Florida Horsemen Say Decoupling 'Effectively' Dead

The Florida Legislature has concluded policy discussions for the 2025 regular legislative session, effectively killing the proposed decoupling provisions of Senate Bill 408, House Bill 105, and House Bill 1467, all of which the Senate declined to approve for final passage, the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association reported May 2. Decoupling would have allowed Thoroughbred racetracks that offer slot machines and card tables to operate their gaming businesses independent of live racing. Currently, the tracks are required to run live races in order have a permit for slot machines or card tables. Florida had already decoupled the casino licenses for Greyhound and Standardbred tracks and jai-alai frontons. This year's effort to decouple licenses for Thoroughbred tracks was being led by Gulfstream Park owner/operator 1/ST Racing, a part of The Stronach Group. Florida's Constitution requires the Legislature to pass a balanced state budget each year, however, so to meet this requirement, the Legislature has extended its session through June 6. Any action is limited to items related to the state budget. "The conclusion of Florida's regular legislative session brings encouraging news for our beloved Thoroughbred legacy and the thousands of Floridians who dedicate their livelihoods to this proud tradition," said Lonny Powell, CEO of the FTBOA. "The FTBOA—and the many horsemen groups, individuals, and elected officials who joined our efforts—once again defended our industry from an ill-advised attempt at decoupling, just as we did in 2012, 2016, 2018, and 2021." Powell added that he was grateful to the many breeders, owners, trainers, vets, and horsemen who traveled to Tallahassee, Fla., to share their heartfelt opposition with lawmakers. "Your voices had a clear impact and made a real difference," he continued. "We also thank the lawmakers who championed our industry's values, engaged thoughtfully with our members, and stood firm against proposals that threatened the foundation of Florida's $3.24 billion Thoroughbred industry. "As the Legislature continues to consider matters related to the state budget in the coming weeks, we will remain firm in our opposition to any effort to weaken Florida's Thoroughbred industry. We look forward to continuing our work with Florida's leaders and stakeholders on long-term solutions that preserve and grow this vital industry for years to come." Former Kentucky Senator Damon Thayer, adviser to the Thoroughbred Racing Initiative, said the work is now just beginning for the Florida breeding and racing industries. "All we asked for was the opportunity to be heard, to explain what was at stake and to get the time to formulate a comprehensive and lawful plan that is equitable to stakeholders and allows for Florida's Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry to thrive for decades to come," Thayer said. "We embrace the hard work that lies ahead. We remain committed to a collaborative effort, working together on a legislative package that will be a victory for the future of Florida racing. We are proud of and grateful for our coalition of horse owners, trainers, breeders, veterinarians, horse transportation, feed and tack companies and the thousands of hard-working men and women at Florida's racetracks and farms that stood together throughout the session." The TRI coalition formed in February to combat decoupling. The group was founded by Ocala Stud's David O'Farrell, owner/breeder Jon Green, trainer Mark Casse, and veterinarian and farm owner Dr. Barry Eisaman, who operates Eisaman Equine with his wife, Shari. Thayer showed particular appreciation to Senators Danny Burgess, Jason Brodeur, Stan McClain, and others for taking the time to listen to the horse community and understand how gaming licenses were forged from a partnership between racetracks and the horsemen. "We thank lawmakers for providing that opportunity and look forward to working with them in the 2026 session," he said.