winner at the Florida Chamber's Future of Florida Forum and Annual Meeting later that month. The competition is intended to provide recognition for the state's premier homegrown products while underscoring manufacturing's significance to Florida's economy and workforce development.