BAY LAKE, Fla. — Central Florida’s largest employer is now in the crosshairs of Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature.
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The governor is asking lawmakers to take away Walt Disney World’s ability to self-govern.
Since the 1960s, Disney has operated its own government, providing its own services for things like fire, roads and water.
“(It’s) A huge deal. If someone would have said in January when they were meeting for legislative session that the governor of the state of Florida would be declaring war on Walt Disney World. I don’t think anyone would had that on their bingo card,” said former state Rep. Bobby Olszewski.
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The elimination of the Reedy Creek Improvement District means the burden would fall on Orange and Osceola counties, assuming all of the expenses.
The counties would collect Disney’s tax revenue instead of the company itself.
Special district lobbyist David Ramba said Disney would lose its ability to build what it needs.
“When they want a big project done, it’s a lot simpler for them to permit it themselves,” Ramba said.
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If the change passes, experts said part of Disney World’s operations would merge with Orange and Osceola counties by June 1, 2023.
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