Florida Decoupling Stalled As Legislature’s Regular Session Closes

[Wandering Eyes]

The Florida Legislature's 2026 regular session concluded with decoupling legislation again failing to reach the Governor's desk, according to a press release from the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association on Friday.

HB881 passed the House but companion bill SB1564 never received a hearing in the Senate. A special session is expected to finalize the state budget.

Lonny Powell, the FTBOA's CEO, said in a statement that, “Decoupling has stalled again. Once more, the FTBOA and our industry partners defended Florida's Thoroughbred industry. We thank the industry partners who stood united against this legislation, the 34 House members who voted 'no,' and the Senate for declining to advance SB1564.

“It's become evident through the 2025 and 2026 legislative sessions that Florida needs a global gaming solution designed by Floridians, for Floridians. That will require alignment among the House, Senate, Governor and the Seminole Tribe, whose Gaming Compact represents a model of good-faith partnership with the State.

“Piecemeal attempts like repeated decoupling bills, and any effort to push the edges of the Tribal Gaming Compact or current law, will not lead to viable solutions for our industry or for the State.

“As the Legislature reconvenes for budget matters, we will remain vigilant against any effort to weaken Florida's $3.2 billion Thoroughbred industry. We look forward to continuing our work with Florida's leaders and stakeholders on solutions that preserve, stabilize and grow this signature agricultural industry on a go-forward basis.”

Thoroughbred Racing Initiative senior advisor Damon Thayer added in a separate release on Friday that, “We are proud that, for the second year in a row, decoupling legislation before the Florida Legislature has been defeated by our industry-wide coalition representing owners, trainers, breeders, veterinarians, sales companies and the many small businesses that create the thoroughbred industry's massive ecosystem.

“But our work is far from done. Now TRI and our coalition partners will pivot toward creating a path forward for a stronger Florida thoroughbred industry that provides long-term stability and prosperity. Let's be clear: We want Gulfstream Park to be part of that future, but we're also planning alternatives.”

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