#USA #Miami #Sunshine State Awards #SPJ Florida #Journalism Competition

Introduction

The Sunshine State Awards, Florida's largest and most recognized journalism competition, is back for its 32nd year. Organized by the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Florida chapter, this prestigious event invites journalists from across Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as those from out of state who cover Florida stories, to submit their best work from the year 2025.

Categories and Entry Criteria

The competition is open to a diversity of media outlets including print, broadcast, and digital platforms. Participants can submit entries across seven distinct categories:

• - Print
• - Digital Writing
• - Photography
• - Television
• - Radio
• - Digital
• - Spanish Language
• - Students (for collegiate and high school journalists)

Prizes and Recognition

One of the standout features this year is the return of the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting. This award, which debuted in 2025, seeks to honor the crucial work of investigative journalists. The A-Mark Foundation has generously allocated a total prize money of $15,000 to encourage the pursuit of transparency and accountability in journalism.

Important Dates

Interested journalists should note the deadlines for submission:

• - Standard Deadline: March 9, 2026
• - Late Deadline: March 23, 2026 (note that a late fee applies for this submission window)

Judging Process

The entries will be evaluated by a panel of experienced current and former journalists, as well as educators. This ensures that the judging process remains fair and that submissions are evaluated based on the highest standards of journalistic excellence.

Community Impact

The Sunshine State Awards are not just about recognizing outstanding work. The net proceeds from this competition are reinvested back into the journalism community, funding various training initiatives, programming, and advocacy efforts aimed at enhancing the landscape for journalists in Florida.

Entry Guidelines

For those looking to participate, detailed entry guidelines, category descriptions, and the submission portal are available on the official Sunshine State Awards contest website. This resource will also provide information on previous winners, further illustrating the level of distinction associated with the awards.

Conclusion

As we approach the deadlines, it's an exciting time for journalists in Florida and surrounding regions. The Sunshine State Awards not only celebrate the achievements of outstanding journalism but also foster a vibrant community dedicated to the pursuit of truth and excellence in reporting. Don’t miss your chance to showcase your work and contribute to the rich tradition of journalism in the Sunshine State.
For more information, visit SPJ Florida.