Florida’s battle with Disney, explained

Florida’s state legislature passed a bill Thursday (April 21) revoking The Walt Disney Company’s control over its own self-governed special district within the state. On Friday, governor Ron DeSantis signed the bill, putting an end to the privileges Disney has enjoyed for 55 years exerting unparalleled control over the land its theme park sits on from approving construction codes to the right to build a nuclear plant.

What is Disney’s special status in Florida?

The bill sets in motion a process to dissolve the Reedy Creek Improvement District, a 25,000-acre parcel encompassing Disney World and other theme parks, and turn control over to neighboring Orange and Osceola counties. In addition to handling municipal responsibilities like water management, water, and emergency fire services, the counties would also assume $1 billion in debt from Reedy Creek’s operating budget, up to $1,000 per taxpayer.

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