Title: Ocala’s World Equestrian Center Moves Toward Serving Alcohol with New Legislation

Ocala’s World Equestrian Center provides horse lovers with one of the premier show and sport facilities in the nation. Soon, it could also serve booze.

The House approved legislation that would authorize a special beverage license for Marion County. That means an exception to the state’s beverage laws and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s enforcement.

“Marion County stands as an equestrian sport epicenter, celebrated worldwide for top-tier training facilities, renowned thoroughbred farms and vibrant equestrian culture,” wrote Rep. Ryan Chamberlin in an explanation of the legislation.

“Florida law has many complicated licensing frameworks, and currently, the World Equestrian Center faces challenges in meeting the expectations of (its) patrons due to existing restrictions under the Beverage Law. HB 4067 seeks to address these challenges by offering a narrowly tailored solution that aligns with the unique needs of this equestrian sport facility while ensuring compliance with the law.”

The exception in the law certainly drew the attention of the liquor industry.

Scott Dick, a lobbyist for the Florida Independent Spirits Association, paid close attention to the bill, which, as filed, initially would have allowed the sale of liquor for consumption off-premises.

“Our concern with the legislation was it would have been the first time ever that a quota liquor license would be issued under a special act, and that would allow them to operate like an ABC or a smaller liquor store,” Dick said.

“The average price of a liquor license in Marion County is anywhere from $250,000 to $300,000, and we have problems with the state gifting one entity a license that our people have paid thousands of dollars for. It was a fairness issue.”

From there, the legislation passed by a 92-16 vote last week.

Before the bill was brought to the House floor for final approval, Dick negotiated a compromise. He removed the provision for off-site consumption, allowing the venue to continue serving drinks on-site through a pop-up bar. As a result, the Association withdrew its opposition.

A representative for the World Equestrian Center declined to comment on the legislation, which still must win approval from the Senate.

The venue, one of two facilities operated by the World Equestrian Center, features multiple fields and an indoor village square setting — a setup that benefits vendors during events. It hosts such significant shows as the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup, Longines League of Nations and Championship Show 2024, and last year made Time’s list of the World’s Greatest Places.

Another of the venue fans is Dick, who attended horse shows there in the past. The prestige and broader benefit to Ocala’s tourist economy played a role in the deal, but Dick didn’t want this becoming a model for random venues across the state.

“When we start creating special liquor licenses for one entity, and it’s not for a community,” Dick said, “we have problems with that.”