NEWS: Disney Suspends Federal Lawsuit Against DeSantis as Part of Settlement Agreement

After years of fighting, it seems as though the battle between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Disney could finally be over.

Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District have entered into a settlement agreement that drops both state-level cases. But, Disney and DeSantis are also embroiled in a federal lawsuit — so what does this mean for that case?

The DeSantis-controlled Central Florida Tourism Oversight District and Disney entered into a settlement agreement on March 27th, which drops the state-level lawsuits brought by both the CFTOD and Disney, also outlines various stipulations that the two parties must agree to.

One of those stipulations is that Disney’s First Amendment federal lawsuit brought against DeSantis and the CFTOD is put on hold while deals are reached about the district’s future.

©CFTOD

A federal judge dismissed Disney’s case back in January, but the House of Mouse quickly appealed the decision and we’ve been waiting on the courts since. Now, it seems, things have been further put on pause while Disney and the district’s Board of Supervisors work together to create a new Comprehensive Plan.

Here are more details of the settlement agreement:

Disney agrees that the Development Agreement and Restrictive Covenants are null and void
Disney agrees with the District assessment that the 2032 Comprehensive Plan is null and void
The District will amend the 2020 Comprehensive Plan with consultation from Disney
Both Disney and the District will dismiss claims and counterclaims, along with Disney dismissing the Public Records case
Disney owns the long-term mitigation credits and the District will not interfere with those credits
The labor services agreement between the District and Reedy Creek Energy Services will end in 2028
The District and Disney will not contest actions of the Reedy Creek Improvement District before DeSantis’ takeover

Reedy Creek Building (now Central Florida Tourism Oversight District)

During a press conference on March 28th, DeSantis shared that the district won’t “be governed by any one company” but would instead be run by the “community” and its members. He also went on to say that he would like to see more development in the area and with Epic Universe on the way, “Disney is probably going to have to answer to that.”

Obtained via Click Orlando Livestream — Governor DeSantis

While it’s unclear whether or not the two groups will be able to work together to create the new Comprehensive Plan and other projects — and thus whether or not the federal case will move forward — you can be sure we’ll be on the lookout for more updates.

Stay tuned to AllEars as we keep an eye on the latest news from the Walt Disney Company.