Florida retook administrative control of an area managed by Disney around its Orlando amusement park on Monday, in the latest episode of a dispute between Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and the entertainment giant.
“Today the corporate reign finally comes to an end, DeSantis declared during the signing of the bill changing the governance of the company’s special district, passed two weeks ago by state Parliament.
“This legislation ends Disney’s self-governing status, makes Disney live under the same laws as everyone else, and ensures that Disney pays its debts and its fair share of taxes,” he added.
Enmity
The politician and the company fell out last year when Disney criticized a law promoted by DeSantis that prohibits teaching issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity in Florida elementary schools without parental consent.
In retaliation for those criticisms, the governor signed legislation in April 2022 to eliminate Disney’s special district, hitherto known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District.
The company employs more than 75,000 people in Florida.