The Walt Disney Co. filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) alleging the governor’s actions toward the company over the last year infringe on the company’s constitutional rights. The suit is the latest move in an escalating conflict between the state’s chief executive and its top taxpayer.
Disney and DeSantis have been at odds since the company criticized a Florida law passed last March prohibiting the discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in elementary schools (see overview). Shortly after, DeSantis urged the state legislature to remove Disney’s special tax district status, which had effectively allowed the company to self-govern the 25,000-acre resort for decades. Read more about what special districts are in the state here.
DeSantis reconstituted the special district and its five-member board of governors in February and placed it under his authority, prompting a power struggle in the transition between Disney’s board and DeSantis’ appointees. See a timeline of events here. (Ref. by 1440)
