Counter lawsuit filed as Desantis-Disney dispute escalates

Thursday, 02 May, 2023 1

The DeSantis-Disney feud is getting increasingly messy.

Days after a Disney lawsuit was filed against Florida governor Ron DeSantis for retaliation over its opposition to the state’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law, the governor has hit back.

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District — which is stacked with DeSantis appointees — countersued.

Disney’s original lawsuit is seeking to void the state’s takeover of the theme park resort district.

Disney was able to self-govern over many matters for decades in the previously known Reedy Creek district where the theme parks are located.

The new board’s counter lawsuit wants to maintain oversight for things like design and construction in the district which covers about 25,000 acres.

The board’s lawsuit claims a recent agreement by Disney ‘reeks of a backroom deal’ and lacked authority to do so.

It claims the Disney last minute agreement is unenforceable under Florida law.

“We will seek justice in our own backyard,” said Martin Garcia, chair of the Tourism Oversight District.

The feud between Disney and DeSantis has raged on over a year after the theme park operator spoke out against the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law.

“No corporation is above the law,” DeSantis said.

TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

Classic Collection is where travel expertise and personal service combine to create the perfect luxury holiday. Our travel agent partners...

NSW, Australia Welcome to New South Wales – a place to feel free, feel alive, feel new. As the official...

IHG Hotels & Resorts: Redefining Hospitality Excellence IHG Hotels & Resorts is a globally renowned hospitality company that stands at...

The city has been the vibrant heart of Japan for over 400 years, and is a crossroads where tradition meets...

A state like no other. A place known for togetherness, celebration and happiness. In Louisiana, we call it “joie de...

Offering the most powerful portfolio in the industry, our 30 brands and 8,000+ properties across 139 countries and territories give...

Swallows and Amazons is a Brazilian adventure tour company run by the husband and wife team of Tania and Mark...

ITB Asia, Asia’s Leading Travel Trade Show, is an annually held B2B trade show and convention for the travel industry; it is designed...

From the Tel Aviv beach scene to the shores of the Dead Sea, Israel layers diverse cultures, outdoor adventures, and...

Palladium Hotel Group is a renowned Spanish hotel chain that first emerged towards the end of the 1960s. Currently present...

Princess Hotels & Resorts is a hotel chain specialising in holiday and urban hotels located in first class tourist destinations,...

City Cruises is a leading operator of sightseeing, dining and charter services operating in London, York and Poole. We offer...

We’re here to provide the very best experience in train travel. From booking your ticket, to asking us a question...

Why Avalon Waterways: Happiness flows on an Avalon river cruise. From Asia to South America and Europe to the Nile,...

Destination British Columbia (Destination BC) is a Provincially funded, industry-led Crown corporation that supports a strong and competitive future for BC’s...