The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District initially filed the state lawsuit in Orange County with the intention of invalidating the agreements that the former district board had entered into with Disney. These agreements were signed just before the board was dissolved at the request of Governor DeSantis, following Disney’s opposition to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
Disney, in response, requested the court to affirm the validity of the agreements that were advantageous to the company.
Disney has agreed as part of the settlement of the case on Wednesday not to challenge the determination made by the CFTOD that the previous agreements with the old Reedy Creek Improvement District were null and void.
As part of the settlement, Disney has also agreed to request permission from a federal appeals court to temporarily halt its attempt to resurrect a dismissed retaliation lawsuit against DeSantis in Florida federal court. This pause is intended to accommodate anticipated negotiations related to a development agreement between Disney and the district, among other matters.
Disney may drop the federal civil complaint against the Republican governor if it is satisfied with the outcome of the negotiations.
The CFTOD board had a meeting scheduled for Wednesday morning to discuss the settlement.
Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle expressed his satisfaction in resolving all ongoing legal disputes between Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District in the state court in Florida.
“This agreement marks the beginning of a positive and productive relationship with the district’s new leadership. It benefits all parties involved by facilitating substantial ongoing investment and the generation of numerous direct and indirect employment opportunities, ultimately fostering economic growth in the State,” expressed Vahle.
In January, a federal judge dismissed Disney’s lawsuit against the governor. The lawsuit had accused him and others of retaliating against the company for criticizing a controversial parental rights education law. The law, known as “Don’t Say Gay,” places restrictions on discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in school classrooms.
The judge declared that Disney did not have the legal authority to sue DeSantis for allegedly violating the company’s First Amendment rights. This claim was based on DeSantis’ efforts to alter the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which Disney strongly opposed.
Disney appealed the dismissal of that lawsuit.
In its agreement with the CFTOD on Wednesday, Disney has agreed to seek permission from the court to defer briefing in its pending federal appeal. The District will not oppose this request, as it aligns with the ongoing negotiations for a new development agreement between Disney and the District.
