An initiative is underway to develop a new thoroughbred horse racing track and entertainment complex in Marion County, Florida—known as the “Horse Capital of the World”—amid renewed legislative discussions on “decoupling.” Decoupling would remove the requirement for live horse racing at Florida’s two existing tracks, Tampa Bay Downs and Gulfstream Park, allowing gambling operations to continue without live races. The Florida Thoroughbred Owners’ and Breeders’ Association (FTBOA), led by CEO Lonny Powell and supported by investors including former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine and attorney John Morgan, plans to manage the new track under its existing non-profit permit as a strategy to preserve horse racing in the state.

Although decoupling legislation failed in 2024, it is expected to be reconsidered in 2026. Powell emphasized that current law mandates live racing for gambling privileges, and decoupling would eliminate this obligation, potentially harming the horse racing industry. While FTBOA previously opposed decoupling, the group now views the creation of a new track in Ocala as a necessary step to safeguard the future of thoroughbred racing in Florida.