Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Friday signed a invoice into legislation that provides a new board he controls the ability to void improvement agreements its predecessor physique signed with Disney — the newest episode in a feud between the conservative governor and the leisure big.
Underneath the invoice, which handed the Republican-controlled legislature largely alongside social gathering traces, the Central Tourism Oversight District Board — whose members are appointed by DeSantis — can cancel any offers signed as much as three months earlier than the board’s creation.
Walt Disney declined to remark.
The legislature fashioned the board in February to switch the Disney-controlled Reedy Creek Enchancment District to supervise improvement within the 25,000 acres surrounding Walt Disney World, successfully wresting management from the corporate and handing it to DeSantis.
Disney, the most important employer in central Florida, and the Republican governor have been battling since final yr when Disney criticized a brand new state legislation banning classroom instruction of sexuality and gender identity with younger children.
DeSantis, who is predicted to declare his candidacy for president within the coming weeks, has repeatedly attacked “woke Disney” in public remarks, characterizing it as liberal.
Earlier than DeSantis’ appointees took over the board, the corporate pushed via changes to the special tax district agreement that restricted the brand new physique’s motion for many years.
The brand new oversight physique in April stated Disney’s plans for potential growth of Disney World didn’t adjust to state legislation, and declared that settlement void.
Disney filed a lawsuit in federal court docket the identical day, accusing DeSantis of illegally utilizing authorities energy to punish the corporate for exercising its free speech rights.
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board responded with its own lawsuit in a state court docket, saying it sought to void “backroom offers” favorable to Disney.
