BY STEVE KOCH
OCALA, FL—The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association announced today that the Florida Gaming Control Commission has approved an amended 2025 awards plan that sets in-state breeder and stallion award rates at 15% of announced gross purse, effective September 1, 2025. FTBOA also unveiled an innovative new Florida-bred Export Incentives program for 2026 that will promote Florida-bred horses competing out-of-state.
The 15% breeder and stallion award rates, reduced from the 20% rate established in 2024, reflect 2025 industry funding streams legislation. Despite the rate adjustment, total awards in 2026 for Florida’s breeders are projected to match 2025 levels thanks to the launch of the groundbreaking Florida-bred Export Incentives.
All-New Florida-bred Export Incentives Program
For calendar year 2026, FTBOA will launch Florida-bred Export Incentives, dedicating up to $1 million to reward the listed breeders of registered Florida-bred horses that win in selected conditions at out-of-state racetracks. The program offers comprehensive incentives: $7,500 per Grade 1 win, $5,000 per Grade 2 or 3 win, 15% of earnings (up to $4,000) per Non-Graded stakes win, and 15% of earnings (up to $3,000) per Maiden Special Weight and Allowance win at North American racetracks (except Puerto Rico).
The FTBOA anticipates that Florida-bred incentives in 2026 – including in-state stallion and breeder awards, all-new export incentives, and substantial open-race owner awards – will total more than $20 million (plus millions in Florida-bred race purses), maintaining a bankroll as large or larger than any state-bred program outside of Kentucky.
“This initiative shows gratitude to our longtime Florida breeders and demonstrates our commitment to supporting the industry wherever our nationally competitive horses succeed,” FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell said. “State legislation redirected $5 million of Florida-bred purses and owner incentives to the racetracks and injected another $2 million through the FTBOA. We are grateful to the Florida Senate and Governor DeSantis for their continued support of Florida Thoroughbred breeding. Florida-bred owners and breeders can anticipate unprecedented total awards in 2026.”
“Florida-breds perennially stand out amongst all regional producers across the nation, both on the racetrack and in the auction ring. These all-new incentives acknowledge that equine speed is a major Florida agricultural export,” Powell continued.
The 2026 programs build upon FTBOA’s recent elimination of most registration fees for Florida-bred and Florida-sired foals of 2025, further reducing costs for breeders while maintaining comprehensive support programs. Combined with the Export Incentives, these initiatives demonstrate FTBOA’s commitment to supporting Florida’s Thoroughbred industry through multiple avenues.
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