Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has initiated legal action against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and his selected oversight board. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, alleges that DeSantis, a potential 2024 Republican presidential candidate, has used his political influence to penalize Disney for exercising its right to free speech.
The legal action comes after the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board, appointed by DeSantis, attempted to regain control from Disney by invalidating a prior agreement made between the company and the previous board. Martin Garcia, chairman of the new board, described the situation as a "legal mess."
The conflict between DeSantis and Disney has grown increasingly tense as the governor prepares for a possible presidential run. In response to the board's actions, Disney has sued DeSantis, the board, and Florida Department of Economic Opportunity acting secretary Meredith Ivey in an attempt to block their moves.
The lawsuit claims that the vote to invalidate the previous agreement represents an orchestrated campaign of government retaliation by DeSantis against Disney for voicing opinions he disagrees with. This retaliation puts Disney's business operations, economic future in the region, and constitutional rights at risk.
This ongoing dispute has negatively impacted the previously amicable relationship between the Florida government and the state's most famous employer and tourist attraction. DeSantis has even suggested building a prison or competing theme park on land that Disney has controlled for decades.
The fight between DeSantis and Disney has become a talking point in the early stages of the 2024 Republican presidential primary. Several political figures, including former President Donald Trump and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, have criticized DeSantis for his actions, describing them as anti-business.
In light of the legal battle, Garcia announced that the board would seek to increase taxes to cover legal fees associated with evaluating and challenging the agreements made with Disney.
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board took over the Reedy Creek Improvement District, a special taxing district that has granted Disney control over land surrounding its Central Florida theme parks for half a century. However, the previous board had made an agreement with Disney that appeared to strip the new board of its power to control the company.
In a recent meeting, the board's special general counsel, Daniel Langley, presented the legal argument for nullifying the deal between Disney and the previous board. He cited a lack of required public notice for meetings and improper approval by two municipalities within the district as reasons for the agreement's invalidity.
The legal battle between Disney and the Florida government marks a significant shift in the relationship between the state and its most iconic business. The dispute began after Disney's then-CEO, Bob Chapek, objected to state legislation restricting certain classroom instruction on sexuality and gender identity. DeSantis subsequently targeted Disney's special governing powers, leading to the current legal conflict.
