On April 1, 2025, the Florida Senate Committee on Regulated Industries approved Senate Bill 408, a contentious piece of legislation aimed at decoupling live horse racing requirements from casino operations at venues such as Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs. An amendment extended the transition period from five to seven years, allowing these facilities to continue racing operations before the decoupling takes effect. Despite significant opposition from industry stakeholders—including trainers, owners, breeders, and veterinarians—who fear the bill could undermine Florida’s thoroughbred racing industry, the committee emphasized that this approval marks the beginning of an ongoing dialogue to address the future of horse racing in the state. ​
Florida’s legislative session is expected to end May 2.
Click the link below to read the full article by T. D. Thornton at www.thoroughbreddailynews.com
https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/florida-senate-committee-advances-controversial-decoupling-bill-but-amends-time-frame-to-seven-years/
