The future of Gulfstream Park, one of Florida’s iconic thoroughbred horse racing venues, is under threat as a controversial bill advances through the state legislature. The proposed legislation, known as House Bill 105 (HB 105), aims to eliminate the requirement for the state’s two remaining thoroughbred tracks, Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach and Tampa Bay Downs in Oldsmar. To host live horse races in order to offer other forms of gambling, such as cardrooms and, in Gulfstream’s case, slot machines.
The concept at the heart of HB 105 is called “decoupling,” which would separate the requirement to host live races from the ability to operate other gambling activities. Proponents, like bill sponsor Rep. Adam Anderson (R-Palm Harbor), argue that this move would provide tracks with the flexibility to make more profitable business decisions. “I feel strongly that it is not the Legislature’s responsibility to force a private business to operate a line of business that might not be profitable,” Anderson said.
Despite Anderson’s assurances that the bill is intended to support the horse racing industry, opponents fear it could have devastating consequences. Critics argue that by removing the live racing requirement, the bill would pave the way for tracks to prioritize more profitable gambling ventures, leading to a decline or complete end of live horse racing.
The bill has faced fierce opposition from key figures in the horse racing and breeding industries. Lonny Powell, CEO of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association, warned that decoupling would threaten the livelihood of thousands involved in the state’s horse-breeding industry. “This is a piece of paper that will allow many people to lose their jobs and for a 70-, 75-, 80-year-old industry in this state, a signature industry in this state, to be in peril,” Powell stated.
Particularly at risk is Marion County, home to Ocala, known as the epicenter of the global thoroughbred industry. Rep. Yvonne Hinson (D-Gainesville), whose district covers part of Marion County, voiced her concerns, predicting economic devastation for the region if horse racing were to decline. “This bill would kill this county,” Hinson remarked, emphasizing the extensive economic ecosystem tied to horse breeding and racing in the area.
Amidst the heated debate, Gulfstream Park’s lobbyist, Jeff Johnston, insisted that the track remains committed to live racing. He cited plans to host 200 days of races in 2025 and another 200 days in 2026, emphasizing that the bill merely seeks to separate horse racing from other gambling operations, giving the track more flexibility. “Nobody said racing is stopping,” Johnston assured.
Yet, the historical context paints a different picture. Florida previously decoupled harness racing and jai alai, leading to the decline of those sports. Moreover, in 2018, Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment banning greyhound racing, which caused dog tracks to cease live racing while maintaining other gambling options.
The bill has passed the House Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee and is set to be considered during the legislative session starting on March 4. A Senate version of the bill (SB 408) was recently filed by Sen. Danny Burgess (R-Zephyrhills), signaling momentum behind the push for decoupling.
The outcome of this legislative battle could redefine Florida’s horse racing landscape. For Gulfstream Park, the stakes are particularly high, as its identity and history are rooted in live horse racing. Should the bill pass, the track would have the freedom to continue racing or to shift focus towards more profitable gambling options, potentially leading to the end of live races.
The decision could also set a precedent affecting the future of horse racing nationwide, as other states watch to see if Florida’s model of decoupling spreads.
As the debate over HB 105 intensifies, the fate of Gulfstream Park hangs in the balance. The proposed decoupling legislation has sparked a clash between economic interests, historical traditions, and the livelihoods of thousands involved in Florida’s horse racing and breeding industries. With passionate arguments on both sides, the next few months will be critical in determining whether Gulfstream Park remains a racing powerhouse or transforms into a venue focused solely on other forms of gambling.
The broader impact on Florida’s economy, especially in regions heavily invested in horse breeding, will also be significant. For now, the future of Gulfstream Park and of horse racing in Florida, remains uncertain.
