Why Disney World has a self-governing district — and why DeSantis wants to end it
politico.comStephany Matat 04/20/2022 05:07 PM EDT Link CopiedGAINESVILLE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis’ battle with the Walt Disney Co. intensified after he pushed state lawmakers to strip the California-based entertainment giant of a special status that allows the company to essentially operate its own government in Central Florida.DeSantis on Tuesday announced that Florida’s GOP-controlled Legislature would be considering legislation that would sunset “special districts” formed in the state prior to 1968.
This includes the Reedy Creek Improvement District, the 25,000-acre development in Central Florida that houses Disney’s theme park.
Lawmakers will also seek to eliminate Disney’s exemption to a previously- approved law aimed at cracking down on tech companies.The governor’s office has not responded to questions asking why eliminating special districts was needed.DeSantis and Disney have been feuding for months over Florida’s “Parental Rights in Education” bill, dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill by opponents.
The bill bans classroom instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation from kindergarten through third grade.While Disney was silent as lawmakers debated the measure, the company voiced strong opposition after Florida approved the bill in March.
