Disney's Tax District Scandal: DeSantis vs. Corporate Fiefdom
Disney's special improvement district in Florida, previously known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District, has been accused by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board of taking payoffs and not fulfilling promises to build hospitals, affordable housing, and other public amenities. The report claims that Disney had "unchecked" power within the district, even having the authority to construct a nuclear power plant. The report also criticizes Disney's efforts to limit public oversight, comparing the setup to an "absolute monarchy." Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law dissolving the district's former board and installing a new one, with the report alleging that the previous board and district employees took gifts from Disney "akin to bribes." Tensions between Disney and the governor escalated after the company condemned a law banning classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity. Disney called the report "neither objective nor credible," stating that it was an attempt to punish the company for exercising its right to free speech.