Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is poised to announce new measures targeting Disney after the company attempted to undermine his oversight of its self-governance power in the state.
A senior administration source said, “The narrative the left is spinning is that Gov. DeSantis was outmaneuvered. But this is far from over, and he’s going to have the last laugh.”
The Republican governor plans to unveil legislation to void a controversial move by Disney that effectively stripped his newly-installed oversight board of authority.
Officials argue that Disney’s secretive tactic, which they call an illegal “poison pill,” was designed to undercut state supervision over its special tax district and will be subject to swift legislative reversal.
One source said, “They got used to doing whatever they wanted for far too long. Not this time.” Another added, “He’s not afraid of a fight on this.”
DeSantis is also seeking to revoke other privileges that Disney has enjoyed since its special tax district was established in 1967.
The Orlando park’s monorail and transportation systems, as well as its rides, have long been exempt from external inspections.
New rules could make Disney subject to those regulations.
The governor’s initial clash with Disney, the state’s largest employer, began last year over its public opposition to a bill banning instruction related to sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through the third grade.
DeSantis accused Disney of promoting unwelcome “Burbank” values in Florida while operating with near-total autonomy thanks to its special tax district.
In February, DeSantis disbanded the five members of Disney’s self-governed Reedy Creek Improvement District and replaced them with his own “Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.”
This move demonstrated his willingness to challenge influential corporate adversaries and use state power to hold them accountable.
However, before leaving, members of the previous Disney-controlled board passed covenants transferring developmental power to the company, leaving the new body largely toothless.
The arrangement also prohibited the district from using the name “Disney” or the likenesses of its famed characters without company permission.
Critics, including former President Donald Trump, enjoyed Disney’s apparent outflanking of DeSantis at the final hour.
Yet, senior DeSantis administration officials claim the company intentionally limited legally-required public notices of the new agreement to avoid scrutiny and facilitate its passage.
“The Florida Legislature and Governor DeSantis worked to put Disney on an even playing field,” said communications chief Taryn Fenske. “Disney got caught red-handed attempting to undermine Florida’s duly enacted legislation.”
Disney denies that it hid the plan and maintains that the changes complied with Florida’s public meeting laws.
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In a statement earlier this month, the company said, “All agreements signed between Disney and the district were appropriate and were discussed and approved in open, noticed public forums in compliance with Florida’s Government in the Sunshine law.”
Disney’s extensive Florida operation includes four theme parks, two water parks, 25 hotels, and approximately 80,000 employees.