Ron DeSantis moves to dissolve Disney self-governance

This Friday, one of Florida's counties reported that it has a plan to introduce a bill in the Florida Legislature to dissolve the special powers of self-governance and tax privileges held by Walt Disney World. The measure, pushed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, seeks to appoint a state board to administer the autonomous area.

"Under the proposed legislation, Disney will no longer control its own government, it will live under the same laws as everyone else, will be responsible for their outstanding debts, and will pay their fair share of taxes," said Taryn Fenske, DeSantis' communications director.

Disney's 39-square-mile, Reedy Creek Improvement District (RCID), has enjoyed autonomy since the 1960s when it reached an agreement with Orange County and Osceola County to take advantage of remote, uninhabited land to build a recreation-based development.

Since the state legislature did not have the resources at the time, it worked with Disney to bring the district to fruition by giving it a special permit that allowed it to control its lands as a county government with the ability to decide on its infrastructure, roadways and more.

RCID even owns its own fire department, manages police services, energy supplies, holds responsibility for housing development, and even has the power to decide whether to raise taxes and issue bonds to finance the Walt Disney World resort operating expenses.

However, with this bill, Disney will be will be brought under the supervision of the State and may be held accountable if necessary.

"While this will be painful for Disney, I expect businesses throughout the state will be proud of their Governor for making it clear that he doesn’t care who you are, or how politically connected you may be - no one gets special treatment in Florida." said Adrian Lukis, the former Governor's Chief of Staff.