Florida Horsemen Say Decoupling “Effectively” Dead

The Florida Legislature has concluded the political discussions for the regular legislative session of 2025, effective killing the proposals for decoupling of the bill 408 of the Senate, the bill 105 of the Chamber and the bill of the House of Representatives, all that the Senate Thorida for the Association of Sorry and passage approval reported on May 2.

The decoupling would have allowed the roots of pure blood that sacrifice the slot machines and card tables to operate their game businesses regardless of live races. Currently, the tracks must execute live races so that they have a permission for slot machines or card boards. Florida had already decoupled the casino licenses for Greyhound and Standardbred and Frontons Jai-Aalai. This year’s effort to decoup Gulfstream Park Owner/operator 1/ST Racing, a part of the Stronach Group.

The Constitution of Florida requires that the legislature approve a balanced state budget every year, so to meet this requirement, the legislature has extended its session until June 6. Any action is limited to the state budget.

“The conclusion of the Florida regular legislative session brings encouraging news for our beloved legacy of pure blood and the thousands of Floridans who dedicate their livelihoods to this proud tradition,” said Lonny Powell, CEO of the FTBOA. “The FTBOA, and the many groups of riders, individuals and elected officials who joined our efforts, once again defended our industry of a poorly advised attempt to decoupling, as we did in 2012, 2016, 2018 and 2021”.

Powell added that he was grateful to the many breeders, owners, coaches, veterinarians and riders who traveled to Tallahassee, Florida, to share a sincere opposition with the legislators.

“Your voices had a clear impact and made a real difference,” he continued. “We also thank the legislators who defended the values ​​of our industry, committed to our members and remained firm against proposals that threatened the base of the pure blood industry of $ 3.24 billion.

“As the Legislature continues to consider issues related to the state budget in the coming weeks, we will remain firm in our opposition to any effect to the Pure Blood industry of Florida. We hope to continue with the lengths and the stake-ter-ter, this vital industry in the coming years.”

The former Kentucky senator, Damon Thayer, an advisor to the Initiative of Pure Blood Races, said the work is now starting for breeding industries and Florida races.

“All we asked for was the opportunity to be heard, explain what was at stake and have the time to formulate a comprehensive and legal plan that is equitable for interested parties and allows Florida’s pure careers and the breeding of Indades prosper,” “” we hug the hard work that is coming. We are still committed to a collaboration effort, working together in a legislative package that will be a victory for the future of Florida’s careers. We are proud and grateful for our coalition of horse owners, coaches, breeders, veterinarians, horse transport, food and tactical companies and the thousands of working men and women in the drivers and farms of Florida who stayed together during the session. “

The Tri coalition formed in February to combat decoupling. The group was founded by David O’Farrell of Olala Stud, the owner/breeder Jon Green, coach Mark Casse, and the veterinarian and owner of the farm Dr. Barry Eisaman, who operates Eisaman Equine with his wife, Shari.

Thayer showed senators Danny Burgess, Jason Brodeur, Stan McClain and others for taking the time to listen to the horsepower and understand how the game licenses of an association between the pilots and the riders were forged.

“We thank the legislators for providing that opportunity and we hope to work with them in the 2026 session,” he said.

This press release has edited the leg for the content and style of the personnel of Horse Bloodhorse.