Seminole Casino in Limbo

The Florida Supreme Court last week ruled that Gov. Charlie Crist did not have unilateral authority to negotiate and sign a gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe, which authorized Las Vegas-style gambling in the state on tribal land.

The ruling leaves in limbo $50 million that the tribe forwarded to the state when the compact was signed by the governor — a move that prompted state House and Senate leaders to petition the Supreme Court for a ruling on the compact’s legality. The high court decision was handed down July 3.

“The $50 million that was transferred to the state as a part of the compact was not spent or factored into our state’s financial outlook,” said Senate President Ken Pruitt, R-Port St. Lucie. “The money is currently in general revenue and is available to be returned.”

House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-West Miami, who initiated the petition process to have the Supreme Court determine the legality of the compact, said the decision was a victory for the constitutional system of checks and balances. 

“I look forward to an open and deliberative process that results in a new compact that doesn’t unnecessarily expand gambling in our state and that’s fair to our taxpayers,” Rubio said.

Crist has not said what action he will take next. Representatives of the governor’s office and officials from the Seminole Tribe met Monday.

Florida already is reeling from the downturn in the real estate market and economic slowdown — both of which have resulted in significantly lower sales tax revenues supporting the budget. The state doesn’t have an income tax so it relies primarily on sales and use taxes.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
MORE FROM BOND BUYER