DeSantis battle with Disney heats up as governor promises tolls for roads serving park
Rachel Schilke
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Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) punched back in his dispute with Disney by vowing to investigate the multibillion-dollar corporation’s taxes on Disney hotels and imposing tolls on the roads that serve the theme parks.
This is the latest step in DeSantis’s battle with Disney after it was revealed that the former Reedy Creek Improvement District Board of Supervisors made a deal with Disney to undermine Florida’s takeover of the district to prevent the governor’s administration from having influence over the park’s dealings.
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“They are not superior to the people of Florida,” DeSantis said during a Thursday evening appearance at Hillsdale College in Michigan. “So come hell or high water, we’re going to make sure that policy of Florida carries the day.”
DeSantis sent a letter to the state’s chief inspector general on Monday demanding that he investigate whether the board made any “legal or ethical violations” before the state took over the district.
The governor called for a full inspection of the board and its employees and their communications relating to the district and also asked for information regarding any financial gain or benefits gained by Disney World due to the district.
This fight received nationwide attention after Disney denounced the governor’s push for the Parental Rights in Education Act last year. Since then, the DeSantis administration and popular entertainment company have been in battle, particularly in recent months.
News emerged that the previous board had signed an agreement with Disney on Feb. 8 that stripped powers from the new Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board, created by DeSantis in an attempt to limit Disney’s autonomy, which it has held since 1967.
The Walt Disney Company installed a “King Charles clause” that ensures Disney’s autonomy over the district until “21 years after the death of the last survivor of the descendants of King Charles III, King of England, living as of the date of this declaration.”
Disney has defended its actions, asserting that all agreements were done lawfully.
“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 said in a statement to the Washington Examiner.
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However, DeSantis has claimed the agreement is likely invalid and that he will consider every avenue to defeat the company.
“So, they can keep trying to do things,” DeSantis said Thursday. “But ultimately, we’re going to win on every single issue involving Disney, I can tell you that.”