The bill CS/CS/HB 105 amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning pari-mutuel wagering, particularly for thoroughbred permitholders. It allows these permitholders to opt out of conducting live racing while retaining their permits, although those with slot machine facilities or cardrooms must continue live racing until they notify the commission, with a minimum three-year notice period. The bill also eliminates the requirement for live racing in relation to certain tax obligations and introduces a structured plan for breeders' incentives, mandating that funds for breeders' awards be used to promote Florida-bred horses. Additionally, it establishes eligibility criteria for stallion awards and requires the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' Association to maintain records related to stallions and awards.

Moreover, the bill facilitates the conversion of quarter horse racing permits to limited thoroughbred permits and outlines the governance of these entities. It modifies licensing requirements for slot machine gaming, allowing thoroughbred permitholders to forgo a full schedule of live racing. The bill allocates $5 million for initiatives to promote Florida thoroughbred breeding and revises the management of funds for purses and breeders' awards, replacing previous requirements with an annual plan established by the commission. It also specifies the redistribution of funds if a permitholder discontinues live racing and amends the distribution of abandoned funds in pari-mutuel pools to benefit breeders' associations. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 105 Filed: 550.01215
H 105 c1: 550.01215, 849.086
H 105 c2: 550.01215, 550.0951, 550.26165, 550.625, 550.0351, 550.2614, 550.2633, 550.26352