GET ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT
magazine
Yes! Send me the FREE digital edition of Attractions Management and the FREE weekly Attractions Management ezines and breaking news alerts!
Not right now, thanksclose this window
POST YOUR JOB ONLINE
Free ezine/digital edition sign up
Jobs   News   Features   Video    Products   Company profilesProfiles   Magazine   Handbook   Advertise  
NEWS
Florida governor strips Disney of special tax district status
POSTED 03 Mar 2023 . BY Tom Walker
The bill means that the Walt Disney World will be treated the same as other Orlando theme parks Credit: Disney
Florida's Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, has escalated his feud with Disney
This week, DeSantis introduced a new bill which brings to an end Disney's special tax privileges which have stood for more than 50 years
The move is the latest development in a year-long battle, which was ignited by DeSantis' introduction of Florida’s Parental Rights in Education law
The far-right politician is believed to harbour hopes of one day becoming US President
The row between Florida's Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, and The Walt Disney Company has escalated, leading to Orlando's Walt Disney World losing its special tax district status.

DeSantis introduced a new bill this week, which brings to an end Disney's special privileges which have stood for more than 50 years.

The special tax status has granted the company the right to operate its own police and fire department and autonomy over zoning and other public functions.

Historically, the special tax status was seen as saving local taxpayers from large infrastructure and other costs required to operate the huge resort.

It means Disney will now be treated the same as other Orlando theme parks and will no longer be exempt from certain state regulations, including building and fire prevention codes.

By issuing the new bill, DeSantis has given himself the power to appoint the five members of the board that controls government services for the Reedy Creek district – which covers Disney’s Florida theme park properties that stretch over 27,000 acres (11,000 hectares).

The new law subjects Disney to additional layers of external oversight through the five-member board.

The move is the latest development in a year-long battle, ignited by DeSantis' introduction of Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Law – which soon became know as “Don’t Say Gay” bill by some of its critics.

Introduced in March 2022, the legislation bans classroom teaching on sexual orientation and gender identity – claiming to "give back control" to parents when it comes to the upbringing of their children.

Disney spoke out against the law, calling for it to be repealed.

This angered DeSantis, a right-wing politician who is believed to harbour hopes of following in the footsteps of his one-time friend and ally, Donald Trump and becoming US President.

"Today, the corporate kingdom finally comes to an end," DeSantis said at the signing ceremony of the bill, held near Walt Disney World.

Echoing rhetoric made popular by Trump, he added: "There's a new sheriff in town and accountability will be the order of the day."
RELATED STORIES
  Shanghai Disneland reopens after guests 'locked in' for COVID-19 testing


Shanghai Disneyland theme park will reopen to visitors on Thursday 8 December, following a temporary closure due to COVID-19 restrictions.
  Bob Iger's return to Disney sparks major restructuring focused on creativity and storytelling


Disney is set to undergo a "major restructuring" following the shock return of CEO Bob Iger.
  Bob Iger's return to Disney sparks major restructuring focused on creativity and storytelling


Disney is set to undergo a "major restructuring" following the shock return of CEO Bob Iger.
  Disney launches wearable MagicBand+ for Disneyland resort


Disney is utilising wearable technology to provide guests at its Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, with a wide range of 'hands-free conveniences and immersive experiences'.
MORE NEWS
Number of visits to UK attractions are bouncing back says ALVA
Visitor numbers at the UK’s leading attractions have bounced strongly, getting to 78 per cent of pre-pandemic numbers.
World's first Play-Doh attractions to be built in Saudi Arabia by Thinkwell and Seven
Saudi Entertainment Ventures (Seven) has revealed plans to develop and operate the world’s first Play-Doh attractions in Saudi Arabia.
Elev8Fun to expand FEC portfolio - will feature Triotech rides
A new family entertainment centre will open in Tampa, Florida, US, this month (March 2023).
Opening date of US$1bn George Lucas museum set for 2025
A US$1bn museum funded by legendary director, George Lucas, will look to become the world's first to focus exclusively on storytelling through images.
+ More news   
LATEST JOBS
UK Business Development Manager
Perfect Gym
Salary: £competitive + commission
Job location: Home-based with UK+Ireland travel , United Kingdom
+ More jobs  

COMPANY PROFILES
Antonio Zamperla Spa

Founded in 1966, the Antonio Zamperla SPA is privately owned by Mr Alberto Zamperla. Located in Vi [more...]
Mather & Co

We lead the world in incredible museum, exhibition, and attraction design. We work across the herita [more...]
QubicaAMF UK

QubicaAMF is the largest and most innovative bowling equipment provider with 600 employees worldwi [more...]
iPlayCO

iPlayCo was established in 1999. [more...]
+ More profiles  
VIDEO GALLERY

Red Raion - Testimonial Richard Needham - SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment
Last July 7th, Red Raion took part in the opening event of FICO Eataly World, the Italian theme park dedicated to food - the only one worldwide! Find out more...
More videos:
Keynote | Moby Dick - Friends to the rescue! – Red Raion
ProSlide's all-in-one waterplay entertainment center – Proslide Tech Inc
+ More videos  

CATALOGUE GALLERY
 

+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

10-12 May 2023

Asia Pool & Spa Expo

China Import & Export Fair Complex, China
24-27 Oct 2023

Synergy - The Retreat Show

Palmaïa, The House of Aia, Playacar, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+ More diary  
LATEST ISSUES
+ View Magazine Archive

Attractions Management

2023 issue 1


View issue contents
View on turning pages
Download PDF
FREE digital subscription
Print subscription

Attractions Management

2022 issue 4


View issue contents
View on turning pages
Download PDF
FREE digital subscription
Print subscription

Attractions Management

2022 issue 3


View issue contents
View on turning pages
Download PDF
FREE digital subscription
Print subscription

Attractions Management

2022 issue 2


View issue contents
View on turning pages
Download PDF
FREE digital subscription
Print subscription

Attractions Management News

06 Apr 2020 issue 153


View on turning pages
Download PDF
View archive
FREE digital subscription
Print subscription

Attractions Handbook

2019


View issue contents
View on turning pages
Download PDF
FREE digital subscription
Print subscription
 
ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
 
ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT
ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT NEWS
ATTRACTIONS HANDBOOK
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2023
Jobs    News   Products   Magazine
NEWS
Florida governor strips Disney of special tax district status
POSTED 03 Mar 2023 . BY Tom Walker
The bill means that the Walt Disney World will be treated the same as other Orlando theme parks Credit: Disney
Florida's Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, has escalated his feud with Disney
This week, DeSantis introduced a new bill which brings to an end Disney's special tax privileges which have stood for more than 50 years
The move is the latest development in a year-long battle, which was ignited by DeSantis' introduction of Florida’s Parental Rights in Education law
The far-right politician is believed to harbour hopes of one day becoming US President
The row between Florida's Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, and The Walt Disney Company has escalated, leading to Orlando's Walt Disney World losing its special tax district status.

DeSantis introduced a new bill this week, which brings to an end Disney's special privileges which have stood for more than 50 years.

The special tax status has granted the company the right to operate its own police and fire department and autonomy over zoning and other public functions.

Historically, the special tax status was seen as saving local taxpayers from large infrastructure and other costs required to operate the huge resort.

It means Disney will now be treated the same as other Orlando theme parks and will no longer be exempt from certain state regulations, including building and fire prevention codes.

By issuing the new bill, DeSantis has given himself the power to appoint the five members of the board that controls government services for the Reedy Creek district – which covers Disney’s Florida theme park properties that stretch over 27,000 acres (11,000 hectares).

The new law subjects Disney to additional layers of external oversight through the five-member board.

The move is the latest development in a year-long battle, ignited by DeSantis' introduction of Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Law – which soon became know as “Don’t Say Gay” bill by some of its critics.

Introduced in March 2022, the legislation bans classroom teaching on sexual orientation and gender identity – claiming to "give back control" to parents when it comes to the upbringing of their children.

Disney spoke out against the law, calling for it to be repealed.

This angered DeSantis, a right-wing politician who is believed to harbour hopes of following in the footsteps of his one-time friend and ally, Donald Trump and becoming US President.

"Today, the corporate kingdom finally comes to an end," DeSantis said at the signing ceremony of the bill, held near Walt Disney World.

Echoing rhetoric made popular by Trump, he added: "There's a new sheriff in town and accountability will be the order of the day."
RELATED STORIES
Shanghai Disneland reopens after guests 'locked in' for COVID-19 testing


Shanghai Disneyland theme park will reopen to visitors on Thursday 8 December, following a temporary closure due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Bob Iger's return to Disney sparks major restructuring focused on creativity and storytelling


Disney is set to undergo a "major restructuring" following the shock return of CEO Bob Iger.
Bob Iger's return to Disney sparks major restructuring focused on creativity and storytelling


Disney is set to undergo a "major restructuring" following the shock return of CEO Bob Iger.
Disney launches wearable MagicBand+ for Disneyland resort


Disney is utilising wearable technology to provide guests at its Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, with a wide range of 'hands-free conveniences and immersive experiences'.
MORE NEWS
Number of visits to UK attractions are bouncing back says ALVA
Visitor numbers at the UK’s leading attractions have bounced strongly, getting to 78 per cent of pre-pandemic numbers.
World's first Play-Doh attractions to be built in Saudi Arabia by Thinkwell and Seven
Saudi Entertainment Ventures (Seven) has revealed plans to develop and operate the world’s first Play-Doh attractions in Saudi Arabia.
Elev8Fun to expand FEC portfolio - will feature Triotech rides
A new family entertainment centre will open in Tampa, Florida, US, this month (March 2023).
Opening date of US$1bn George Lucas museum set for 2025
A US$1bn museum funded by legendary director, George Lucas, will look to become the world's first to focus exclusively on storytelling through images.
First ever IAAPA North America Trade Summit to focus on VR and 'authentic reality'
Attendees to IAAPA’s first-ever North America Trade Summit will hear about how the visitor attractions industry has evolved from a service economy into an experience economy.
From opera to raves, Manchester's £186m Factory International cultural centre is aiming to transform the UK's arts and music scene
A £186m cultural centre, set to transform the arts and music scene globally, is set to open its doors later this year.
+ More news   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
Antonio Zamperla Spa

Founded in 1966, the Antonio Zamperla SPA is privately owned by Mr Alberto Zamperla. Located in Vi [more...]
Mather & Co

We lead the world in incredible museum, exhibition, and attraction design. We work across the herita [more...]
QubicaAMF UK

QubicaAMF is the largest and most innovative bowling equipment provider with 600 employees worldwi [more...]
iPlayCO

iPlayCo was established in 1999. [more...]
+ More profiles  
VIDEO GALLERY

Red Raion - Testimonial Richard Needham - SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment
Last July 7th, Red Raion took part in the opening event of FICO Eataly World, the Italian theme park dedicated to food - the only one worldwide! Find out more...
More videos:
Keynote | Moby Dick - Friends to the rescue! – Red Raion
ProSlide's all-in-one waterplay entertainment center – Proslide Tech Inc
+ More videos  

CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

10-12 May 2023

Asia Pool & Spa Expo

China Import & Export Fair Complex, China
24-27 Oct 2023

Synergy - The Retreat Show

Palmaïa, The House of Aia, Playacar, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2023

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT NEWS
ATTRACTIONS HANDBOOK
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS