It evokes a battle that began last year when Disney criticized a new state law banning discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill Friday that gives a new board of directors he controls the power to nullify development agreements his predecessor signed with Disney — the latest installment in a feud between the conservative governor and the entertainment giant.
Under the bill, which Republican-controlled legislatures passed largely along party lines, the Central Tourism Oversight District Board — whose members are appointed by DeSantis — can cancel any deals signed up to three months before the board’s creation.
“Make no mistake, the reason the legislature had to act was not because of anything we did,” DeSantis said at a news conference Friday. “It actually grew out of Disney’s arrogance that they would be able to outsource around the duly enacted laws of the state of Florida. That’s wrong.”
Walt Disney Co declined to comment.
The legislature formed the board in February to replace the Disney-controlled Reedy Creek Improvement District to oversee development in the 25,000 acres (10,120 hectares) surrounding Walt Disney World, effectively wresting and transferring control from the company to DeSantis.
Disney, the largest employer in Central Florida, and the Republican governor have been battling since last year, when Disney criticized a new state law banning classroom education about sexuality and gender identity in younger children.
DeSantis, who is expected to run for president of the United States in the coming weeks, has repeatedly attacked and characterized “awakened Disney” as liberal in public remarks.
“We have a fundamental disagreement in this state, in terms of what we think is appropriate for children, and what the people of Burbank, California, think is appropriate,” DeSantis said. Disney is located in Burbank.
Before DeSantis appointees took over the board, the company pushed through changes to the special tax district agreement that limited the action of the new body for decades.
The new oversight agency said in April that Disney’s plans for possible expansion of Disney World were inconsistent with state law, and declared that agreement null and void.
Disney filed suit in federal court the same day, accusing DeSantis of illegally using government power to punish the company for exercising its right to free speech.
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board responded with its own lawsuit in state court, saying it was seeking to void “backroom deals” favorable to Disney.
Disney’s stock is up nearly 16 percent year-to-date, compared to an 8 percent gain in the S&P 500 index.