When the new legislative sessions starts March 2nd, there will be at least three Florida sports betting bills to be considered. The proposed regulations would allow mobile and retail sports books in the state with the possibility of gaming terminals placed at specific locations.
The session is quite short, running from March 2nd to April 30th. Lawmakers may not have enough time to fully decide if Florida sports betting should move forward. However, the Governor supports the industry and could sign any legislation that makes it to his desk. Here are some brief summaries of the bills that could be considered:
FL HB 1317 would legalize retail and mobile sportsbooks through Tribal venues as well as professional sports stadiums, and pari-mutuel or racino locations throughout the state. Professional and collegiate sports would be open for wagers and a legal age of 21 is set for those who want to participate in the activity.
FL HB 1319 is the part of this sports gaming market to cover taxes on the industry and where the revenues would end up going. Again, these two bills could only be made possible for approvals should the proposal regarding legalizing sports gaming be greenlit first.
House Bill 1321 is set up to come up with the fees and licensing structure for gambling on sports in Florida should the main bill in House Bill 1317 receive passage.
You can read more on the possibility of Florida sports betting at Legal Sports Betting.