Allies of Governor Ron DeSantis and Disney have reached a settlement agreement in a state court fight over the development of Walt Disney World in the future. The agreement was approved by the board of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, ending almost two years of litigation that began when DeSantis took over the district from Disney supporters. This takeover was in response to Disney’s opposition to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law, which bans classroom lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity in early grades. The law was championed by DeSantis, who used Disney as a target in his speeches until he suspended his presidential campaign this year.
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District provides municipal services such as firefighting, planning, and mosquito control, and was controlled by Disney supporters for most of its five decades. After DeSantis took over the district, Disney sued him and his appointees, claiming that the company’s free speech rights were violated. A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit in January, leading to further legal battles. Before the change in control, Disney supporters on the board signed agreements with Disney regarding design and construction at Disney World, which the new DeSantis appointees claimed limited their powers. The district then sued the company in state court to void these contracts.
As part of the settlement agreement, Disney will accept the determination by the DeSantis-appointed board that the comprehensive plan approved by Disney supporters before the takeover is null and void. Additionally, a development agreement and restrictive covenants passed before the takeover will also not be considered valid. Instead, a comprehensive plan from 2020 will be used, allowing the new board to make changes as needed. The agreement also suggests that Disney and the new board will negotiate a new development agreement in the near future. Disney President Jeff Vahle expressed satisfaction with the agreement, stating that it opens a new chapter of constructive engagement with the new leadership of the district.
Overall, the settlement agreement marks the end of a lengthy legal battle between Disney and Governor DeSantis over the future development of Walt Disney World. The agreement allows for continued investment and job creation in the state, benefiting all parties involved. Despite past disagreements and conflicts, both Disney and the new board of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District have agreed to move forward in a constructive manner. This settlement paves the way for potential future negotiations and collaboration between Disney and the new leadership, ensuring continued growth and economic opportunity in the region.
