OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The potential effects of decoupling on the thoroughbred industry and Marion County are profound.
Florida’s thoroughbred industry is a major economic driver, with a $3.24 billion economic impact and 33,500 jobs tied to it. The overall economic impact of the equine industry in Florida is a staggering $12.8 billion.
“It appears they want to go all casino, all slot machines. We’re talking straight-up casinos,” said Adam Anderson (R-Palm Harbor), who introduced HB 105, a bill to decouple the thoroughbred racing license from its casino at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, FL. “Florida has not been, until the gaming compact (between the State of Florida and the Seminole Tribe in 2021), a casino-style state. But now we are rapidly becoming just that.”
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Marion and Levy Counties have long-standing ties to the thoroughbred industry. Their farms, stallion stations, and training centers have produced champions and stakes winners, reinforcing Ocala’s reputation as a global leader in the equine industry.
“I have grown up driving through our district, and I tried to describe the rolling green pastures and hills that is Marion County and has been over decades of pastures and pastures of beautiful horses,” said Hinson. “I’m 77 years old and this is what I’ve lived. I’m not into that business, but I’ve grown up watching it, enjoying it.”
Gulfstream Park has committed to 200 racing days for 2025 and 2026, but should the decoupling bill move forward, the future of racing in Hallandale Beach remains uncertain.
“After the commitment is done, there’s no guarantee they’re going to continue (to race),” said Hinson.
Development and rising real estate values pose additional threats to the industry. Organizations like Horse Farms Forever and Save Our Rural Areas have advocated for land preservation to combat urban encroachment.
“We have so many concrete jungles around here now. Florida is just going to have another Atlantic City look,” said Hinson. “I’m just dreading what my state is becoming.”
Hinson emphasized the importance of industry stakeholders getting involved and engaging with legislators to voice their concerns.
“What I said to the small group of people that were here from the industry, and I was stunned that it was only a small group considering Marion County’s dependence on the equine industry, is that they should meet one on one with each person,” said Hinson. “They will find out the true heart of each individual.”
Decoupling threatens not just racing but the entire industry and its workforce. The equine industry’s total employment effect accounts for more than 22% of jobs in Marion County and 112,000 jobs statewide.
Past legislative efforts to decouple the industry were met with strong resistance, and opponents remain committed to fighting the bill.
“Even though we understand the nuances and the complications going into the session, the FTBOA remains steadfast as we have for the last 14 years in our solid opposition to decoupling,” said Ocala-based Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owner Association Executive Director (FTBOA) Lonny T. Powell.
The Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s open letter to the industry underscored the nationwide consequences of decoupling, warning that the measure would significantly harm thoroughbred racing across the country.
“Make no mistake, if this bill passes, the impact will harm racing and will not be limited to Florida. The ripple effects will be nationwide, and the message will be deafening,” stated the letter.