This feud between Disney and the governor of Florida, Ron Desantis, started after Desantis introduced and eventually passed House Bill 1557, dubbed the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill by the media. Critics of the bill turned to Disney to speak out against the bill because Disney is known to donate money to Florida’s government, giving them certain privileges. Eventually, Disney CEO Bob Chapek released a public statement against the bill on March 9. This is when tensions between Disney and Desantis started.
Recently, Desantis introduced a new congressional district map for Florida. Within the new congressional district map, Desantis publicly stated that he wished to end “independent special districts” that were created in the state before 1968. Desantis’ reasoning for doing so is that he believes no corporations should have that much power. On Wednesday, April 20, the bill was passed by the Florida Senate and then on Thursday, April 21, the bill was passed by the Florida House. Now the bill is waiting to be signed by Desantis himself.
(It is important to point out that the new congressional district map also eliminates two Black districts, tilting the balance of delegation more Republican.)
Officially the name of the independent special district that includes Disney is the Reedy Creek Improvement District. The Reedy Creek Improvement District was established by the state legislature in 1967 creating a private government controlled by Disney World essentially allowing them to “provide government services such as zoning, fire protection, utilities and infrastructure.” The district encompasses over 27,000 acres in Florida.
One aspect of why this is an important event in the Florida government is that many are arguing over the legitimacy of this decision. The general census of Republicans is that Disney has too much power whereas the general census of Democrats is that the only reason why Desantis is doing this is that Disney spoke out against the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill. Essentially, this has started a feud between the Republicans and Democrats of Florida.
Another is the negative effects this may have on the residents of Orange County and Osceola County. Orange County and Osceola County are the counties that would make up Reedy Creek District if it no longer existed. According to Florida Senator Gary Farmer, the $1.5 billion to $2 billion debt load and other obligations Reedy Creek has would translate to about a $2,400 tax bill for every family of four in Orange County and Osceola County.
Also, eliminating all independent special districts eliminates more than just the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Bradford County is another county that will lose its special privileges. Bradford County uses its privileges in order to bring in businesses because it is able to offer low property taxes. Bradford County will lose the ability to do this and is worried it might negatively affect their economy.
Ultimately, the effects of this bill will change the way Florida and the counties within Florida operate. Desantis is expected to pass the bill soon with these changes being put into effect in June of next year.
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