Disney Parks and Resorts recently filed a lawsuit against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over his decision to abolish the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which has provided Disney World with a special governing authority since 1967. The move to dissolve the district came after tensions rose over Disney's refusal to pay new taxes that would fund local government services.
Disney's lawsuit alleges that DeSantis violated the company's constitutional rights by taking away their contractual ability to self-govern. The lawsuit also names other state officials, including Attorney General Ashley Moody, who is "puzzled" by Disney's decision to sue the governor.
In a statement, Moody said, "I am puzzled as to why Disney has named the Governor as a defendant in this lawsuit. The decision was made by the Legislature, and it seems to me that they should be the party to the lawsuit."
Moody's statement highlights the political backdrop leading up to this legal fight. The relationship between DeSantis and Disney has been strained over the past year, with the company refusing to comply with new tax legislation and DeSantis accusing them of prioritizing profits over public safety during the pandemic.
The Reedy Creek Improvement District was initially created to provide Disney with a self-governing authority that would allow them to bypass certain state laws and regulations. However, the district has also faced criticism for lacking transparency and accountability in its decision-making processes.
Moody's role in this legal fight is particularly notable, as she is one of Florida's top law enforcement officials and has previously accused Disney of withholding information that could be subject to public records law.
In a recent letter to Disney, Moody advised them that their company records could be made public in light of the ongoing legal battle. She also demanded that the Reedy Creek Improvement District turn over any relevant records to her office.
The implications of this legal fight extend beyond Disney's self-governing authority. If successful, the lawsuit could set a precedent for other private entities that have similar agreements with the state, potentially altering the balance of power between corporations and government.
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