Disney government dissolution bill signed by DeSantis

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed a bill to dissolve Walt Disney World’s private government…

The only corporation that HAD such a “private corporation” in the US.

The move could have huge tax implications for Disney, whose series of theme parks have transformed Orlando into one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations…

Disney now has to PAY taxes to the state of Florida, instead of to itself.

The entertainment giant has not commented publicly on the proposal to dissolve its government, which has been in operation for 55 years.

They must know their time has come, and their special status (which only they have had), had to come to an end sooner or later.

The bill, which the Legislature passed on Thursday and DeSantis signed into law on Friday, would eliminate the Reedy Creek Improvement District, as the Disney government is known, as well as a handful of other similar districts by June 2023.

And what else does the bill do?

The measure does allow for the districts to be reestablished, leaving an avenue for Disney and lawmakers to renegotiate their deal between now and June 2023.

What of those opposed to this bill?

Although details are far from clear, the proposal could have huge tax implications for Disney. Democratic state lawmakers who oppose the bill also have warned that it could result in homeowners getting hit with big tax bills if they have to absorb costs the company used to pay.

“could”  not that it will, only it COULD!

What they don’t say is that Disney will have to pay their share of TAXES to Florida.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, whose county is partially home to Disney World, said it would be “catastrophic for our budget” if the county had to assume the costs for public safety at the theme park resort. Reedy Creek currently reimburses the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for public safety costs.

Go into any mall, and who pays for security?  The Mall’s owners (via the tenants rent)!

Any resort, any cruise line, any airline (airport), train, etc. ALL have to hire/pay for their own security personal.

Other corporations have either inhouse security or hires a security firm for those needs.

Disney will have to do the same thing now.  If they want security in the theme parks, they will have to HIRE THEM THEMSELVES.  Be it a private firm, in-house, or hire out to the local sheriffs, DISNEY will be paying for it.

This is pure free-mongering.

“If that district goes away, and they no longer pay for those public safety costs, and it then has to fall to the county’s other budgets, that is a net sum loss to the rest of the taxpayers of Orange County,” Demings said.

“NO longer pay…” then they no longer get.  If they want security and other safety issues, then they, like any other company, will be PAYING for it on their PRIVATE property.

The Reedy Creek Improvement District, as the Disney government is known, has been allowed to build its own roads, run its own wastewater treatment plants, operate its own fire department, set its own building codes and inspect Disney buildings for safety.

And you will be getting Disney’s property taxes.  And just like any property taxes, they help cover public expenses.

So Disney will now have to PAY for those services, like everyone else.

And now they can’t set their own building codes.  They will have to follow the rules everyone else then has to.

Just like any other corporation, you will still have your own engineers looking over your buildings/structures on your private property.  You need to fix a bathroom, that is DISNEY’s expenses.  To replace a broken fence in the theme park is STILL a DISNEY expense.

But now they will have to follow/allow state health and safety inspectors within the parks.  State laws will (when applicable) will be enforced.

Disney will have to follow the rules like every other company!

The company sold the idea to Florida lawmakers in 1967 as part of its plans to build an expansive East Coast theme park that would include a futuristic city.

The city never materialized, but Walt Disney World nevertheless became an entertainment juggernaut in Orlando, while still retaining governmental powers that have allowed it to decide what and how to build and to issue bonds and provide services such as zoning, fire protection and utilities.

That power will no longer be.

They will now have to follow all state/federal laws.  Want to expand, an environmental impact study will now be done!  As well as any other hopes all other corporations MUST jump thru.

Want to replace something, same rules now apply!

Welcome to the 21st Century Disney!