Credit: Inside The MagicThis week, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis dissolved four special districts similar to the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which he shut down in 2022 as part of his battle against The Walt Disney Company.
Trouble between Governor DeSantis and the largest employer in Florida began in February 2022, when former Disney CEO Bob Chapek spoke out against The Parental Rights in Education Act (“Don’t Say Gay”). After Disney Parks fans and cast members protested, Disney stood against the anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation and paused political donations to Republican legislators who supported it. (They’ve since resumed.)
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DeSantis allegedly warned Chapek not to get involved on a private call, and he stayed true to his word. Weeks after Disney disavowed “Don’t Say Gay,” the Republican governor legally dissolved the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Walt Disney World Resort controlled the municipal special district since 1967.
Taxpayers and Central Florida locals expressed discontent with the change, which many felt would raise taxes in the area after Walt Disney World Resort no longer paid to maintain roads and other infrastructure. DeSantis pushed forward, even as current Disney CEO Bob Iger threatened to pull millions of dollars in investments out of the Sunshine State.
In May 2023, The Walt Disney Company sued DeSantis and the state of Florida for allegedly retaliating against its constitutionally protected free speech. DeSantis countersued, and the parties spent months in court hearings.
In January, a judge dismissed Disney’s initial lawsuit against DeSantis. Iger vowed to keep fighting and appeal the decision. Subsequent legal proceedings are ongoing.
It seems that DeSantis took something from the legal proceedings against Disney. In its initial lawsuit, the company’s lawyers argued that dozens of other private entities operate special districts in the state and that the governor unfairly targeted Reedy Creek.
On Monday, a law dissolving more special districts in Florida took effect. HB 7011 dissolved the Calhoun County Transportation Authority, Highland View Water and Sewer District, West Orange Airport Authority, and Dead Lakes Water Management District.
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Unlike the Reedy Creek Improvement District, these four special districts were declared “inactive.” The law didn’t target Florida’s other 1,900 “active” special districts.
The Walt Disney Company continues investing in Florida. Walt Disney World Resort is expected to receive multi-million dollar expansions in the coming years, including new lands at Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Walt Disney Imagineering wrapped up the World Discovery overhaul construction at EPCOT.
Did Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis have the legal right to dissolve the Reedy Creek Improvement District? In the comments, share your take on the conflict with Inside the Magic.