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Florida committee approves bill to let thoroughbred permit holders decouple from other gaming, with notice and transfer rules
Summary
The Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee voted to report House Bill 881 favorably after extensive public testimony; the bill would let thoroughbred pari‑mutuel permit holders decouple from other gaming, require a three‑year notice before tracks can stop racing (not available until 07/01/2027), and allow permits to be transferred among facilities.
Representative Anderson explained House Bill 881 as a bid to "align the thoroughbred racing industry with all other live gaming events" by decoupling thoroughbred permits from other gaming connections while adding protections for racing. The bill requires a track that elects to stop racing to provide the Florida Gaming Control Commission with three years' notice, and that such notice "cannot be given until 07/01/2027," Anderson said. He also said the bill allows transferability of existing thoroughbred permits and increases the permitted lease/transfer distance to 50 miles to provide flexibility for the industry.
Why it matters: Opponents told the committee the measure would imperil a multibillion‑dollar rural industry. "Decoupling would upend the lives of countless individuals and families in the state," Nick Demaric, a Marion County farm owner, told the panel, saying the industry supports a $3,400,000,000 economic impact and "33,500 jobs." Lonnie Powell, chief executive of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association, said the bill would "toss out lots of shining star options" and risk tracks choosing to stop live racing. David O'Farrell, a third‑generation horseman, warned that removing the coupling that supplies purse supplements could force Gulfstream Park and others to end live racing and drive horses and jobs out of Florida.
Supporters, including Representative Anderson, said the measure preserves options and provides market pathways that do not exist today. Anderson argued the bill "provides a pathway to preserve the industry" by enabling transfers and guaranteeing visibility through a four‑year window before changes could take effect. The sponsor also noted an amendment reverting language on cardroom tax/licensing to current law was adopted earlier in the hearing.
Committee action and next steps: After public testimony and debate the committee reported HB 881 favorably. The committee record shows the amendment on cardroom licenses passed and the bill was shown favorably; the committee did not adopt language requiring new voter referenda. Further steps will be taken as the bill proceeds through subsequent committee and floor stages.
Quotes: "First is that the bill requires tracks to provide a 3 year notice to the Florida Gaming Control Commission if they elect to stop racing...that such notice cannot be given until 07/01/2027," Representative Anderson said. "Decoupling would upend the lives of countless individuals and families in the state," Nick Demaric said.
Ending: The committee voted to report HB 881 favorably after the debate and public testimony; the bill will move on in the legislative process for additional consideration.
