Florida bill aims to put Disney district under state control

Florida lawmakers on Monday filed a bill that would give the state more authority over the special governing district that encompasses Walt Disney World. The bill would give Governor Ron DeSantis the power to appoint a five-member board of supervisors that oversees what is known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Appointees could not have had ties to the theme park in the previous three years and would have to be confirmed by the state Senate before serving. The district would be renamed the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District and will still be responsible for settling outstanding debt, contracts, and taxes.

What is the improvement district? Reedy Creek was established in 1967 when Disney received approval to construct its own utilities and make changes to the property without government involvement. State House representatives last year voted to dissolve the district altogether, but officials are now pushing to keep the district in place with state oversight.

Dig deeper: Read Carolina Lumetta’s report in The Stew about how Disney’s political activism stirred up debate over the district.