Disney and the state of Florida have reached a settlement agreement in a lawsuit over who controls the Central Florida Tourism Supervisory District Board, which manages Walt Disney World. announced on Wednesday.
Board members approved the settlement agreement, ending nearly two years of litigation originally sparked by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ “Don’t Call Me Gay” law.
Disney and DeSantis have been feuding ever since Disney publicly opposed the law, which led to DeSantis stripping Disney of the special status it had held for decades, which led to Disney’s Reedy Creek improvements. They were able to gain autonomy over their districts.
In February 2023, Mr. DeSantis signed a bill ending Disney’s autonomy and allowing the state to manage the district. The governor’s office could then appoint a five-member board to govern the district.
Disney filed suit last April, alleging that DeSantis and the state of Florida violated its First Amendment rights by using government power to retaliate against its opposition.
The agreement reached Wednesday says development plans approved by the previous board before DeSantis took office are “null and void.” Disney also agreed to dismiss another state lawsuit over public records.
A federal lawsuit filed by Disney against the district is currently “on appeal” to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, the board said.
Walt Disney World Resort President Jeff Vahr said the company is pleased to have reached a settlement.
“This agreement opens a new chapter of constructive engagement with the district’s new leadership and supports the continued investment and creation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs and economic opportunities in the state. “It is in the interests of all parties to make this possible.” .
The Hill also reached out to DeSantis’ office for comment on the agreement.
This article was updated at 12:43 p.m.
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