Walt Disney World is firing back at Florida and Governor Ron DeSantis, claiming that he can't dissolve the theme park's special tax district following their move to do so last week in the wake of controversy about what he calls the company's 'wokeness.'
Walt Disney World is the largest private employer in the state and has a special status that essentially lets it run as its own municipal government on its property, called the Reedy Creek Improvement District.
But now, state lawmakers are looking to make a change and revoke that special status due to recent comments from Disney executives.
The theme park and Florida officials began feuding last month following the signage of a bill making it illegal for schools to instruct kids in kindergarten through third grade on issues around sexual orientation and gender identity.
Critics have named it the "Don't Say Gay" bill, and Disney CEO Bob Chapek came out against the measure after being pressured to take a stance from employees within the company, despite initially saying he wouldn't, CBS News reported.
Following Chapek's comments, DeSantis said that Disney was making an effort to be "woke" and then began working to end the special status given to the amusement park.
Since then, lawmakers have moved to revoke the status, but Disney said in a statement this week it was not legal for the state to void their 55-year arrangement while the district's bond debt is not yet paid off.
"In light of the state of Florida's pledge to the district's bondholders, Reedy Creek expects to explore its options while continuing its present operations, including levying and collecting its ad valorem tax bonds and utility revenue bonds, complying with its bond covenants and operating and maintaining its properties," Disney said on a municipal securities rulemaking website on April 21.
The move to disband the special tax district would break an agreement Florida made in 1967, according to Disney, but DeSantis shared he is willing to press the matter.
"The governor's team is working on administering this legislation which is designed to level the playing field for businesses in Florida. When we have more to share on our path forward, we will be glad to send it along. As the governor has consistently stated, Floridians will not have to carry Disney's burdens," a spokesperson for the governor told CBS.
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