Ron DeSantis and Disney Have Reached A Settlement, Ending Two Years Of Litigation
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Disney have reached a settlement in a lawsuit over the future of Walt Disney World developments, putting an end to two years of litigation.
(Photo : Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Disney have settled a lawsuit over the future of Walt Disney World developments, putting an end to nearly two years of litigation.

The lawsuit stemmed from Disney's vocal opposition to the two-term Republican governor's 2022 "Don't Say Gay" law, which prohibits public school teachers from instructing on sexual orientation and gender identity before the 4th grade.

In retaliation, the state took control of the special tourism district that encompassed the theme park. The district oversees things such as waste management, infrastructure, firefighting and EMS services.

"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," Walt Disney World Resort President Jeff Vahle said in a statement, according to Bloomberg.

"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."

As part of the agreement, Disney agreed to rescind some of the changes that were made before DeSantis' allies took over, which would have limited new board members' powers, such as reviewing theme park expansions, the outlet reported.

Disney previously sued DeSantis and the state, citing the violation of its free speech, in speaking out against the "Don't Say Gay" bill.

In January, a federal judge dismissed the lawsuit.