Tallahassee, FL - The ongoing feud between Governor Ron DeSantis and the Walt Disney Co. reaches a new point as the state Senate passes a proposal to eliminate the theme park giant’s special taxing district.
The legislature was initially slated to discuss redistricting during a special session scheduled for April 19 through April 22. But on Tuesday (April 19), DeSantis expanded on the session to try and deliver two blows to Disney: first by taking out an exemption for Disney in the state’s social media law, then by eliminating special districts in Florida established before 1968. He went as far as to specifically mention Reedy Creek, Disney’s special district.
Critics have called DeSantis’ move retaliatory, saying it’s nothing more than punishment for Disney for speaking out against Florida’s Parental Rights in Education bill; which was championed by DeSantis, but decried by critics who dubbed it the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
After the bill was brought in front of the Senate, it passed 23-16, meaning it’s now destined for the House. So far lawmakers are expected to pass the bill on Thursday (April 21). The bill to strip Disney of its exemption in Florida’s social media law also passed 24-15.
"Why is it fair that one company gets these special privileges but the others don’t? It’s a discussion worth having," said Rep. Randy Fine (R-Palm Bay), a bill sponsor.
Many lawmakers have spoken out against the repeal of the special districts, as whatever their debt may be will become a burden on taxpayers if they’re dissolved. Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-Orlando) asked Fine what would happen to other districts—as five others are affected by the proposal—and if they were going to be another casualty in the ongoing war between Desantis and Disney. Fine said they’re taking a look at all special districts, but didn’t specify as to why.
The other affected districts include: the Bradford County Development Authority, the Sunshine Water Control District in Broward County, the Eastpoint Water and Sewer District in Franklin County, the Hamilton County Development Authority and the Marion County Law Library. The reason they’re being eliminated is because they were established prior to 1968; which is so far the only stipulation the state has given for their repeal. These five districts also have absolutely nothing to do with Disney or its theme park operations, which is what has led critics to label this proposal as an attack specifically targeted against Disney.
The war between DeSantis and Disney has been going on since the company openly stated that it would support the repeal of HB 1557. The law bans instruction about gender identity and sexual orientation in schools in grades K-3. You can read the full text of the bill by clicking here.
