A legislative proposal in Florida that would have allowed casinos approved through a corresponding Thoroughbred pari-mutuel racing license to drop live racing while continuing casino operations has failed.
The Florida Legislature's 2026 regular session concluded March 13 with the decoupling legislation failing to reach Gov. Ron DeSantis' desk. HB881 passed the House, but companion bill SB1564 never received a hearing in the Senate. A special session is expected to finalize the state budget. The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association said it will remain vigilant throughout any extended proceedings.
Gulfstream Park supported the legislation, which would allow it or a future owner to continue casino operations without being required to run live Thoroughbred racing.
It's the second straight year that such a decoupling bill was introduced in Florida but failed to be adopted. Both bills received strong opposition from the racing and breeding industry of Florida and beyond.
"Decoupling has stalled again," said FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell. "Once more, the FTBOA and our industry partners defended Florida's Thoroughbred industry. We thank the industry partners who stood united against this legislation, the 34 House members who voted 'no,' and the Senate for declining to advance SB1564."
Also celebrating the outcome was Damon Thayer, a Thoroughbred owner and former Kentucky state senator who served as senior adviser for the Thoroughbred Racing Initiative that also opposed decoupling.
"We are proud that, for the second year in a row, decoupling legislation before the Florida Legislature has been defeated by our industry-wide coalition representing owners, trainers, breeders, veterinarians, sales companies, and the many small businesses that create the Thoroughbred industry's massive ecosystem," Thayer said. "We are appreciative of the lawmakers who understand the $3.2 billion annual economic impact and 33,500 jobs at stake in Florida's horse racing, breeding, and training agribusiness."
Powell called for a more comprehensive approach to shaping the state's gambling landscape.
"It's become evident through the 2025 and 2026 legislative sessions that Florida needs a global gaming solution designed by Floridians, for Floridians. That will require alignment among the House, Senate, governor, and the Seminole Tribe, whose Gaming Compact represents a model of good-faith partnership with the state.
"Piecemeal attempts like repeated decoupling bills, and any effort to push the edges of the Tribal Gaming Compact or current law, will not lead to viable solutions for our industry or for the state.
"As the Legislature reconvenes for budget matters, we will remain vigilant against any effort to weaken Florida's $3.2 billion Thoroughbred industry. We look forward to continuing our work with Florida's leaders and stakeholders on solutions that preserve, stabilize, and grow this signature agricultural industry on a go-forward basis."
Thayer noted that it's also important for the industry to shape a strong, long-term path forward in the state.
"Our work is far from done. Now TRI and our coalition partners will pivot toward creating a path forward for a stronger Florida Thoroughbred industry that provides long-term stability and prosperity," Thayer said. "Let's be clear: We want Gulfstream Park to be part of that future, but we're also planning alternatives. This legislative offseason, we'll be tirelessly working with our friends in the Legislature on statutes, where necessary, that will ensure the Sunshine State's signature Thoroughbred industry not just survives but thrives for decades to come."
