Ron DeSantis clashed with Disney last year over a bill he supported restricting discussion of LGBTQ issues in schools Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Florida’s Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, has declared that “the corporate kingdom” has “finally come to an end”, after signing a bill that nullifies Disney World’s self-governed status.
Disney was granted the special status in 1967, which has allowed the company to self-govern its 101sq km (39.1sq mi) of resorts, theme parks, housing and more by collecting taxes, and providing emergency services and infrastructure.
The new legislature will have a huge impact on Disney World, which is one of the most visited attractions in the world.
DeSantis will be able to appoint a five-member board to have external oversight over the Reedy Creek Improvement District - the area which contains Disney World and currently has its own tax and bond authority. In addition to the loss of previous tax exemptions, Disney will also not be able to build new structures without the approval of a local planning commission.
The move follows clashes between the controversial DeSantis and Disney over the “Don’t Say Gay” bill - a piece of legislation that limits discussion of LGBTQ issues in schools. After immense pressure from the public and cast members, including staff walkouts, Disney said it would suspend political donations within Florida, adding that it was committed to supporting those working to oppose the controversial ruling.
At the time, DeSantis wrote “if Disney wants to pick a fight, they chose the wrong guy”, also adding that he would “not allow a woke corporation based in California to run our state”.
The move also precedes a likely presidential run by DeSantis.
“Today, the corporate kingdom finally comes to an end,” said DeSantis at a bill signing ceremony in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
“There's a new sheriff in town and accountability will be the order of the day.”
The new board is scheduled to meet next week, with DeSantis adding that “they will be in charge during that board meeting, so buckle up”.
Ron DeSantis clashed with Disney last year over a bill he supported restricting discussion of LGBTQ issues in schools Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Florida’s Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, has declared that “the corporate kingdom” has “finally come to an end”, after signing a bill that nullifies Disney World’s self-governed status.
Disney was granted the special status in 1967, which has allowed the company to self-govern its 101sq km (39.1sq mi) of resorts, theme parks, housing and more by collecting taxes, and providing emergency services and infrastructure.
The new legislature will have a huge impact on Disney World, which is one of the most visited attractions in the world.
DeSantis will be able to appoint a five-member board to have external oversight over the Reedy Creek Improvement District - the area which contains Disney World and currently has its own tax and bond authority. In addition to the loss of previous tax exemptions, Disney will also not be able to build new structures without the approval of a local planning commission.
The move follows clashes between the controversial DeSantis and Disney over the “Don’t Say Gay” bill - a piece of legislation that limits discussion of LGBTQ issues in schools. After immense pressure from the public and cast members, including staff walkouts, Disney said it would suspend political donations within Florida, adding that it was committed to supporting those working to oppose the controversial ruling.
At the time, DeSantis wrote “if Disney wants to pick a fight, they chose the wrong guy”, also adding that he would “not allow a woke corporation based in California to run our state”.
The move also precedes a likely presidential run by DeSantis.
“Today, the corporate kingdom finally comes to an end,” said DeSantis at a bill signing ceremony in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
“There's a new sheriff in town and accountability will be the order of the day.”
The new board is scheduled to meet next week, with DeSantis adding that “they will be in charge during that board meeting, so buckle up”.
