The battle between Disney and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) has come to an end — well, part of it anyway.
Disney vs. DeSantis
While we’re still waiting on a ruling in appeal Disney filed in the federal case, the state case filed by the CFTOD has continued on without much drama. The CFTOD lawsuit came shortly after Disney filed a lawsuit against the Board and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis with the board officially filing its own suit in May 2023 and Disney filing a countersuit in August. But now, it looks like the CFTOD and Disney have officially reached a settlement.
During a Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board meeting on March 27th, 2024, the board announced that they had been sent a settlement agreement in the state-level case the board brought against Disney last year. The board of supervisors voted to approve the settlement, which will likely be entered into the court system soon.
©Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board Livestream
As a refresher, this state court case (2023-CA-011818-O: CENTRAL FLORIDA TOURISM OVERSIGHT DISTRICT vs. WALT DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS US INC) was brought by the district against Disney. It claimed that certain agreements Disney entered into with the old board were null and void. Disney later filed a countersuit against the CFTOD board, claiming that they willfully failed to search for and produce documents pertinent to the case.
But, now, a settlement has been reached that includes the dismissal of the documents case as well.
©Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board
In a new statement obtained by Scott Gustin on X (Twitter), Jeff Vahle, President of Walt Disney World Resort, said:
“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. 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.”
Obtained via ClickOrlando Livestream
In the March 27th CFTOD board meeting, an attorney for the district, Paul Huck, discussed the terms of the agreement:
- Disney agrees that the Development Agreement and Restrictive Covenants are null and void
- Disney agrees with the District assessment that the 2032 Comprehensive Plan is null and void
- The District will amend the 2020 Comprehensive Plan with consultation from Disney
- Both Disney and the District will dismiss claims and counterclaims, along with Disney dismissing the Public Records case
- Disney owns the long-term mitigation credits and the District will not interfere with those credits
- The labor services agreement between the District and Reedy Creek Energy Services will end in 2028
- The District and Disney will not contest actions of the Reedy Creek Improvement District before DeSantis’ takeover
©Governor Ron DeSantis Website
Stay tuned to DFB as we continue to keep an eye on the latest news and more from The Walt Disney Company!
Learn More About the Latest Changes at the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Here
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
I am glad to see this portion of the dispute drawing to a close. Florida has been good for Disney and Disney has been good for Florida. The original Reedy Creek agreement was helpful when Disney first began developing the area for WDW, which was largely undeveloped agricultural land at that point in time. Re doing the Reedy Creek agreement, 60 years later, is appropriate also. I believe the new CFTOD will work for the good of Disney and Central Florida, as all the governmental entities in Florida lean pro-business. This is why so many families and businesses leave NY and NJ and are thriving in Florida. So I don’t see this changing with CFTOD and Disney. But CFTOD will not be a rubber stamp. As a Central Florida resident, I am happy they settled.
Bravo! All the “cute” things Reedy Creek Board did at its last meeting was immature at best and at worse a very expensive experience for WDW. Like all good things, Reedy had to come to an end. It wasn’t just WDW vs. DeSantes, but rather WDW vs. Florida, Universal. Sea World, Lego whatever, Busch Gardens and on and on that have been crying about “Greedy Creek” for years…. I hope this brings a peaceful end to the dispute. Let’s go MICKEY!!! (Fights like this, only the lawyers win🤣)