Despite efforts by the Republican governor to distance himself from this conflict Disney has now filed counterclaims in a Florida court against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appointed board responsible for the former Reedy Creek Improvement District.
In a continued clash between Disney and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, the entertainment giant has taken legal action against the Central Florida district, overseen by DeSantis, which includes Walt Disney World.
The company alleges breaches of contract and violations of the state constitution’s free speech clause. Disney‘s claims not only seek unspecified damages but also aim for injunctive relief as the dispute centers around control over the area that previously functioned as a quasi-municipal government for Disney. However, both the district’s representatives and Disney have yet to comment on the situation.
Established by Florida legislators in 1967, the district granted Disney extraordinary powers to develop its swamplands into the globally renowned Walt Disney World. These privileges allowed the issuance of bonds and provision of emergency services. The disagreement between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Disney arose when the company opposed the state’s Parental Rights in Education Act, criticized by opponents as the “Don’t Say Gay” law.
Following Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ intervention, the district’s board, primarily composed of Disney-affiliated landowners, underwent changes
In response, Disney sued Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in federal court, alleging infringement of its First Amendment rights due to the governor’s apparent retaliation against the company’s stance on the Florida education law, which limits discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity for young students.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis office responded, asserting that no legal basis exists for a company to operate its own government or possess exclusive privileges in the state. In a countermove, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis board later initiated a Florida court lawsuit against Disney, aiming to void contracts signed by outgoing supervisors that seemed to curtail the authority of incoming appointees.
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