DeSantis Allies, Disney Settle Lawsuit In Years-Long Battle: Reports

ORLANDO, FL — Allies of Gov. Ron DeSantis and Disney on Wednesday settled a nearly two-year battle that began when Disney opposed Florida's controversial "Don't Say Gay" law, media reports say.

The Associated Press reported the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District agreed to the settlement in a meeting, which comes several months after DeSantis took over the district from Disney supporters.

“We are pleased to put an end to all litigation pending in state court in Florida between Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District,” Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World, said in a statement to CNN.

In February 2023, the Florida lawmakers passed legislation allowing the state to take control of Disney World's independent special taxing district known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which gave Disney World the right to self-govern its 25,000-acre footprint in Orange and Osceola counties.

The legislation renamed the Reedy Creek Improvement District to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District and gave DeSantis the power to select the five-person board.

The move by Florida lawmakers was primarily seen as retaliation for the entertainment giant publicly opposing Florida's Parental Rights in Education bill — dubbed the "Don't Say Gay" bill by critics — that barred instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in schools.

Disney officials spoke out against the bill amid significant pressure and employee walkouts. DeSantis signed the bill into law in March 2022.

According to the lawsuit, DeSantis vowed in the past conducting additional retaliation against the company, including hotel taxes and road tolls. Previous court documents claimed DeSantis also mentioned building a "state prison" next to Walt Disney World.

DeSantis shrugged off the lawsuit in the past, calling it "politically motivated."

"Under the terms of Wednesday’s settlement agreement, Disney lets stand a determination by the board of DeSantis-appointees that the comprehensive plan approved by the Disney supporters before the takeover are null and void. Disney also agrees that a development agreement and restrictive covenants passed before the takeover are also not valid, according to the settlement terms," the Associated Press reported.

Read more via the Associated Press and CNN.