Florida House passes bill including decoupling language

The full Florida House of Representatives passed a bill late on Friday that would allow Gulfstream Park to cease live racing in 2030 while still retaining its casino license, advancing a bill whose ultimate political prospects have weakened considerably.

The House approved the bill on Friday evening by a lopsided vote of 70-34. The bill includes a raft of provisions relating to gambling and its regulation in Florida, in addition to the language allowing Gulfstream Park to decouple its racing and casino licenses as of Oct. 1, 2030.

Although the bill is supported by Gulfstream Park, the vast majority of racing and breeding constituents in the state have rallied to oppose its passage, contending that the bill would have ruinous effects on the state’s equine industry and related economic activity. Last week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis indicated his public opposition to the proposal at a staged appearance at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company auction.

Lobbyists and industry officials have predicted that the language would be supported in the House, but they have said that support for the proposal in the Senate is far less certain. A Senate committee has approved a version of the bill that would allow for decoupling after seven years, but it has not advanced any further.

Under Florida legislative protocols, both the House and the Senate have to agree on the same bill for it to be sent to the governor.

Florida’s legislative session is scheduled to end on May 2, but stalled budget negotiations have introduced the possibility that the session will be extended.

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