Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District could be changing very soon.
First, a quick 101. The District was formed many years ago and basically functions like a county government, having lots of powers over the land within the District. Disney is the majority landowner and selects the individuals that manage the District through the Board of Supervisors. But following a battle between Disney and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over Disney’s response to Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Bill, things with Reedy Creek became uncertain. A bill was ultimately passed to dissolve the District in June of 2023, leaving its future (and the future of its obligations) unclear. But now we have a better idea of where things are headed.
In 2023, a bill was introduced in the Florida House of Representatives to address Reedy Creek. The bill will:
- rename the District
- replace the District’s current Board with one that is entirely appointed by the Florida Governor and confirmed by the senate
- remove certain powers from the District
- require certain reports be filed by the District
- subject the District to certain other requirements
- still allow the District to do key things like issue bonds
Certain individuals (including members of the House of Representatives) have criticized the bill, with one suggesting that the new District be named “Florida’s Attempt to Silence Critical and Independent Speech and Thought,” to (in their view) better reflect the situation.
Ultimately, the bill moved past the Committee stage and was considered by the House of Representatives in Florida on February 9th. The bill has now officially passed the House of Representatives. The Florida House of Representatives website indicates that it passed by a vote of 82-31.
The House then sent a message to the Senate about the Bill and it has been placed on the special order calendar for the Senate for tomorrow (February 10th) (if received). The Senate is expected to pass the bill, but of course, we’ll be watching for updates.
Disney previously issued a comment about the Reedy Creek situation, noting that they were monitoring the bill. Jeff Vahle, President of Walt Disney World Resort, shared, “Disney works under a number of different models and jurisdictions around the world, and regardless of the outcome, we remain committed to providing the highest quality experience for the millions of guests who visit each year.”
We’ll watch for further updates on this situation and let you know what we see. Stay tuned for more news.
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Is this the result you expected with Disney’s Reedy Creek District? Tell us in the comments.
Another example of a pseudo-american governor at his best. Killing an entity of the Great State of Florida and cancelling the right for a company to take a stand for what they believe best represents it’s millions of visitors each year. DeSantos is a narrow minded power hungry politician who only represents a portion of the people of Florida. As smart assed on at that.
What a bunch of hypocrites! The republicans preach free market, but instead control “the free market” to fit their outdated, racist, bigoted ideals.