Horse Racing Change Proposed Again In Florida Legislature

Rep. Adam Anderson, R-Palm Harbor, filed the proposal (HB 881) for the 2026 session, which will start Jan. 13. In a concept known as “decoupling,” the bill would erase a requirement that Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs hold live races to be able to operate cardrooms and, in the case of Gulfstream, slot machines.

The bill would allow the tracks to notify the Florida Gaming Control Commission on or after July 1, 2027, that they do not intend to continue running races. They could end the races three years after giving notice. A version of the bill during the 2025 session drew fierce opposition from the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association and other critics who said it posed a threat to areas such as Marion County, which is a major player nationally in horse breeding.

The bill would lead to thoroughbred tracks being treated similarly to former greyhound and harness-racing tracks that do not hold races but have been able to continue other forms of gambling. Find other details related to this topic: Visit website