In recognition of the economic importance of the thoroughbred breeding industry to this state, its positive impact on tourism, and of the importance of a permanent thoroughbred sales facility as a key focal point for the activities of the industry, a limited license to conduct intertrack wagering is established to ensure the continued viability and public interest in thoroughbred breeding in Florida.(1) Upon application to the commission on or before January 31 of each year, any person that is licensed to conduct public sales of thoroughbred horses pursuant to s. 535.01 and that has conducted at least 8 days of thoroughbred horse sales at a permanent sales facility in this state for at least 3 consecutive years before such application shall be issued a license, subject to the conditions set forth in this section, to conduct intertrack wagering at such a permanent sales facility. No more than one such license may be issued, and no such license may be issued for a facility located within 50 miles of any thoroughbred permitholder’s track. (2) If more than one application is submitted for such license, the commission shall determine which applicant shall be granted the license. In making its determination, the commission shall grant the license to the applicant demonstrating superior capabilities, as measured by the length of time the applicant has been conducting thoroughbred sales within this state or elsewhere, the applicant’s total volume of thoroughbred horse sales, within this state or elsewhere, the length of time the applicant has maintained a permanent thoroughbred sales facility in this state, and the quality of the facility.
(3) The applicant must comply with the provisions of ss. 550.125 and 550.1815. (4) The licensee shall be considered a guest track under this chapter.
