The bill amends Florida Statutes concerning thoroughbred permitholders, allowing them the option to opt out of conducting live racing or games without losing their permits or status as pari-mutuel facilities. It also exempts certain permitholders from licensing and application fees for cardroom operations. Furthermore, thoroughbred permitholders that operate slot machine facilities or cardrooms are required to maintain a full schedule of live racing until they formally notify the Florida Gaming Control Commission of their intent to stop live racing. The bill introduces provisions for the transfer or reissuance of racing permits and removes previous restrictions on changing racetrack locations.

Additionally, the bill specifies that a thoroughbred permitholder's permit will become void if they do not conduct live performances and fail to pay taxes for a designated period. It allows for the leasing of pari-mutuel facilities and clarifies eligibility for intertrack wagering. The bill also reenacts certain subsections related to intertrack wagering, ensuring that permitholders meeting live racing requirements can receive broadcasts and accept wagers on races from other licensed permitholders. The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1564 Filed: 550.09515, 550.3345, 550.475, 550.5251