The only legitimate threat is putting tolls on the roads. That would require new legislation which thus far the Florida Senate doesn’t appear eager to oblige. Disney could, in theory, reimburse guests and cast members since, theoretically, the cost of the roads would be covered by tolls rather than taxes on Disney. The net effect may even benefit Disney.
And then there’s the fact that people don’t take kindly to tolls. Does DeSantis really think taxing the public instead of Disney to pay for Disney’s roads is politically smart? I’m sure he’ll win over a ton of voters with that one LOL!
The legislature cannot repeal the agreements under the Florida Constitution and the U.S. Constitution. We already know the agreement didn’t violate Florida’s growth laws because the comprehensive plan was approved by the state and the agreements merely solidify the comprehensive plan. Florida could change their growth laws but I don’t see that working very well for them. Either it will violate the contracts clause or create significant collateral damage for countless Floridian communities. They can’t target Reedy Creek or “theme parks” without raising serious red flags in court. Reedy Creek doesn’t own very much land in the district other than roads and municipal facilities, but even then there’s the restrictive covenants and any violation of those would prompt a lawsuit from Disney and almost certainly an immediate injunction. And hotel taxes? LOL it’s not like the legislature can raise taxes on only Disney’s hotels. But I’m sure the legislature would be more than happy to sink Florida’s largest industry because poor little Ronnie got upset.
DeSantis is throwing a tantrum in full public view. And I thought things couldn‘t get more embarrassing for him.
If there was any doubt that Disney is headed to court, this puts that to rest. Grab your popcorn cause this one is gonna be good!
www.politico.com
Edit: tagging in @lazyboy97o to get their take on it.
