Disney dropped its lawsuits against Florida’s plan to eliminate the special governing status of its Reedy Creek Improvement District after failing to prevent the state board takeover.
The agreement ends Disney’s legal battle with Governor Ron DeSantis, signaling the company now sees settlement as the only solution.
DeSantis moved to strip Disney’s self-governing powers in February in retaliation for Disney criticizing his “Don’t Say Gay” law.
“No corporation should be its own government,” DeSantis’ Communications Director Bryan Griffin stated. “Moving forward, we stand ready to work with Disney and the District to help promote economic growth, family-friendly tourism, and accountable government in Central Florida.”
A judge had dismissed Disney’s claim that this was a violation of free speech rights.
“We are glad that Disney has dropped its lawsuits against the new Central Florida Tourism Oversight District and conceded that their last-minute development agreements are null, void, and unenforceable,” Griffin said.
The settlement acknowledges Disney no longer believes it can defend its special treatment and exemptions.
“This is an important case with serious implications for the rule of law, and it will not end here,” Disney stated previously. “If left unchallenged, this would set a dangerous precedent and give license to states to weaponize their official powers to punish the expression of political viewpoints they disagree with. We are determined to press forward with our case.”
A DeSantis spokesperson said Disney can no longer control its own government or expect to be above the law.
“The days of Disney controlling its own government and being placed above the law are long gone,” Desantis spokesperson Jeremy Redfern stated. “Disney is still just one of many corporations in the state, and they do not have a right to their own special government.”
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