FTBOA Decries ‘Extremely Speculative’ Options In Florida Decoupling Bill; House Subcommittee Votes Yes

In the first decoupling clash of the 2026 legislative session, bill sponsor Adam Anderson continues to promote decoupling as a way to “preserve the industry” in Florida.

BY CHELSEA HACKBARTH, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, THE PAULICK REPORT

USED WITH PERMISSION FROM THE PAULICK REPORT

Here we go again.

The legislative battle against decoupling in the state of Florida began in earnest on Jan. 14 when HB 881 was heard in the House Subcommittee on Industries and Professional Activities. 

Despite less than 48 hours’ notice that the bill would be heard in committee, multiple members of the racing industry were present at the hearing. Public comment was put forward from Nick de Meric, Lonny Powell, David O’Farrell, Tom Ventura, Steve Koch and three other horsemen who waved in opposition to the bill…

BY STEVE KOCH

Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association CEO Lonny Powell and Administrative Vice President Steve Koch testified before the House Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee on Jan. 14, representing the unified opposition of Florida's horsemen to HB 881.

BY GULFSTREAM PARK PRESS OFFICE (Edited)

HALLANDALE BEACH, FL - The last time Brad Grady and David Grund's Seminole Chief faced fellow Florida-breds, the 5-year-old gelding captured the $300,000 In Reality, the mile-and-a-sixteenth final of the 2023 Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association Florida Sire Stakes series for juveniles over the main track at Gulfstream Park.

BY FASIG-TIPTON PRESS OFFICE

Fasig-Tipton has catalogued 248 entries for its January Digital Sale, which may be viewed online at digital.fasigtipton.com. Bidding is now open and will close Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 2 p.m. ET.

Check this page for continued updates.

January 2026, by artist Remi‬⁩ Bellocq

PRESS RELEASE

TALLAHASSEE, FL-Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Julie Brown as Chair, Peter Cuderman and William Spicola and the reappointment of John Michael D'Aquila and Tina Repp to the Florida Gaming Control Commission.