As Tampa’s Best has grown, we’ve seen more nominations, more votes, and more incredible businesses competing across the Tampa area than ever before. Because of that growth, we made a small update to the way winners are recognized for the 2026 program.

In previous years, each category included three finalists, with one overall winner and two additional “Top Three” placements. While we loved being able to recognize multiple businesses, we felt the structure could be clearer and more meaningful for both winners and customers.

Beginning in 2026, Tampa’s Best categories will now recognize Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners.

The number of finalists has not changed. We’re simply refining the way placements are presented to better highlight the businesses that earned top support from the community.

We believe this updated format creates stronger marketing opportunities for winners, especially for small and locally owned businesses. Gold, Silver, and Bronze placements are easier for customers to understand at a glance, more recognizable in advertising and social media, and give businesses a clearer way to promote their achievement throughout the year.

As the program has become more competitive, we also wanted to create a format that better reflects the level of accomplishment involved in placing among the top businesses in the Tampa area. Finalists will continue to represent the top contenders in their category, with Gold, Silver, and Bronze placements announced at the Tampa’s Best Awards Ceremony.

Our goal with this update is simple. We want to continue recognizing the businesses that are making a real impact throughout the Tampa community while giving winners awards they can more effectively use to build trust, credibility, and visibility.

We’re incredibly grateful to the thousands of people who nominate and vote for their favorite local businesses each year, and we can’t wait to celebrate this year’s finalists and winners at the 2026 Tampa’s Best Awards Ceremony.