Special Districts

The largest private landowner in the district would control its own local government to finance and oversee future expansions of the shopping hub, largely composed of commercial retail around the mall and rowing park.

David Jolly said the governor's contention that doing away with independent special districts levels the playing field is "garbage."

He said state control would protect residents in Central Florida.

Richard Foglesong thinks that, in the end, not much will change because of the dire consequences of a "divorce."

The federal lawsuit claims the law violates Disney's right to free speech, breaks statutory obligations and could leave taxpayers on the hook for a billion dollars or more of Reedy Creek debt.

State Sen. Linda Stewart said the "latest word" on the state's plan puts Disney in a new district controlled by the governor's appointees.

The Walt Disney World complex's governing board says that when Florida created its special district, the state pledged not to alter that status unless all its debts are paid off.

Right now, the district is scheduled to be dissolved by June 2023.

The governor signed two Disney-related measures passed during a special session on congressional redistricting, prompting credit-rating agency Fitch Ratings to place a “rating watch negative” on about $1 billion in outstanding debt.

Democratic lawmakers say the dissolution of the Reedy Creek Improvement District will be increased taxes for residents of Orange and Osceola Counties.

Orange and Osceola counties could take on a massive debt held by Disney now that Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill revoking Disney World's special regulatory status.

Florida lawmakers have cleared the way to punish the Walt Disney Corporation for its opposition to a new state law that limits school instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation. The proposals strip Disney of its ability to collect taxes and issue bonds, and eliminate a social media carveout for theme parks.