Florida Senate Passes Bill Revoking Disney’s Special Self-Governing Power

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

The Florida Senate passed legislation on April 20 that would remove the special tax district and self-governing status that was granted to Disney as lawmakers have criticized the company for opposing a parental rights bill.

The chamber, which was called into a special session by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, passed the bill in a 23–16 vote. The measure would dissolve Disney’s special status within Florida, which allows the firm to self-govern its property—including Disney World—around Orlando. Specifically, the measure would dismantle the 50-year-old Reedy Creek Improvement District that allows the corporation to oversee its infrastructure laws, zoning, and even policing.

The Republican-led Florida House will now take up the measure. Disney hasn’t issued a public statement on the matter, and its corporate headquarters didn’t respond to a request for comment by press time.

A 1967 law passed by Florida’s House and Senate created the Reedy Creek Improvement District, but DeSantis recently told legislators that Florida’s Constitution “generally disfavors” laws that provide special privileges to corporations.

When announcing the special session on April 19, DeSantis said lawmakers “will be considering the congressional map, but they also will be considering termination of all special districts that were enacted in Florida prior to 1968, and that includes the Reedy Creek Improvement District,” although he didn’t mention Disney by name. The legislation, if it passes in the House, would also remove privileges from six other special districts in Florida because they were set up before the state’s Constitution was ratified in 1968.

As the Senate passed the bill on April 20, DeSantis spokeswoman Christina Pushaw told media outlets that the move to revoke the Reedy Creek Improvement District wasn’t retaliatory after Disney criticized a separate measure that DeSantis recently signed into law.

“It was unfortunate that Disney decided to wade into a political debate and attempt to overturn a common-sense law, enacted by a duly elected legislature and signed by a duly elected governor, with the support of the vast majority of Floridians,” Pushaw said. “In fact, it was Disney that ‘retaliated’ by publicly vowing to ‘repeal’ or have the law ‘struck down.’”

By Jack Phillip

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

All Apologies For the Culture War Slop

"Forgive me for ignoring the elite-driven political/economic excesses, focusing instead on divisive culture war slop."

Rising sea levels are less of a threat than we were told

New study challenges climate alarmism: sea levels aren't rising faster than the past century, despite dire warnings of floods and mass migrations.

President Trump is Being Wrongfully Obstructed on Tariffs

Podcaster Zach De Gregorio, in “Wolves And Finance,” delivers a sharp editorial unpacking the truth behind Trump’s international tariff policies.

Trump And Kennedy Are Placing Patients First

Trump admin set rules requiring hospitals and insurers to give patients clear price info, aiming to boost transparency and put patients first.

Figures flip the field

Sports programs with strong donor bases and NIL collectives are flipping recruits and transfers at rapid speed, like traders on Wall Street.

Appeals Court Upholds $83 Million Ruling Against Trump

A federal appeals court upheld a jury ruling ordering Trump to pay columnist E. Jean Carroll $83.3M in damages for defaming her.

Video Shows Fatal Stabbing of Ukraine War Refugee: What to Know

Video shows moments before Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska was killed on a Charlotte light rail, raising new concerns over crime and public safety.

Border Czar Says ICE Will Target More Businesses After Enforcement Operation at Hyundai

Trump administration to expand immigration enforcement, targeting more businesses after detaining hundreds at a Georgia Hyundai plant.

Education Department to Issue Guidance Protecting Right to Prayer, Trump Says

President Donald Trump on Sept. 8 announced that the Department of Education will issue new guidance protecting the right to prayer.

Trump Runs out of Patience With China, Sharpens His Words

President Donald Trump’s recent remarks targeting China and its allies mark a noticeable shift in tone.

Trump Signs Order Renaming Department of Defense as Department of War

President Donald Trump on Sept. 5 signed an executive order renaming the Department of Defense as the Department of War.

Trump Signs Executive Order Targeting Countries That Unlawfully Detain Americans

President Trump signed an EO on targeting the unlawful detention of American citizens around the world and to facilitate the release of hostages.

Trump Sends Warning to Venezuela After US Military Strikes Boat Allegedly Carrying Drugs

President Trump sent a warning to Venezuela after the U.S. military struck what the administration says was a boat carrying drugs in the Caribbean.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central