A new bill introduced in Florida aims to amend regulations for thoroughbred permitholders by eliminating the requirement for live racing to maintain their licenses. The bill, effective July 1, 2025, proposes changes to Florida law governing pari-mutuel wagering, allowing facilities with permits for slot machine gaming to operate without conducting live races.

Under current law, thoroughbred permitholders must apply annually to conduct racing meetings and run at least one race per day featuring Florida-bred horses. The new bill would remove the live racing mandate, providing greater flexibility for permitholders to focus on gaming operations without being tied to hosting races.

The bill also proposes changes to slot machine licensure requirements, removing conditions tied to live racing while still requiring adherence to other regulatory requirements. This shift reflects a modern approach to the industry and could address concerns over horse welfare and the ethics of horse racing by reducing the demand for live races.