DISNEY REACHES SETTLEMENT IN FLORIDA LAWSUIT OVER THEME PARK DISTRICT
Disney has reached a cease-fire in its fight with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over the special district that governs Walt Disney World.
In a settlement agreement announced on Wednesday, Disney and Florida will drop the lawsuits they have filed against each other and negotiate new development agreements for the 40-square-mile area that encompasses the Orlando theme parks.
Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World, said in a statement that the deal "opens a new chapter of constructive engagement" with the state government.
"We are pleased to put an end to all litigation pending in state court in Florida between Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District," Vahle said. "This agreement opens a new chapter of constructive engagement with the new leadership of the district and serves the interests of all parties by enabling significant continued investment and the creation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs and economic opportunity in the state."
The deal puts an end to a two-year battle between DeSantis and Disney, which began when the company opposed the state's so-called "Don't Say Gay" legislation, which limits classroom instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation.
In response, DeSantis and the Florida legislature quickly moved to eliminate the the Reedy Creek Improvement District, the special governing body that Disney had controlled for more than 50 years. DeSantis ultimately took control of the newly established Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, but not before Disney's board approved development agreements that tied the hands of the state appointees.
Disney and the state then waged legal battles in state and federal court, with the company accusing the governor of retaliating for exercising its First Amendment rights.
Under the settlement, Disney agrees that the last-minute development agreements are null and void. The two sides intend to negotiate a new agreement, and drop the litigation.
More to come…