DeSantis Signals New Action Against Disney Not Over After Old Board Made Last Minute Deal

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has directed the state’s chief inspector general to investigate an agreement signed by the Reedy Creek Improvement District and Walt Disney World. The agreement, signed by the old board on February 8, transferred power to the company and was recorded with the Orange County Comptroller on February 9. On the same day, the Florida House renamed the Reedy Creek Improvement District to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, replacing Disney’s self-appointed board with a board appointed by the governor. DeSantis’ office confirmed that “all legislative options are back on the table” in response to the Reedy Creek Improvement District’s actions.

The governor issued a letter to Melinda Miguel, Chief Inspector General, and Commissioner Mark Glass, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, stating that the agreement was intended “to usurp the authority of the CFTOD board”. He added that it was designed to nullify the recently passed legislation, undercut the state’s legislative process, and defy the will of Floridians. DeSantis formally requested that Miguel launch a thorough review and investigation into the actions of the old board, including an analysis of the RCID’s adherence to applicable civil and criminal laws, the legal validity of the prior board’s actions, and the involvement of Walt Disney World employees.

Additionally, the investigation will assess the financial gain or benefit resulting from the actions of the RCID and RCID’s justification for such actions. It will also review all RCID board, employee, or agent communications related to the actions and House Bill 9-B, Reedy Creek Improvement District, Orange and Osceola Counties, and the CFTOD. DeSantis confirmed that the RCID board’s actions appear to be legally infirm and include inadequate notice, lack of consideration, improper delegation of authority, ethical violations, such as conflicts of interest and self-dealing.