Disney and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have been battling it out in the courts through various lawsuits for a while now, but it seems as though the war is over.
Disney vs. DeSantis
The DeSantis-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board’s state lawsuit against Disney came shortly after the House of Mouse filed a federal lawsuit against the Board and DeSantis with Disney filing a countersuit in August 2023. But, the two parties have now entered into a settlement agreement for the state-level cases. So, what does that mean for the federal suit?
Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board have officially agreed to put their battle on pause and try to work things out. During a CFTOD 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 includes a number of stipulations.
©Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board Livestream
But, the state cases aren’t the only suits the two parties are involved in — Disney filed a First Amendment lawsuit in federal court as well. A judge dismissed the case in January, but Disney quickly filed an appeal which was the last update we had. As it turns out, though, Disney agreed to suspend the federal suit while the company and the CFTOD Board try to work together to come to a solution for the District.
Cinderella Castle
In addition to the federal suit suspension there are quite a few other stipulations of the settlement, which you can read below:
- 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
©Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board
DeSantis spoke about Disney during a press conference on March 28th, and said the District won’t “be governed by any one company” and would instead be run by members of the “community.” He continued that he’d like to see more development in the District from Disney, and that with Epic Universe opening in 2025, “Disney is probably going to have to answer to that.”
Obtained via ClickOrlando Livestream
Jeff Vahle, President of Walt Disney World Resort, shared a statement about the settlement:
“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.”
©Disney | Walt Disney Company Headquarters
It sounds like Disney and the District will have to learn to work together in order to We’ll be on the lookout for more updates as this settlement agreement moves forward, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB for the latest news.
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Ron DeSantis is going to wind up on the trash heap of history, largely forgotten 10 years from now. Disney will continue to be Florida’s #1 attraction, Florida’s #1 employer, and Florida’s #1 company to pay the most of state and county taxes.
I’m coming around to thinking now that this whole thing has been performative on both sides. Disney is apparently fine now with Reedy Creek being run by a bunch of DeSantis cronies, and since he’s no longer running for president, DeSantis doesn’t need Disney as his personal bugaboo anymore. A pox on both your houses.
Boo. Disney should NOT allow the lame-duck governor to continue to hold any sway over Disney Company practices. Should have kept the suit active.
I am pleased that the state litigation matters have been settled. The settlement terms seem fair and appropriate to me. I am hoping the Federal case is either dismissed on appeal or dropped also. Disney has been good for Florida and Florida has been good for Disney. Let’s get back to enjoying ourselves. I am still not a fan of Iger and his Woke agenda, but Iger will be gone soon enough. I can wait out his 2nd retirement.
That last provision is interesting. I was hoping they would nail DeSantis to the wall, but to paraphrase Jordan, Republicans buy tickets too. Hope this means good things for the future