Florida legislators filed House Bill 881 as a new attempt to rekindle the long-running fight regarding the future of live horse racing in the Sunshine State, as well as the industry that heavily depends on it.
The Liberating “Decoupling” Measure
The bill, introduced Tuesday by Rep. Adam Anderson, a Republican from Pinellas County, would enable Florida’s remaining horse racetracks to operate their gambling businesses without also having to concern themselves with staging live races.
Also known as “decoupling”, the measure would apply to the last two active tracks in the state.
One of them is Hallandale Beach’s Gulfstream Park, a popular entertainment go-to located in Hallandale Beach that features thoroughbred horse racing, alongside casino options including slots and electronic table games, dining, and shopping.
The second active racetrack is Tampa Bay Downs, “home to unforgettable finishes, legendary horses, and generations of fans who make this place more than just a racetrack.” The venue also runs a 25-table poker room that periodically draws in enthusiasts of the game.
Aligning With the Times
Supporters argue the change would allow track owners to enjoy more flexibility while more accurately reflecting the constantly changing reality of their business.
On the other hand, critics believe the bill, if passed, would cause a devastating blow to the state’s horse industry, which is heavily based in Marion County and steadily supports thousands of jobs connected to racing, training, and breeding.
A similar measure narrowly failed during the previous legislative session, but backers have continued to push the issue. In addition to the new bill, decoupling supporters have filed a lawsuit seeking to have the state’s current coupling requirement declared unconstitutional.
The new effort to see the change go into effect has caused industry leaders to express their worries regarding the safety of their very livelihoods. That concern also drew the attention of the governor’s office.
In April, Governor Ron DeSantis met with representatives of the horse industry at Ocala Breeders Sales Company, a key hub for thoroughbred auctions, where he expressed opposition to decoupling but did not commit to vetoing the bill if it reached his desk.
“The concern is that once live racing is no longer required, it becomes much easier for tracks to walk away from it entirely,” explained David O’Farrell, general manager of Ocala Stud Farm.
“There are still a couple of bills in the House that are technically alive, so we’re hoping to run out the clock and buy time. That would give our industry a chance to negotiate or find a workable solution before next year’s session.”
While Florida is still figuring out how to go about the future of live horse racing, one thing is for certain: the outcome will most likely reshape the state’s equine industry for the foreseeable future.