Judge Dismisses Disney's Lawsuit Alleging Retaliation By Ron DeSantis

Resolution Reached in Legal Battle Over Governance

Disney and a Central Florida tourism board backed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis have reached a settlement in a lawsuit over the control of the special governing district encompassing the Walt Disney World Resort.

Members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District approved the settlement, bringing an end to a nearly two-year-long court battle.

"We are glad that Disney has dropped its lawsuits against the new Central Florida Tourism Oversight District and conceded that their last-minute development agreements are null, void, and unenforceable," said Bryan Griffin, DeSantis' communications director. "No corporation should be its own government. Moving forward, we stand ready to work with Disney and the District to promote economic growth, family-friendly tourism, and accountable government in Central Florida."

The Background of the Dispute

The dispute arose after Disney's criticism of Florida's Parental Rights in Education Act led to the revocation of the special Disney-controlled tax district that granted autonomy to the entertainment giant over its theme parks in the region.

JUDGE DISMISSES DISNEY'S LAWSUIT ALLEGING RETALIATION BY DESANTIS

Disney President Jeff Vahle stated, "We are pleased to put an end to all litigation between Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. This agreement opens a new chapter of constructive engagement and serves the interests of all parties by enabling continued investment, job creation, and economic opportunity in the State."

The settlement concludes all pending litigation in Florida state court between Disney and the board.

Implications and Future Plans

The new Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, replacing the Disney-controlled Reedy Creek Improvement District, filed the lawsuit to invalidate "backroom deals" favoring Disney that were made before its termination. The new board's lawsuit argued these agreements were one-sided and lacked transparency.

"The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District was created to bring public accountability and transparency to one of Florida's most important destinations," said the board's vice chair Charbel Barakat. "With this agreement, we're eager to work with Disney and other businesses within Central Florida to make our destination known for world-class attractions and accountable governance."

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