Florida governor, Disney reach settlement in lawsuit over special district

TALLAHASSEE, March 27 — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Walt Disney have reached a settlement to end a high-profile state lawsuit over the control of the special district that includes Walt Disney World in Orlando, the company said today.

The settlement ends all litigation pending in state court of Florida between Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, according to the company.

A district board appointed by DeSantis to oversee development around Disney’s Florida theme parks had sued the company last year to void “backroom deals” favorable to the entertainment giant.

The lawsuit in state court in Orange County, Florida, had sought to invalidate an agreement prior board members made with Disney, arguing it amounted to a one-sided deal that was rubber stamped.

Advertisement

“This agreement opens a new chapter of constructive engagement with the new leadership of the district,” Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle said. — Reuters