Disney, DeSantis’ board settle Florida lawsuits
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Much of the legal war between Disney and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is now over.
Board members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, chosen by the governor to lead the special governing district that he stripped from Disney’s control, approved a settlement Wednesday that would end the state-level litigation between them and the theme park giant.
It puts to rest lawsuits filed by both sides over a contractual dispute.
“This agreement opens a new chapter of constructive engagement with the new leadership of the district and serves the interests of all parties by enabling significant continued investment and the creation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs and economic opportunity in the state,” Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resorts, said in a statement.
Representatives of DeSantis claimed victory on social media: “BIG WIN,” wrote Jeremy Redfern, DeSantis’ press secretary, on social media platform X.
Also, Bryan Griffin, DeSantis’ communications director, bashed various media outlets that ran stories implying Disney had the upper hand in the litigation.
“Disney TODAY concedes last-minute deals were ‘null,’ ‘void,’ ‘unenforceable,’ ” he posted on X. “How many of these media outlets will be issuing corrections?”
But there’s a court battle not yet resolved.
The state-level litigation followed a federal First Amendment lawsuit filed by Disney, accusing the DeSantis and his allies of punishing it for its opposition to a state parental rights law, which was called “Don’t Say Gay” by its critics.
A federal judge recently dismissed that case, but Disney is appealing that decision.
Before DeSantis wrested control of the district, then called the Reedy Creek Improvement District, its leadership approved contractual agreements that moved a lot of power that was under Disney’s control for decades.
Contributing: C.A. Bridges, Daytona Beach News-Journal
This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners.