DeSantis Signs Bill Taking Over Disney World Tax District

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) signed a bill Monday ending Disney’s semi-self-governing status over the district containing the Disney World amusement park in central Florida.

Details: The potential 2024 presidential candidate began feuding with Disney last year when the media company publicly opposed the Florida Parental Rights in Education Act, which prohibits discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity before fourth grade in Florida classrooms.

Key Quotes: “Today the corporate kingdom finally comes to an end,” DeSantis said while signing the bill. “Since the 1960s, they’ve enjoyed privileges unlike any company or individual in the state of Florida has ever enjoyed. They had exemptions from laws that everyone else had to follow. They were able to get huge amounts of benefits without paying their fair share of taxes.” Speaking on the bill earlier this month, Disney World President Jeff Vahle said the company was “ready to work within this new framework.”

How The Media Covered It: Outlets across the spectrum. Left- and center-rated media were more likely to highlight the controversy leading up to the bill signing, with some referring to the Florida Parental Rights in Education Act as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. The Daily Beast labeled DeSantis an “attention-hungry governor.” Right-rated outlets were more likely to highlight recent struggles at Disney, such as executive shakeups and the decision to layoff 7,000 workers, with the New York Post referring to the bill signing as “another setback for Disney.”