Nonwagering permits.

(1)(a) Except as provided in this section, permits and licenses issued by the commission are intended to be used for pari-mutuel wagering operations in conjunction with horseraces, dograces, or jai alai performances.

(b) Subject to the requirements of this section, the commission is authorized to issue permits for the conduct of horseracing meets without pari-mutuel wagering or any other form of wagering being conducted in conjunction therewith. Such permits shall be known as nonwagering permits and may be issued only for horseracing meets. A horseracing permitholder need not obtain an additional permit from the commission for conducting nonwagering racing under this section, but must apply to the commission for the issuance of a license under this section. The holder of a nonwagering permit is prohibited from conducting pari-mutuel wagering or any other form of wagering in conjunction with racing conducted under the permit. Nothing in this subsection prohibits horseracing for any stake, purse, prize, or premium.

(c) The holder of a nonwagering permit is exempt from the provisions of s. 550.105 and is exempt from the imposition of daily license fees and admission tax.

(2)(a) Any person not prohibited from holding any type of pari-mutuel permit under s. 550.1815 shall be allowed to apply to the commission for a nonwagering permit. The applicant must demonstrate that the location or locations where the nonwagering permit will be used are available for such use and that the applicant has the financial ability to satisfy the reasonably anticipated operational expenses of the first racing year following final issuance of the nonwagering permit. If the racing facility is already built, the application must contain a statement, with reasonable supporting evidence, that the nonwagering permit will be used for horseracing within 1 year after the date on which it is granted. If the facility is not already built, the application must contain a statement, with reasonable supporting evidence, that substantial construction will be started within 1 year after the issuance of the nonwagering permit.

(b) The commission may conduct an eligibility investigation to determine if the applicant meets the requirements of paragraph (a).

(3)(a) Upon receipt of a nonwagering permit, the permitholder shall apply between January 15 and February 4 of each year for a nonwagering license for the next state fiscal year. Such application must set forth the days and locations at which the permitholder will conduct nonwagering horseracing, must demonstrate that any location to which the nonwagering license applies is available for such use, and must indicate any changes in ownership or management of the permitholder occurring since the date of application for the prior license.

(b) On or before April 15 of each year, the commission shall issue a license authorizing the nonwagering permitholder to conduct nonwagering horseracing during the next state fiscal year during the period and for the number of days set forth in the application, subject to this section.

(c) The commission may extend a nonwagering license for the 2024 calendar year through the 2024-2025 fiscal year upon application for such extension by the nonwagering permitholder.

(4) Upon the approval of racing dates by the commission, the commission shall issue an annual nonwagering license to the nonwagering permitholder.

(5) Only horses registered with an established breed registration organization, which organization shall be approved by the commission, shall be raced at any race meeting authorized by this section.

(6) The commission may order any person participating in a nonwagering meet to cease and desist from participating in such meet if the commission determines the person to be not of good moral character in accordance with s. 550.1815. The commission may order the operators of a nonwagering meet to cease and desist from operating the meet if the commission determines the meet is being operated for any illegal purpose.