A Florida House subcommittee moved forward Wednesday with a controversial proposal that would allow the state’s thoroughbred racetracks to operate cardrooms and slot machines without the requirement of hosting live races. Known as “decoupling,” the measure advanced despite fierce warnings from breeders that it could cripple the state’s equine industry.
Sponsored by Rep. Adam Anderson (R-Palm Harbor), HB 881 seeks to lift the current mandate forcing Tampa Bay Downs and Gulfstream Park to run live race schedules to maintain their other gambling licenses—a regulatory shift already applied to Florida’s former greyhound and harness facilities.
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Anderson argued the legislation includes safeguards to protect the sport’s future. The bill prevents tracks from signaling an intent to stop racing until July 1, 2027, and requires them to continue operations for another three years after giving notice. It also streamlines the process for transferring racing permits to new locations.
“The whole intention of this legislation is to ensure that live racing does not end in the state of Florida,” Anderson told the panel.
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However, the proposal faced sharp criticism from the Ocala area’s massive horse breeding and training sector.
Lonny Powell, CEO of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association, argued that decoupling fundamentally undermines the commitment to live racing. Rep. Yvonne Hinson (D-Gainesville) echoed those concerns, labeling the bill a “great, great threat” to the region’s agricultural jobs and economy.
While Anderson noted that Tampa Bay Downs has expressed no interest in halting races, opponents remain skeptical about the long-term impact on South Florida’s Gulfstream Park. The bill must now clear the House Commerce Committee, while a similar measure (SB 1564) has been filed in the Senate.
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