§ 571.265 — Promotion of Florida thoroughbred breeding and of thoroughbred racing at Florida thoroughbred tracks; distribution of funds

Florida § 571.265

• Jurisdiction: Florida
• Title: XXXV
• Ch. 571: AGRICULTURAL ADVERTISING

Text

(1) For purposes of this section, the term “permitholder” has the same meaning as in s. 550.002(23).

(2) Funds deposited into the Florida Agricultural Promotional Campaign Trust Fund pursuant to s. 212.20(6)(d)6.e. shall be used by the department to encourage the agricultural activity of breeding thoroughbred racehorses in this state and to enhance thoroughbred racing conducted at thoroughbred tracks in this state as provided in this section. If the funds made available under this section are not fully used in any one fiscal year, any unused amounts shall be carried forward in the trust fund into future fiscal years and made available for distribution as provided in this section.

(3) The department shall distribute the funds made available under this section as follows: (a) Five million dollars shall be distributed to Tampa Bay Downs, Inc., to be used as purses in thoroughbred races conducted at its pari-mutuel facilities and for the maintenance and operation of that facility, pursuant to an agreement with its local majority horsemen’s group. (b) Fifteen million dollars shall be distributed to Gulfstream Park Racing Association, Inc., to be used as purses in thoroughbred races conducted at its pari-mutuel facility and for the maintenance and operation of its facility, pursuant to an agreement with the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Inc. (c) Seven and one-half million dollars shall be distributed as follows: 1. Six million dollars to Gulfstream Park Racing Association, Inc., to be used as purses and purse supplements for Florida-bred or Florida-sired horses that participate in thoroughbred races at the permitholder’s pari-mutuel facility, pursuant to a written agreement filed with the department establishing the rates, procedures, and eligibility requirements entered into by the permitholder and the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Inc. 2. One and one-half million dollars to Tampa Bay Downs, Inc., to be used as purses and purse supplements for Florida-bred or Florida-sired horses that participate in thoroughbred races at the permitholder’s pari-mutuel facility, pursuant to a written agreement filed with the department establishing the rates, procedures, and eligibility requirements entered into by the permitholder and the local majority horsemen’s group at the permitholder’s pari-mutuel facility.

(4) On or before the first day of the August following each fiscal year in which a recipient under this section received or used funds pursuant to this section, each such recipient must submit a report to the department detailing how all funds were used in the prior fiscal year.

Legislative History

s. 42, ch. 2023-157; s. 49, ch. 2024-2; s. 52, ch. 2024-158; s. 21, ch. 2025-5; s. 86, ch. 2025-208.