By Ashley Robinson No, commercial dog racing is illegal in Florida. The state officially banned greyhound racing after Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2018, and the ban fully took effect at the end of 2020. Since 2021, live dog racing for gambling purposes has no longer been legal anywhere in Florida.
Florida was once considered the center of greyhound racing in the United States. The state had numerous racetracks and a long history of betting on dog races dating back decades. However, growing concerns about animal welfare, injuries, deaths, and declining public support eventually led to the statewide ban.
What Exactly Was Banned?
Florida banned:
- Commercial greyhound racing
- Wagering on live dog races held in Florida
- Racing of greyhounds and other dogs for gambling purposes
The law came through Florida Amendment 13, which voters approved by a large margin in the 2018 election. The amendment phased out dog racing completely by December 31, 2020.
Why Did Florida Ban Dog Racing?
Animal welfare concerns played the biggest role.
Critics argued that racing dogs often faced:
- Serious injuries
- Harsh kennel conditions
- Overbreeding
- Drug abuse concerns
- Euthanasia after injuries or poor performance
Reports over the years documented hundreds of racing dog deaths and injuries in Florida tracks.
Animal rights organizations strongly campaigned against the industry, and public opinion gradually shifted against commercial dog racing.
What Happened to Florida’s Dog Tracks?
Before the ban, Florida had one of the largest greyhound racing industries in America.
After Amendment 13 passed:
- Racetracks shut down racing operations
- Thousands of greyhounds were retired
- Many dogs were placed for adoption
- Florida’s commercial racing industry ended
Some former racetracks continued operating as:
- Casinos
- Poker rooms
- Entertainment venues
but no longer hosted live dog races.
Is Betting on Dog Racing Still Allowed?
Live greyhound racing inside Florida is banned.
However, gambling laws involving simulcast or out-of-state racing can become more complicated depending on federal and state gambling regulations.
Florida’s main focus was ending live in-state commercial dog racing operations.
Can Private Dog Racing Still Happen?
Organized commercial racing for gambling purposes is illegal.
However, recreational dog sporting activities unrelated to gambling may still legally exist, such as:
- Lure coursing
- Agility competitions
- Non-commercial racing events
These activities are different from professional gambling-based greyhound racing.
Was Florida the First State to Ban Greyhound Racing?
No, but Florida’s decision was extremely important because it had one of the largest dog racing industries in the country.
The Florida ban caused a major national decline in greyhound racing.
Today, only a very small number of tracks remain active in the United States, mainly in West Virginia.
Are Greyhound Dogs Illegal to Own?
No.
Owning greyhounds as pets is completely legal in Florida.
In fact, many retired racing greyhounds were adopted into homes after the racing ban. Adoption groups across Florida helped rehome thousands of dogs.
Could Dog Racing Ever Return to Florida?
It would be extremely difficult.
Because the ban became part of Florida’s constitution through voter approval, reversing it would likely require another major constitutional amendment or statewide legal change.
Public support for commercial dog racing also remains very low compared to previous decades.
FAQs
Q: Is dog racing legal in Florida?
A: No. Commercial dog racing is illegal in Florida.
Q: When did Florida ban greyhound racing?
A: The ban fully took effect on January 1, 2021.
Q: What law banned dog racing?
A: Florida Amendment 13 banned commercial dog racing.
Q: Why was dog racing banned?
A: Mainly because of animal welfare and cruelty concerns.
Q: Are Florida dog tracks still open?
A: Some former tracks still operate as casinos or entertainment venues, but not for live dog racing.
Q: Can people still bet on dog races in Florida?
A: Live in-state greyhound racing betting is banned.
Q: Are greyhounds legal pets in Florida?
A: Yes. Greyhounds can legally be owned as pets.
Q: What happened to racing greyhounds?
A: Many were adopted through rescue and adoption organizations.
Q: Does any dog racing still exist in America?
A: Yes, but only a very small number of tracks remain.
Q: Could Florida legalize dog racing again?
A: It would likely require major constitutional or statewide legal changes.