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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Disney spoke out against the law, calling for it to be repealed.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
“We finally have a space worthy of our collection”: V&A launches huge new Photography Centre
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NWTO: Mountain tourism now accounts for up to 16 per cent of international tourist arrivals
Mountain tourism represents between nine and 16 per cent of all international tourist arrivals worldwide as people head for sport, health and wellbeing travel.
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Jobs    News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
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
“We finally have a space worthy of our collection”: V&A launches huge new Photography Centre
Coronation Street experience gets investment ahead of reopening
The popular Coronation Street Tour in Manchester, UK, has been expanded into a brand new visitor attraction that will open to the public next month.
NWTO: Mountain tourism now accounts for up to 16 per cent of international tourist arrivals
Mountain tourism represents between nine and 16 per cent of all international tourist arrivals worldwide as people head for sport, health and wellbeing travel.
Vikings gather for TEA’s SATE Europe conference at Europa-Park
Therme Group planning flagship US facility in Washington DC
Global wellbeing organisation Therme Group US and Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser have signed a deal to work together toward identifying a site for a new Therme facility.
RWS reveals new name, creates a 'powerhouse team' with JRA, Ted and ARC
RWS Entertainment Group, based in New York City, has relaunched as RWS Global to create one 'powerhouse team'.
+ More news   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
Alterface

Alterface’s Creative Division team is seasoned in concept and ride development, as well as storyte [more...]
iPlayCO

iPlayCo was established in 1999. [more...]
Holovis

Holovis is a privately owned company established in 2004 by CEO Stuart Hetherington. [more...]
DJW

David & Lynn Willrich started the Company over thirty years ago, from the Audio Visual Department [more...]
+ More profiles  
FEATURED SUPPLIER

How two water rides are creating refreshing adventures in Vietnam’s biggest theme park
Aiming to become a top entertainment destination in southern Vietnam for both domestic and international tourists, VinWonders Phú Quốc opened in 2021 as the biggest theme park in the country. [more...]
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:
+ More videos  

CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

24-26 Oct 2023

ASEAN Pool & Spa Expo

IMPACT Exhibition Centre, Thailand
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
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