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TALLAHASSEE, FL—With opponents arguing the proposal threatens jobs in the horse industry, a Senate committee Tuesday approved a bill that would eventually allow Florida’s two Thoroughbred tracks to offer other types of gambling without holding races.

The Senate Regulated Industries Committee voted 5-2 to approve a bill (SB 408) that involves what is known as “decoupling.”

Under current law, Gulfstream Park in South Florida and Tampa Bay Downs are required to run races to be able to operate card rooms and, in the case of Gulfstream, slot machines. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills, would effectively ensure racing at the tracks for seven more years but then would eliminate the racing requirement.

Breeders, trainers and other people in the horse industry in the Ocala area warned that such a change could have a devastating effect, with George Isaacs, general manager of Bridlewood Farm, saying the bill “puts thousands of Florida jobs at risk.”

But Jeff Johnston, a lobbyist for Gulfstream, pointed to a declining horse-racing industry and issues such as new competition from legal sports betting. The Senate bill would need to clear two more committees before it could go to the full Senate. A House version (HB 105) is positioned to go to the full House. The House bill would effectively ensure racing at the tracks for at least five more years before decoupling could occur.

“Florida has always championed rural communities, recognizing agriculture as the backbone of our economy. Senate Bill 408 undermines that legacy, prioritizing Canadian gaming interests over Florida’s family farms, small businesses, and horsemen—many of whom spoke out against it today. Their heartfelt testimony clearly resonated with committee members who showed a greater understanding of the serious harm decoupling would bring to thousands of agricultural jobs. The discussion in the Senate’s first of three committee stops is encouraging as we continue fighting this deeply flawed bill,” FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell said from Tallahassee upon the meeting’s conclusion. 

“Rather than strengthening rural Florida, SB 408 would strip away jobs, investment, and a $3.24 billion industry, pushing economic opportunities out of the state. Our Thoroughbred industry is deeply rooted in Florida’s agricultural heritage, powering rural communities and fueling local economies. Lawmakers must reject this bill and stand with the hardworking Floridians who keep this agricultural industry and rural Florida thriving.” 

Decoupling: What You Need to Know: Read Now
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