Key points on Disney and DeSantis legal battle before hearing

A Feud Between Disney and Gov. Ron DeSantis Continues

A resolution in the feud between Disney and Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) seems to be far from reach. The two entities are currently engaged in both a federal lawsuit and a state lawsuit, with no end in sight. Here’s an update on the latest developments in both legal battles ahead of the first hearing in the state lawsuit.

What’s at Stake in the Lawsuits?

At the heart of the dispute is Disney’s opposition to the Florida Parental Rights in Education bill. In response, DeSantis worked with the state legislature to strip Disney of its special taxing district for its central Florida resort. This led to the creation of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, governed by a board appointed by the governor.

Upon taking power, the new board discovered an agreement between Disney and the previous board that gave the entertainment giant significant power over the district. DeSantis and the board took action to invalidate the agreement, using legal means and passing a targeted law. In response, Disney filed a federal lawsuit against state officials, while the board filed a countersuit against Disney in a state court.

The Federal Lawsuit

In the federal lawsuit, Disney argues that DeSantis and other state officials have violated the company’s constitutional rights, including the First Amendment right to free speech, the contract and takings clauses, and the 14th Amendment right to due process. Disney claims that Florida officials are using government power to retaliate against the company for expressing an unpopular political viewpoint.

DeSantis, along with other defendants, has moved to have the lawsuit dismissed, claiming immunity and arguing that Disney cannot prove the alleged harms are caused by the state defendants.

The board and district administrator argue that the lawsuit should be dismissed due to baseless constitutional claims. They also suggest that the federal lawsuit should be stayed until the state lawsuit is resolved, as it may impact Disney’s claims.

Disney has until July 26 to respond to the motion to dismiss in federal court. The trial date is yet to be determined, with Disney proposing July 15, 2024, and DeSantis suggesting Aug. 4, 2025.

The State Lawsuit

In the state lawsuit, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District argues that Disney is challenging the “people’s sovereignty” in Florida. They claim that Disney’s previous agreement with the board violated state laws and the constitution. The board aims to protect its power and prevent Disney from overriding its authority over the district.

Disney argues that the state lawsuit is moot due to a land use law passed by the state legislature, which invalidated the previous agreement. They propose that the state lawsuit be stayed until a judgment is made in the federal lawsuit.

In response to Disney’s motion to dismiss, the board’s lawyers criticize it as “classic imagineering” by the entertainment giant.

The first hearing in the state lawsuit is scheduled for Friday at 2 p.m. in Orange County, Florida.

Stay tuned for further updates on this ongoing feud between Disney and Gov. Ron DeSantis.

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