Photo — Ron DeSantis: Office of Congressman Ron DeSantis (Public domain) · Disney: The Walt Disney Company (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Short Version
A high-profile political and legal dispute began in March 2022 after Disney publicly opposed Florida's Parental Rights in Education Act. In response, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and state lawmakers dissolved Disney's long-standing special self-governing district and replaced it with a governor-appointed board, prompting federal and state lawsuits alleging First Amendment retaliation and unlawful governance moves. The feud culminated in early 2024 with a state court settlement and a subsequent 15-year development agreement.
Latest Development
Oversight Board Approves 15-Year Development Accord
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board approved a 15-year development deal committing Disney to invest up to $17 billion in its theme park resort over two decades.
June 2024 · Verified event
The Beef
Chronological, newest first. Every entry cites a source.
Beef timeline
June 2024
Oversight Board Approves 15-Year Development Accord
Verified eventThe Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board approved a 15-year development deal committing Disney to invest up to $17 billion in its theme park resort over two decades.
Source ↗March 27, 2024
Disney and State Board Settle State Court Litigation
Verified eventDisney and the DeSantis-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board reached a settlement agreement ending state court lawsuits and invalidating eleventh-hour agreements made before the district takeover.
Source ↗January 31, 2024
Federal Judge Dismisses Disney's Retaliation Lawsuit
Verified eventU.S. District Judge Allen Winsor dismissed Disney's federal lawsuit against DeSantis, ruling the company lacked standing to sue the governor directly over the legislative restructuring of the special district.
Source ↗April 26, 2023
Disney Sues DeSantis Alleging Government Retaliation
Legal filingDisney filed a federal lawsuit accusing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and state officials of targeting the company in retaliation for its political speech by revoking its self-governing status.
Source ↗March 2022
Disney Opposes Parental Rights in Education Act
Public statementDisney publicly criticized Florida's Parental Rights in Education legislation (dubbed 'Don't Say Gay' by opponents) and stated its goal was to see the law repealed or struck down in court.
Source ↗
Where It Stands
Resolved. The dispute has been largely resolved. In March 2024, Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District settled state court litigation, declaring previous development agreements null and void. The oversight board subsequently approved a 15-year development agreement securing up to $17 billion in planned investments by Disney in central Florida.
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Sources
- 1.SourceOversight Board Approves 15-Year Development Accord ·
- 2.SourceDisney and State Board Settle State Court Litigation · Mar 27, 2024
- 3.SourceFederal Judge Dismisses Disney's Retaliation Lawsuit · Jan 31, 2024
- 4.SourceDisney Sues DeSantis Alleging Government Retaliation · Apr 26, 2023
- 5.SourceDisney Opposes Parental Rights in Education Act ·
Allegations are attributed to the party that made them and are not statements of fact.