April 26, 2023 — Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, US earlier today filed a federal lawsuit against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and other Florida government officials and appointees. Defendants listed in the suit include the Board and Administrator of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD), the state-run entity designated by DeSantis to supplant the Reedy Creek Improvement District.
According to the CFTOD website, which remains branded to the Reedy Creek Improvement District: “. . . . the District encompasses approximately 25,000 acres in both Orange and Osceola counties, servicing 24 landowners, including Walt Disney Co. and its wholly-owned affiliates . . . . The District is responsible to oversee land use and environmental protections within the District, and provide essential public services (e.g. fire protection, emergency medical services, potable water production, treatment, storage, pumping & distribution, reclaimed water distribution, chilled water systems, wastewater services, drainage and flood control, electric power generation & distribution, and solid waste and recyclables collection & disposal); regulate the EPCOT Building Code; and operate and maintain all public roadways & bridges.”
The lawsuit claims, among other things, violations of the company’s First Amendment rights and improper seizure of property by the State.