Disney district now under Florida control

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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill to give himself control of Walt Disney World’s self-governing district, punishing the company over its opposition to the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” law. Associated Press/Photo by Wilfredo Lee, file

Disney district now under Florida control

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Monday that hands control of a special governing district over to the state. The district encompasses Walt Disney World and was governed by the Disney corporation for more than 50 years. Now, DeSantis will have the power to appoint a five-member board of supervisors to settle outstanding debt, contracts, and taxes and fees for the district. Supervisors who have had ties to the theme park in the previous three years will not be eligible, and all appointees will have to be confirmed by the state Senate.

How long has Florida been working to take over the district? State House representatives voted last year to dissolve the district altogether, but the new law will keep the district in place with state oversight. The Reedy Creek Improvement District was established in 1967 and gave Disney the ability to approve its own tax rates and construct its own utilities without government involvement.

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

Lauren Canterberry

Lauren Canterberry is a reporter for WORLD. She graduated from the World Journalism Institute and the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism, both in 2017. She worked as a local reporter in Texas and now lives in Georgia with her husband.