Gov. Ron DeSantis signs bill to take control of Disney area

TALLAHASSEE, Florida. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed legislation that gives him control of the self-governing district of Walt Disney World, punishing the company for its opposition to the so-called “Don’t Say You’re Gay” law.

The bill would require DeSantis, a Republican, to appoint a five-member board to oversee public services that the Disney District provides at its sprawling Florida theme park.

“Today, the corporate kingdom finally comes to an end,” he said at a bill signing ceremony in Lake Buena Vista. “There’s a new sheriff in town and accountability will be on the agenda.”

The signing comes as DeSantis prepares for expected presidential race and marks a resounding legislative victory for the governor, whose exploitation of cultural and political divisions brought him to the forefront of national Republican politics. DeSantis, whose book The Courage to Be Free comes out Tuesday, has taken steps in recent weeks to expand his national profile and political network through fundraising and meetings with donors, elected officials and conservative influencers.

The takeover of the Disney area began last year when the entertainment giant publicly opposed “Don’t Say Gay” which prohibits the teaching of sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade and lessons deemed inappropriate for age.

DeSantis quickly took action to punish the company by instructing lawmakers in the GOP-dominated Legislative Assembly to dissolve Disney’s self-governing district. during an extraordinary legislative session last year by launching a closely watched restructuring process.

In February, DeSantis urged lawmakers to get back on track with Disney and finalize state control of the area in another hastily convened a special session it signaled the governor’s willingness to use the power of state government to advance political goals, a strategy that is expected to continue in the coming months ahead of his potential White House candidacy.

The new law changes the county’s name from the Reedy Creek Improvement District to the Central Florida Tourism Supervision District and subjects it to various levels of government oversight. Board members are currently appointed through entities controlled by Disney.

It leaves the county, its financial capacity and debt obligations intact, solving the main problem of the surrounding governments. It also prevents people who have worked or contracted with the theme park in the past three years from serving on the new county board.

Having a separate government allows the county to issue bonds and provide zoning, fire protection, utilities, and infrastructure services on its land. The county’s Republican critics argue that this gives Disney a commercial edge not available to others.