The law would remove the Reedy Creek Improvement District (as the 55-year old Disney government is known), as well as several other similar districts, by June 2023. However, the measure allows for the districts’ restitution and provides an opportunity to renegotiate their future.
This move could have significant tax implications for Disney. Their series of theme parks has transformed Orlando into one the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It also serves to further derail the relationship between the Republican-led state government and a key political player.
DeSantis’ attack on Disney is the latest salvo in his culture war over policies involving race and gender. These battles have made him one the most beloved GOP politicians in America and a likely 2024 presidential candidate.
The company and Disney began their dispute when they criticised a new law that prohibits instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity from kindergarten through third grade. They also object to instruction that isn’t “age-appropriate or developmentalally appropriate.”
In March, Disney stated that it would suspend political contributions in the state. It also said it would support groups working against the new law. DeSantis and his fellow Republicans slammed Disney and then defended the law as reasonable.
DeSantis claimed that Disney had lied about the contents of the Education Law, but that he considered the company’s pledge to fight the law unacceptable.
“You are a Burbank-based corporation, and you intend to use your economic power to attack my parents,” DeSantis said. DeSantis stated that they view it as a provocation and will fight back.
