Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced legislation aimed at nullifying last-minute agreements made by the Walt Disney Company with the former Reedy Creek Improvement District board, which sought to undermine the governor's newly-formed state control board overseeing Disney's special tax district.
The agreement, formed on February 8th, ensures that the state board receive consent from Disney before making any changes. This move directly undermines DeSantis' legislation designed to hold Disney accountable for its development practices within Florida. The new state control board is scheduled to meet on Wednesday to introduce initiatives addressing this issue.
In response, Governor DeSantis (R) has introduced a legislative proposal targeting these recent efforts by Walt Disney Company. The proposal not only aims at nullifying their restrictive development agreement but also seeks to revoke other privileges held by the entertainment giant in Florida – including exemptions of their monorail system from state inspections.
Furthermore, under this proposed legislation, theme park rides within Disney World will now be subject to state inspections as part of an effort towards increased accountability and oversight.
Disney CEO Bob Iger defended their actions during a shareholder meeting after coming under scrutiny over their controversial development agreement: "It was appropriate and was discussed and approved openly." He further criticized Governor DeSantis as being "anti-business" and "anti-Florida."
Nonetheless, representatives for Walt Disney Company have yet to respond publicly regarding this specific proposed legislation slated for filing next week.
As part of his ongoing investigation into these matters related to the Reedy Creek Improvement District takeover attempt by the State of Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis has hired four outside law firms specializing in voiding contracts made under previous boards like those involved in this case between Reedy Creek Board members appointed by Walt Disney company themselves -