The Florida State House on Thursday passed legislation that would remove the Walt Disney Co.’s selfgoverning status by a vote of 70 to 38. The move is seen as retaliation for the company’s opposition to a new state law restricting discussion of LGBTQ issues in schools.
The bill now goes to the desk of Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is expected to sign it. The change would take effect in June 2023.
The Republicanled State House ended the special tax district that allows Disney to selfgovern an area of approximately 25,000 acres in Orlando where its Disney World theme park complex is located. The state senate also approved the measure on Wednesday.
2 of 3 Cinderella’s Castle at Disney’s Magic Kindgom Theme Park — Photo: Getty Images
Cinderella’s Castle at Disney’s Magic Kindgom theme park — Photo: Getty Images
The law aims to eliminate a handful of special tax districts, including Orlando’s Reedy Creek Improvement District. Through this statute, Disney and other state landowners receive tax and fee exemptions in exchange for assuming responsibility for the provision of public services such as firefighting and the maintenance of power, water and roads.
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DeSantis, a potential candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, plans to hit back at Disney for opposing a law banning sexual orientation and gender identity education for students under the age of 9. The governor signed the law into law last month.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis changed the agenda of the special session to consider a bill that would end Disney’s “selfgovernment” — Photo: Reuters
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis changed the agenda of the special session to consider a bill that would end Disney’s “selfgovernment” (Picture: Reuters)
Last month, the LGBTQ community polled Disney for not publicly opposing the measure. Under pressure, the company condemned the legislation and announced it would halt all political contributions in Florida sparking a firestorm of criticism against Disney from Republican lawmakers.
Disney did not respond to a request for comment on the decision.
October 1st is the anniversary of Disney World theme parks in Florida, USA