Disney Just Filed a New Lawsuit Against the CFTOD

Christmas came early for the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District as they were just handed a new lawsuit from Disney. Do you think this new lawsuit is necessary?

Reedy Creek Improvement District

The Reedy Creek Improvement District was the special district Disney created in the 1960’s. Essentially, a 1967 law stated that Disney is its own governing body in the two cities and land within Orange and Osceola counties.

However, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis threatened Disney World after the company spoke out about his policies. The state repealed this law and overturned the Reedy Creek Improvement District.

THE RCID WAS ABOLISHED IN THE SPRING OF 2023.

Central Florida Tourism Oversight District

In its place, Ron DeSantis appointed board members for the newly-established Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. Now, the state has control over Disney World’s business matters.

Any new construction, laws, or amendments Disney wants to make will now have to go through the CFTOD.

Of course, with Disney no longer its own governing body, some issues have popped up. The biggest one being that the CFTOD sued Disney in order to nullify agreements between the former Reedy Creek Tourism District and Disney. The agreement essentially transferred power from the Reedy Creek Tourism District to Disney prior to the district being dissolved.

New Lawsuit

Now, Disney is suing the CFTOD. They claim the district is unlawfully withholding public records, which is a violation of Florida law and the state’s constitution.

This all stems from an incident in May 2023 when Disney asked for CFTOD for specific documents that were public records. The district received the notice and accepted the payment but withheld the documents for 4 months with no explanation. At the end of August, Disney filed a complaint and the CFTOD only partially complied. They cited technological difficulties.

Then, in September Disney wrote a letter outlining their concerns with the delays. Perhaps this was due in part to the fact that dozens of district employees left or were fired. Disney also alleges the district did nothing to preserve data from the personal devices of those who left.

The lawsuit demands the agency to immediately provide Disney with the requested documents.

Share your thoughts with us in the comments below, and pass this post along to a friend who has been keeping up on all the legal issues.