Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Gains Control of Walt Disney World’s Self-Governing District

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is set to take control of Walt Disney World's self-governing district, known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District, after the Florida Senate recently approved a bill that would subject it to state oversight. The bill is now awaiting the governor's signature and, once signed, a five-member board will be appointed to oversee the government services that the district provides to the company's properties in Florida.

The bill has been a cause for concern among some, including Democratic Senator Linda Stewart, who worry that the increased state oversight could potentially interfere with the autonomy of the district. The district's name will also be changed to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, which highlights the focus on tourism in the area.

The Reedy Creek Improvement District was created in 1967, when Walt Disney World was first developed, in order to allow the company to have more control over the land it owned. This allowed Disney to build its own infrastructure and provide services such as security, transportation, and utilities. The district has its own government and is authorized to issue bonds to finance infrastructure projects. The bill does not change the district's financial abilities or debt obligations, which was a concern of the surrounding governments.

However, the bill does add additional layers of state oversight, which has some worried about the potential impact on the district's autonomy. Those in favor of the bill argue that it will provide more transparency and accountability for the district's operations, which could benefit both the company and the surrounding communities.

This move is part of a larger trend of states seeking to increase oversight over companies like Disney. In recent years, some have criticized the company for not paying its fair share of taxes and for having too much control over local governments. This bill could be seen as a way to address those concerns.

In conclusion, the decision to subject the Reedy Creek Improvement District to increased state oversight is a complex issue with both potential benefits and drawbacks. While the move could provide more transparency and accountability, some worry that it could interfere with the autonomy of the district. It remains to be seen how this will play out and what the ultimate impact on Disney and the surrounding communities will be.