Walt Disney Co Files Legal Claims Against Florida Board Over Tax District Contracts, US

Walt Disney Co has filed legal claims against the Florida Board over tax district contracts, sparking a fresh legal dispute. The entertainment giant accuses the board of breaching contracts and lacking authority when it entered into development agreements. In response, Disney has lodged counterclaims and presented a dozen defenses to refute the board’s allegations. The conflict arises from a disagreement between Disney and the board over the modification of contracts, with Disney claiming the contracts were designed to protect its Florida-based ventures from escalating retaliation by the state government. However, the board argues that Disney covertly altered the contracts to undermine its power, leading to the invalidation of the agreements. This legal battle stems from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ decision to rename the tax district, historically known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District, to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District and appoint new board members. In addition to the legal action, Disney has also filed a federal lawsuit against DeSantis and his board members, accusing the governor of retaliating against the company due to its opposition to the controversial Don’t Say Gay legislation. Governor DeSantis has expressed a desire for resolution, urging Disney CEO Bob Iger to reconsider the lawsuit. The conflict between DeSantis and Disney has been ongoing, with the governor accusing the company of endorsing progressive ideologies, a claim that Iger has dismissed as baseless. The dispute will now play out in the legal arena as both parties seek a resolution.