Florida’s HB 105 Sparks Debate Over the Future of Horse Racing

Florida, known as HB 105, is drawing criticism from industry professionals and local stakeholders. If ed during the session, opponents argue the bill will significantly harm Marion County’s equine industry, leading to job losses and weakening the economic backbone of the region.

Concerns Over Marion County’s Horse Industry

Marion County, widely recognized as the Horse Capital of the World, could see substantial negative effects if HB 105 is enacted, according to critics. They argue that allowing thoroughbred tracks to operate without live racing could diminish the county’s equine industry, which plays a vital role in the local economy. Advocates for the horse racing community are urging local officials, state legislators, and industry ers to oppose the bill in order to preserve the county’s equestrian heritage.

Gulfstream Park, a well-known racetrack in South Florida, released a statement emphasizing the importance of collaboration for a sustainable path forward. The track stated it believes “in working together on a sensible and sustainable long-term solution” for thoroughbred racing in the state.

Attempts to reach state Rep. Adam Anderson, R-Palm Harbor, the bill’s sponsor, were unsuccessful. However, Anderson previously told WESH 2 News that he s racing and believes his legislation “will help horse tracks make better business decisions to invest in their parks.”

Understanding HB 105 and Its Potential Consequences

According to the Florida Senate website, HB 105 would allow thoroughbred permitholders to opt out of conducting live races while retaining their gambling licenses and other regulatory benefits. This change would directly impact Florida’s two remaining active horse tracks—Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs—by enabling them to operate slot machines and other gambling activities without hosting live races.

Current state law requires tracks to hold a minimum of 40 racing events annually to maintain a gambling license. HB 105 seeks to eliminate that requirement. The bill ed its first committee with a 12-4 vote and now awaits further consideration.

Proponents argue that removing the mandate would provide tracks with operational flexibility. Anderson has stated that the measure will allow venues to make independent business decisions, repurpose unused land, and reinvest in their facilities. “We’re removing this burdensome anti-business policy, giving tracks the ability to do what they want with unused land as an example, or giving them better options to just execute their business plan,” Anderson told the USA TODAY Network-Florida.

Despite the bill’s from some lawmakers, major industry figures and organizations have expressed concern. The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association has actively opposed the legislation, warning of its potential impact on jobs and the broader equine economy.

David O’Farrell, president of the Thoroughbred Racing Initiative, stated in a press release, “Thoroughbred racing in Florida is under attack. The bills filed in the Florida legislature threaten the future of live racing, breeding and our 33,500 jobs and $3.24 billion economic impact. This isn’t just a Florida issue; the ripple effects will impact racing and breeding nationwide.”

The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida has also voiced strong opposition, citing concerns over deregulation and the risk of external entities influencing Florida’s gaming industry. “It would change the landscape of gaming in Florida,” said Talbert Cypress, chairman of the Miccosukee Tribe. He further argued that eliminating the live racing requirement could make gambling licenses more valuable and potentially lead to sales to out-of-state interests.

While the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which operates under a state gaming compact, has not commented on the bill, the Miccosukee Tribe fears that HB 105 could erode important regulatory protections.

The Future of Florida’s Horse Racing Industry

Only three thoroughbred racing permits remain in Florida: Gulfstream Park Racing Association Inc., Gulfstream Park Thoroughbred After Racing Program Inc., and Tampa Bay Downs Inc. Critics of HB 105 worry that if the legislation es, it could accelerate the decline of live racing in the state, jeopardizing an industry that has been a cornerstone of Florida’s economy for decades.

For now, the bill’s fate remains uncertain as discussions continue among lawmakers, industry leaders, and community .

Source:

‘’Florida horse industry wary of bill that would decouple racing and gambling’’, cdcgaming.com, February 23, 2025.