JUST IN: Governor DeSantis Ends 'Corporate Kingdom' And Takes Control Of Disney World’s Special District

 

Ron DeSantis

Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) signed legislation Monday that overhauls the special district that oversees Walt Disney World by giving the governor power to appoint its board. He said he was getting rid of Disney’s “corporate kingdom."

On February 27th, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill ending the self-governing status of Disney World's special district, bringing accountability to one of the world's largest entertainment companies. Since the 1960s, Disney World has enjoyed privileges unlike any other company or individual in the State of Florida, controlling its own government, enjoying exemptions from laws, and receiving significant benefits without paying its fair share of taxes. 

With the signing of this bill, Disney World will now be treated like any other theme park in the state, and will no longer be exempt from state regulatory reviews and approval, or from paying its fair share of taxes.

For many Floridians, the move to end Disney's self-governing status was long overdue. The company had been able to operate largely outside the scope of state and local government, leading to concerns about transparency and accountability. 

In recent years, there have been growing concerns about Disney's influence on public policy, particularly with regards to issues like education and LGBTQ+ rights. Governor DeSantis made it clear that he saw the move to end Disney's self-governing status as a way to protect Florida's students and parents, and to promote the rule of law.

The decision to end Disney's self-governing status was not without controversy. Some local politicians argued that it would lead to increased taxes and a greater burden on Florida taxpayers. However, Governor DeSantis rejected these claims, insisting that Disney should be treated like any other company in the state, and that the move would actually reduce the tax burden on Floridians. He also made it clear that the Municipal debt racked up by Disney would be paid by the company, not by Florida taxpayers.

The move to end Disney's self-governing status is part of a larger push by Governor DeSantis to promote accountability and transparency in Florida. Since taking office in 2019, he has worked to reduce regulations and taxes, while also promoting conservative values and policies. He has been a vocal supporter of school choice and parental rights, and has taken steps to protect free speech and religious liberty. The decision to end Disney's self-governing status is consistent with these values, and reflects Governor DeSantis' commitment to promoting the rule of law and protecting Florida's citizens.

The move to end Disney's self-governing status is also significant for the state's economy. As one of the world's largest entertainment companies, Disney World plays a significant role in Florida's tourism industry, which generates billions of dollars in revenue each year. 

By bringing Disney World under state control, Governor DeSantis is ensuring that the company operates in a transparent and accountable manner, which will benefit both Floridians and tourists alike.

Of course, the move to end Disney's self-governing status is not without its critics. Some argue that the company's special status was necessary to promote economic growth and development, and that ending it could have negative consequences for the state's economy. 

Others have raised concerns about the potential for political interference in the operations of the park. However, Governor DeSantis has been clear that he believes that ending Disney's self-governing status is necessary to promote transparency and accountability, and to ensure that the company pays its fair share of taxes.

Overall, the decision to end Disney's self-governing status is a significant moment in Florida's history, and one that reflects Governor DeSantis' commitment to promoting accountability and transparency in government. While the move may not be popular with everyone, it is a necessary step towards ensuring that one of the world's largest entertainment companies operates in a responsible and accountable manner. As Governor DeSantis said in his press briefing today.