Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered a state investigation into the Walt Disney World special planning district in Orlando after revelations that the state's planned takeover of the district may have been circumvented with a legally questionable agreement signed by the previous board. The governor alleges that this agreement, which gives Disney control over maximum density without approval, restricts symbols like Mickey Mouse and is set to expire 21 years after King Charles III’s descendants' death, was designed to usurp the authority of newly legislated Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD).
DeSantis has called for an investigation by the inspector general's office to determine whether any legal or ethical violations occurred during this transaction and whether any executives or staff members were involved in it. The power play by Disney has amused some lobbyists who said they bet Disney's lawyers were giggling waiting for their maneuver to be discovered.
The move comes as part of a larger political battle between DeSantis and Walt Disney World resort over Covid-19 safety measures and other issues such as “Don’t Say Gay” law. While legal experts cited by Orlando Sentinel said that it would likely be hard to undo this development agreement, De Santis stated that he would like any legal or ethical violations reported to appropriate authorities.
As of now, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is at war with Walt Disney World resort on several fronts.