Current Status in Florida
Greyhound racing is effectively no longer legal in Florida for commercial track operations. The last remaining commercial track ended greyhound racing in 2020, after which the state prohibited new greyhound tracks and banned wagering on greyhound racing. Today, no licensed greyhound racing tracks operate in Florida. This summary explains the legal transition, key dates, and what the current law means for racing and wagering.
History of Greyhound Racing in Florida
Greyhound racing was long established in Florida, with multiple tracks operating across the state for decades. Regulated by the Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering (DPMW), these tracks generated pari-mutuel wagering revenue and were subject to state gaming laws. Over time, shifting public opinion, regulatory burdens, and competition from other gaming options led to a decline in tracks and revenue.
Key Legislative Turning Points
Florida statutes evolved to restrict and ultimately end new greyhound track authorization. A pivotal change was the prohibition on authorizing new or expanded greyhound tracks, effectively closing the door to continued commercial operations. The law also clarified that greyhound racing does not qualify for pari-mutuel licensing, removing the regulatory pathway for new entrants.
When Greyhound Racing Ended in Florida
The timeline of greyhound racing closures in Florida shows a stepwise phase-out across the 2010s, culminating in 2020.
| Track | Last Race Date | Legal or Regulatory Action | Why It Mattered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Derby Lane (St. Petersburg) | January 2020 | Voluntary closure; no new racing licenses | Signaled end of commercial greyhound racing in Florida |
| Other remaining tracks | 2016–2019 | Declining licenses; local option bans | Reduced footprint to a single track |
By early 2020, greyhound racing had ended at the last operating venue, and no track holds an active racing license.
Legal Framework Today
Florida law and administrative rules confirm that greyhound racing is not an authorized activity. The Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering does not license greyhound tracks, and statutes prohibit authorizing new tracks or expanding existing ones. Wagering on greyhound racing is not permitted under Florida pari-mutuel or sports wagering regulations.
Key Legal References
- Florida Statutes Chapter 540 — Pari-Mutual Wagering, which governs licensed racing and does not include greyhound racing.
- Florida Statutes Chapter 849 — Local Option and Regulation of Racing, specifying track authorization and the ban on new greyhound tracks.
- Florida Administrative Code rules that define permitted games and exclude greyhound racing from pari-mutuel operations.
What Applies to Former Tracks and Property
Former greyhound tracks in Florida may be repurposed under local zoning and use provisions, but they cannot return to greyhound racing without violating the statutory prohibition on new or expanded tracks. Local governments retain authority over site reuse and may impose conditions related to alternative uses, including gaming that is expressly permitted.
Greyhound Racing and Other Racing Forms in Florida
| Type | Legal in Florida | Pari-Mutuel Wagering Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Greyhound racing | No (effectively ended) | No |
| Thoroughbred horse racing | Yes | Yes |
| Harness racing | Yes (limited venues) | Yes |
| Sports betting | Yes (licensed operators) | Yes |
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: Some greyhound tracks still operate legally in Florida. Reality: No licensed commercial greyhound racing tracks operate in the state.
- Misconception: Online greyhound betting is legal for Florida residents. Reality: Wagering on greyhound racing is not authorized by Florida law.
- Misconception: Tracks can reopen if local voters approve. Reality: State law prohibits authorizing new greyhound tracks, limiting local options.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it legal to attend greyhound races in Florida? No commercial greyhound racing events are held, and no venues are licensed for this activity.
- Can I wager on greyhound races in Florida? No. Greyhound racing is not a permitted pari-mutuel or sports wagering offering.
- Are there any exceptions for private or tribal venues? The statutory prohibition on authorizing new greyhound tracks applies broadly; no active greyhound racing licenses are issued.
- What happened to the tracks that used to race? They ceased greyhound operations, and many have been or are being repurposed under local zoning rules.
- Could greyhound racing return to Florida? It would require a change in state law to authorize new or expanded tracks, which is not currently on the legislative agenda.
Resources and Official References
- Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering — official source for racing regulations and permitted activities.
- Florida Statutes — Chapters 540 and 849, covering pari-mutuel wagering and local racing authority.
- Local government zoning and land use records for former track sites.
Bottom Line
Greyhound racing is not legal for commercial operation in Florida today. Legislative and regulatory actions that ended new track authorization and closed the last track in 2020 make greyhound racing effectively unlawful in the state. Current law focuses pari-mutuel wagering and other permitted gaming on activities other than greyhound racing.