Florida legislators are considering a new bill that would finalize governor Ron DeSantis’ plans to strip the Walt Disney Company of much of its self-governing status in the state.
How does the current system work? Disney World parks and resorts are currently located in the Reedy Creek Improvement District, established by the company and the state of Florida in 1967. Under the terms of that agreement, the Walt Disney Company taxes itself to pay for and organizes services on its property that would otherwise be provided by the state of Florida. These include fire protection, emergency services, water, utilities, sewage, and infrastructure. At present, the district’s Board of Supervisors is chosen by the landowners within the district – Disney and its affiliates – on a one-vote-per-acre basis.
What would change? Under the proposed legislation, the property would be renamed the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. Instead of the board being chosen by the landowners, the five members would be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate. Importantly, the law would prohibit anyone who has worked for Disney or other theme park operators within the past three years, as well as their relatives, from serving on the board.
