Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is moving forward with plans to bring Walt Disney World‘s special governing district under direct state control.
The notice was posted to the website of Osceola County, which is also home to part of Disney World, as well as Orange County.
DeSantis’ decision comes after the Florida Senate passed a bill in 2022 that would dissolve Disney World’s special district in the state. This allows Disney to self-govern in its theme park area.
“The corporate kingdom has come to an end”
“The corporate kingdom has come to an end,” DeSantis’ communications director, Taryn Fenske, said in a statement (via Fox News).
“Under the proposed legislation, Disney will no longer control its own government, will live under the same laws as everyone else, will be responsible for their outstanding debts, and will pay their fair share of taxes.”
“Imposing a state-controlled board will also ensure that Orange County cannot use this issue as a pretext to raise taxes on Orange County residents,” she added.
DeSantis is expected to appoint a new board to control Disney’s district, known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District and granted by a state law in 1967.
Disney controls approximately 25,000 acres in the Orlando area, overseeing its own land and environmental protections, and providing emergency medical services and fire protection.
The bid to eliminate Disney’s district followed the company’s decision to oppose Florida’s controversial ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill, formally called the ‘Parental Rights in Education’ bill.
“Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill should never have passed and should never have been signed into law,” the Walt Disney Company said in a statement in March last year.
Images: Disney
