Entering the prize
Open until 31 DecEntries are welcome for books first published within the past five calendar years, through 31 December of the competition year. Books may be entered by their author, publisher, or agent. Print and digital editions are equally eligible; each entered title must bear an ISBN or, in the case of an audiobook, a durable catalog identifier.
The prize is open to writers and publishers everywhere. Books by Florida authors, or from Florida presses, are additionally considered for the Florida Medal.
A single title may be entered in as many as two categories. The jury's deliberations are final, and the number of medals conferred is never determined by the number of entries received.
| Entries received | Fee per category |
|---|---|
| By 31 August | $65 |
| By 30 November | $75 |
| By 31 December | $84 |
Fees are invoiced to the entering publisher, author, or agent upon receipt of the entry, and the entry is confirmed upon settlement of the invoice. Entry fees support the administration of the prize and do not bear upon the jury's deliberations.
- EligibilityFirst publication within the past five years; all presses welcome, including author-published works.
- CategoriesNineteen, from general fiction to the Cover Medal. The full list →
- CopiesThree copies for the jury, print or digital, per the category's instructions.
- The Florida MedalAutomatic consideration for entries by Florida-based authors or publishers.
- AnnouncementShortlists in March; medals conferred at the April ceremony in Miami.
- Correspondenceentries@floridabookawards.com
The competition year
A calendar for entrants- 1 June 2026Entries open. The early-bird fee of $65 applies through 31 August.
- 1 September 2026Standard fee of $75 begins.
- 1 December 2026Final window opens at $84. Entries close at 11:59 pm Eastern on 31 December.
- January – February 2027Jury reading. Every entered book is read in full by at least two jurors.
- March 2027Shortlists published across all categories and special medals.
- April 2027The inaugural ceremony in Miami. Gold, silver, and bronze medals conferred.