Ron DeSantis just handed one Florida business a golden ticket that will have competitors fuming

Ron DeSantis has always been a champion for Florida businesses.

But one company just got special treatment that raised eyebrows across the Sunshine State.

And Ron DeSantis just handed one Florida business a golden ticket that will have competitors fuming.

World Equestrian Center scores big with special liquor license

Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation that gives Ocala’s World Equestrian Center something most businesses can only dream of — a custom-made liquor license.

House Bill 4067 creates a special beverage license exclusively for the Marion County horse-riding venue.

The new law allows the World Equestrian Center to sell packaged wine and alcoholic beverages for consumption on their premises during events.

Representative Ryan Chamberlin, a Belleview Republican, filed the legislation to help what he described as a preeminent facility navigate burdensome government bureaucracy.

“Marion County stands as an equestrian sport epicenter, celebrated worldwide for top-tier training facilities, renowned thoroughbred farms and vibrant equestrian culture,” Chamberlin wrote.

The World Equestrian Center hosts major events like the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup, Longines League of Nations and Championship Show 2024.

Last year, the venue made Time magazine’s list of the World’s Greatest Places.

Now they can legally pop champagne to celebrate — right on their property.

Industry pushback reveals the real cost of liquor licenses

The Florida Independent Spirits Association initially opposed the original language of the bill.

Industry lobbyist Scott Dick helped craft the final version after raising concerns about creating special privileges for one business.

“When we start creating special liquor licenses for one entity, and it’s not for a community, we have problems with that,” Dick said.

The average price of a liquor license in Marion County runs between $250,000 and $300,000.

That’s a hefty price tag most businesses have to pay to serve alcohol.

But the World Equestrian Center just got theirs handed to them through special legislation.

Dick explained that the alcohol industry worried the original bill language would essentially let a sports venue operate like a retail liquor outlet.

After negotiations, lawmakers added restrictions to the final bill that limit the venue to serving drinks on-site through temporary bar setups during events.

Competitors left out in the cold

The new law specifically defines “equestrian sports facilities” as properties of “at least 500 acres” that include “two transient public lodging establishments.”

This definition appears tailored to benefit the World Equestrian Center while excluding potential competitors.

Horse Shows In The Sun (HITS) Ocala, located down the road, gets shut out of this special deal.

HITS sits on exactly 500 acres but has no hotels on its grounds — making it ineligible for the special license under the law’s specific requirements.

The precise language suggests lawmakers crafted this bill with one specific beneficiary in mind.

That’s the kind of targeted legislation that makes other businesses wonder why they don’t get the same treatment.

DeSantis delivers for Florida business

Representative Chamberlin explained that “Florida law has many complicated licensing frameworks, and currently, the World Equestrian Center faces challenges in meeting the expectations of (its) patrons due to existing restrictions under the Beverage Law.”

He said the bill “seeks to address these challenges by offering a narrowly tailored solution that aligns with the unique needs of this equestrian sport facility while ensuring compliance with the law.”

The facility includes multiple competition areas and indoor spaces that accommodate vendors during major events.

These high-profile equestrian competitions bring visitors from around the world to Marion County.

Now those visitors can enjoy alcoholic beverages without the venue having to navigate the expensive and complicated process of obtaining a traditional liquor license.

The new law takes effect immediately, meaning the World Equestrian Center can start serving alcohol right away.

Government picking winners and losers

While Governor DeSantis has built his reputation on reducing government interference in business, this legislation raises questions about fairness.

Creating special carve-outs for individual businesses while others must follow standard procedures doesn’t exactly level the playing field.

The World Equestrian Center certainly provides economic benefits to Marion County and showcases Florida’s equestrian culture on an international stage.

But every business owner who has paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for a liquor license might wonder why this venue gets special treatment.

The Florida Independent Spirits Association’s initial opposition shows even industry groups recognized the potential problems with creating custom licenses for specific entities.

While the final bill includes restrictions to address some concerns, it still gives one business a significant advantage over competitors.

The bottom line

The World Equestrian Center is undoubtedly a premier facility that brings prestige and economic activity to Florida.

But when the government creates special rules for individual businesses, it raises legitimate questions about fairness and equal treatment under the law.

Other equestrian facilities and event venues across Florida might start wondering why they don’t qualify for similar special treatment.

The new law demonstrates how well-connected businesses can sometimes get custom solutions from the legislature while others must navigate the regular bureaucratic process.

Whether this represents smart economic development or unfair government favoritism probably depends on your perspective.

What’s certain is that the World Equestrian Center just got a golden ticket that will save them hundreds of thousands of dollars — while their competitors watch from the sidelines.