April 8-24, 2026
May 11 - 22, 2026
By June 30, 2026
July 2026 Issue
Black Tie Ball in September 2026
Once Daily per Category
Best in Pensacola is VIP Pensacola Magazine’s annual readers’ choice competition celebrating the businesses and organizations that make the Greater Pensacola area such a special place to live, work, dine, shop, and celebrate.
Readers nominate their favorites during the Nomination Round from April 8–25, 2026. The top 10 businesses in each category move on to the Final Voting Phase, which runs from May 11–23, 2026. The top vote-getter in each category is named the winner.
The nomination round gives more businesses the opportunity to be discovered and recognized before the final voting phase begins.
Final voting is multiple choice only. Write-in nominations are not accepted during the final voting phase.
You may submit one nomination or one vote per category, per email address, per day.
No way! It is 100% free to participate. We do have options to give your business more exposure but purchasing advertising does not guarantee anything for the contest. If you are interested in getting your business logo on the ballot, you can email us at [email protected] to request our media kit.
No! Best in Pensacola results are based on our reader voting. Some winners may be advertisers or later choose to be one but being an advertiser does not guarantee a win. We work hard to maintain the integrity of this contest because it means so much to our community. We do NOT sell votes! Any business/nominee that is flagged for fraudulent activity may be removed from the ballot for the remainder of the campaign. No cheating!
Each year, VIP Pensacola Magazine reviews reader feedback and updates categories as needed. Some categories may be expanded, renamed, clarified, or retired to keep the ballot fresh and relevant. For category suggestions or feedback, email [email protected].
Businesses can request the Best in Pensacola promotional toolkit, which includes flyers, graphics, and marketing tips to help spread the word. Toolkit materials will be available once voting goes live.
There is no final “submit” button. Once you click Nominate or Vote and complete the email verification process, your selection is recorded automatically.
When you begin nominating or voting in your first category, you’ll be prompted to register. Once completed, you can continue voting across the ballot. If you experience issues, try using a different browser or device.
Yes. As long as the round is still open, you can return and continue where you left off. If you’re on the same device, you may be logged in automatically. Otherwise, click the “Already participated in this round…” link for instructions.
Yes. If you switch devices, click the “Already participated in this round…” link and follow the instructions to access your ballot.
Our ballot software requires registration to help track participation, reduce fraud, and allow you to return to your ballot later if needed. No password is required.
Winners will be notified by June 30, 2026 and will be featured in the July 2026 issue of VIP Pensacola Magazine.
The mechanics of Best in Pensacola online voting are powered by UPICKEM and subject to their platform rules and protections. Copying or unauthorized use of copyrighted materials, trademarks, or intellectual property without express consent of the owner is strictly prohibited.
VIP Pensacola Magazine reserves the right to review, revise, and amend ballot rules, categories, and eligibility requirements as necessary to preserve contest fairness and integrity.
