Shortly after DeSantis’ remarks on Monday, Disney executives called on lobbyists to keep an eye on any Florida bills that could hurt the company and to start aggressively working against them, according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter. There is a particular interest in combating legislation related to land use following DeSantis’ remarks, this person said.
This person, who was unauthorized to speak publicly on Disney’s plans, told CNBC that one of the land-related bills Disney lobbyists are watching carefully is CS/SB 1604: Land Use and Development Regulations. Ingoglia introduced the bill in the Senate, and an identical measure was put forward in the state House.
Both chambers have introduced amendments that could affect Disney. The measures would allow a “newly elected or appointed governing body of the independent special district,” such as the DeSantis-appointed governing body of the Disney district, to review any development agreements and have the option to vote on whether that district will readopt that original development deal.
Both of those amendments were filed Tuesday, the day after the DeSantis’ news conference where he hammered Disney, according to the state Legislature website.
Disney and CEO Bob Iger don’t appear to be taking DeSantis and his allies’ latest moves lightly.