Disney and Board Reach Abrupt Settlement in Lawsuit

We have major news for on going legal turmoil between Disney and the DeSantis-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. The parties have reached a settlement, and we have the details.

Legal Turmoil

It is no secret that the past couple of years have been turbulent between the state of Florida and The Walt Disney Company. In fact, Disney and the DeSantis-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District have been locked in turmoil that led to multiple lawsuits stemming. These all sprung from Florida’s move to dissolve Disney’s long-standing special tax district and replace it with the new board.

However, recently, Judge Allen Windsor dismissed the federal case Disney brought against the CFTOD. You can read the story and reasoning HERE.

Still, there remained state lawsuits between the two entities. Now it looks like those will also come to an abrupt halt.

A Settlement is Reached

Today, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District made a surprising announcement. During its meeting, the board announced that Disney proposed a settlement for the state lawsuit.

The CTFOD received a settlement agreement from Disney. Ultimately, the board approved the settlement agreement.

Settlement Details

The settlement agreement has several important stipulations. CFTOD litigation counsel Paul Huck outlined these.

Here are some of the highlights. The development agreement and restrictive covenants previously under lawsuit are to be considered null and void. Moreover, remaining state claims and counterclaims will be dismissed with prejudice. Disney will also dismiss additional legal claims regarding public records and withdraw its pending public records request. Most importantly, CFTOD will consult Disney to create a new development agreement.

Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District are settling.

This will pause the federal case. It hinges on whether Disney and the CTFOD reach a favorable plan.

Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle released a statement about this seemingly abrupt pivot.

“We are pleased to put an end to all litigation pending in state court in Florida between Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. This agreement opens a new chapter of constructive engagement with the new leadership of the district and serves the interests of all parties by enabling significant continued investment and the creation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs and economic opportunity in the State.”

What do you think about this settlement between DeSantis’s Central Florida Tourism Oversight District and Disney? Let us know in the comments.