Ron DeSantis is backing a bill that will look to end Disney’s “Corporate Kingdom” by replacing Walt Disney World’s special self-governing power with a state-run board. The legislation would mandate that members of the board be appointed by the governor, according to sources in the governor’s office. DeSantis’ communications director, Taryn Fenske, told Fox News. “The corporate kingdom has come to an end. Under the proposed legislation, Disney will no longer control its own government, will live under the same laws as everyone else, will be responsible for their outstanding debts, and will pay their fair share of taxes.”
Disney will also be forced to pay upwards of $700 million dollars in unsecured debt accumulated by Disney’s special jurisdiction if the bill were to pass. Disney came under the ire of DeSantis last year, after the company publicly opposed a new parental rights law in the state. DeSantis said that Disney lied about the contents of the law and stated that the companies vow to fight it was completely unacceptable. In response, he dissolved Walt Disney World’s special governing power in the state
A DeSantis spokesperson told Fox, “We will have an even playing field for businesses in Florida, and the state certainly owes no special favors to one company. Disney’s debts will not fall on the taxpayers of Florida.’
