Florida Senate Votes to Remove Disney’s Special Self-Governing Status

Ron DeSantis continues to prove to be a rising star in American politics after dealing Disney another blow.

Disney has historically utilized a special taxing law that has allowed them to self-govern their theme parks in Florida.

The Florida Senate has just voted on a bill to repeal said law by a vote of 23-16.

If passed, this would eliminate Disney’s special taxing district on June 1st 2023.

The bill will now head to the state House.

As for DeSantis, he’s on the front lines of the battle against Disney.

“I am announcing today that we are expanding the call of what they are going to be considering this week. And so, yes, they 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,” DeSantis proclaimed during a recent news conference.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday asked the Legislature to repeal a law allowing Walt Disney World to operate a private government over its properties in the state. https://t.co/LLtNCropMy

— CBS News (@CBSNews) April 20, 2022

Our friends at CBS News have the breaking story:

The Florida state senate voted to repeal a law allowing Walt Disney World to operate a private government over its properties in the state, the latest volley in a feud between the Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the entertainment giant over what critics have dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” law.

DeSantis, an ascendant GOP governor and potential 2024 presidential candidate, has battled with Disney over the company’s opposition to the new law barring instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade.

On Tuesday, DeSantis raised the stakes.

As lawmakers returned to the Capitol for a special legislative session on congressional redistricting, the governor issued a proclamation that allows the GOP-controlled statehouse to take up bills eliminating Disney’s self-governing district.

“I am announcing today that we are expanding the call of what they are going to be considering this week. And so, yes, they 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,” DeSantis said at a news conference, referencing the company’s governing district without mentioning Disney by name. He did not elaborate.

🚨BREAKING: Governor DeSantis announces Florida’s special session will include ENDING Disney’s tax privilege & special exemption status.

— Tim Swain (@_TimSwain_) April 19, 2022

BREAKING NOW: Florida’s DeSantis Asks Lawmakers to ELIMINATE DISNEY WORLD’S Self-Governing Status..

— Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) April 19, 2022

BREAKING: The Florida Senate has approved the Congressional map submitted by Gov. Ron DeSantis and has also passed the bill that would dismantle the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which gives Disney special self governing powers.

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) April 20, 2022

HOT BREAKING NEWS: On a 23-16 vote, Florida Senate just passed legislation ENDING Disney’s tax privilege, self-governing power AND their special exemption status.

ALL REPUBLICAN GOVERNORS TAKE NOTE: You can be effective if you try.

— Lavern Spicer 🇺🇸 (@lavern_spicer) April 20, 2022

DeSantis has proven himself as a man who doesn’t back down

.@JackPosobiec on @GovRonDeSantis threatening Disney’s special status in Florida.

"Disney should be regulated by the government the same way as everyone else … Companies do not rule us" pic.twitter.com/4FfJIobIVB

— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) April 21, 2022

BREAKING: Florida moves to revoke Disney's privileged tax statushttps://t.co/Hf88KFuDcG

— Dinesh D'Souza (@DineshDSouza) April 20, 2022

Here’s more on Disney’s current protections from the Post Millennial:

DeSantis asked lawmakers on Tuesday to consider eliminating the special taxing district that allows Disney to act as its own form of local government.

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He said that lawmakers would be “considering termination of all special districts that were enacted in Florida prior to 1968, and that includes the Reedy Creek Improvement District.”

The Reedy Creek Improvement District near Orlando allows Disney to be protected from local government regulations and property taxes, reports NBC News.

As for Disney, their reputation is already badly tarnished.

People are turning against them in droves:

Yesterday infront of Disney world, Orlando Florida. pic.twitter.com/1NjW6k6X0r

— Real Mac Report (@RealMacReport) April 20, 2022

Florida isn’t interested in Disney’s “California values.”

"Disney is learning that they are a guest in this state… they are a California company and we are not interested in their California values here in this state," said @VoteRandyFine as the Florida legislature aims to revoke Disney's self-governing privileges. #NationalReport pic.twitter.com/8xjZ07Oncb

— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) April 20, 2022