Florida Governor is Leading Efforts to Control Reedy Creek Area
Last month, a bill was introduced by the Florida state government, with Governor Ron DeSantis’ support, that aims to remove Disney’s ownership of the Reedy Creek Improvement District. This area, where many of Disney’s properties in the state are situated, is currently under Disney’s authority, with the company managing services like the fire department and roads. While the specifics of Disney’s ownership status are unclear, DeSantis is actively planning the government’s transition to take control.
“The plan is for Disney to no longer govern itself in Florida,” DeSantis stated to reporters on Monday. “Disney will need to comply with the same laws as any other company in Florida. They will also need to pay their fair share of taxes.”
There are concerns from analysts and lawmakers that transferring control of the district from Disney could leave residents responsible for its $1 billion debt. DeSantis, however, dismissed these worries, asserting that Disney would cover the debt through increased taxes once its special status is removed.
“It is more probable that the state will assume control to ensure we enforce the law and tax collection,” he added.
If Disney’s ownership of Reedy Creek is indeed revoked, the change is expected to take place around June 2023. In the meantime, DeSantis intends to gather input from new legislative leaders following the November elections.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis aims to take over the government body overseeing Disney’s Orlando-area theme parks after revoking its unique governing powers last month. https://t.co/ldOr1tnXfN
— CNN (@CNN) May 16, 2022
