As he signed a bill giving the state jurisdiction over Disney’s sprawling Orlando theme parks, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis cautioned citizens to “buckle up.”
The bill revokes Disney’s exclusive authority and allows Mr. DeSantis’ Republican-led legislature to exert more oversight.
The action is viewed as retaliation against Disney for opposing state laws restricting gender and sexuality education.
It comes before Mr. DeSantis’ probable 2024 presidential run.
“Today, the corporate empire comes to an end,” he said on Monday at a bill signing ceremony in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, close to Walt Disney World.
“There’s a new constable in town, and accountability will be the order of the day.”
It was argued that this saved local ratepayers from large infrastructure and other costs required to operate the 43 square miles (111 square kilometres) of property that attracts millions of tourists a year.
The new law does not dissolve the district or transfer its significant debt to taxpayers. But it subjects Disney to additional external supervision through a five-member board appointed by the state.
Mr. DeSantis added that Disney will be regarded similarly to other Orlando theme parks and will no longer be exempt from certain state regulations, such as building and fire prevention codes.
Mr. DeSantis announced appointments to the new board, including Martin Garcia, a Tampa attorney and Republican donor whose firm contributed $50,000 (£41,467) to Mr. DeSantis’ reelection campaign.
The term “ecosystem” refers to a group of individuals who work in the construction industry.
The new board is scheduled to convene the following week, according to Mr. DeSantis. Who added, “They will be in charge during that board meeting, so buckle up.”
Disney, one of the world’s largest media companies. And Florida lawmakers have been at odds since Mr. DeSantis signed a contentious measure in April.
Disney issued a public statement opposing the measure. Which prohibited gender and sexuality education in Florida schools for students under the age of nine.
Opponents of the bill, which is now in effect and has been labeled the “Don’t Say Gay” law by some, claimed that it would stigmatize and isolate LGBT youth, whereas supporters claimed that it would protect children from what they deemed to be inappropriate content.
Mr. DeSantis responded to opposition by urging legislators to divest Disney of its special governing authority.
The public conflict between Mr. DeSantis and Disney has raised his profile as a potential 2024 Republican presidential candidate.
On Monday, Mr. DeSantis indicated that he is still a fan of Mickey Mouse during a press conference. “Despite everything that’s transpired over the past few years, I’ve always been very proud of our parks,” he said.
“It’s almost a rite of passage for people to come down here, and many families have had wonderful adventures. But when you get lost, you need people who can tell you the truth.”
