Seminole compact inches forward in Florida Senate

Gov. Rick Scott’s $3.1 billion gaming compact with the Seminole tribe is finally moving ahead in the Florida Senate—albeit in a different form—which could throw a wrench in the lawmakers’ ability to pass a gambling bill this session.

Senate President-designate Joe Negron, R-Stuart, believes “a pure gaming compact won’t pass,” which was why he submitted an amended proposal that will not only see six counties get slot machines, but will also allow race tracks with slots and card rooms as replacement for live racing.

The Senate Committee on Regulated Industries voted 8-4 in favor of Negron’s version.

In his speech before the Senate committee, Negron said the compact needs the vote of the lawmakers—divided between those who refuse a gambling expansion of any kind and those who represent constituents who want slot machines in their counties—to get further ahead in the Legislature.