DeSantis signs bill allowing new board to cancel previous Disney development agreements

This is a developing story.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill that will allow the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board to cancel previous last-minute agreements between the previous district board and Walt Disney World.

The bill was carried by Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill, which passed 27-13. Rep. Stan McClain, R-Ocala, carried the bill in the House, which passed 75-34.

McClain said the bill prohibits an independent special district from complying with terms of a development agreement or any other agreement if the agreement was executed within three months before the effective date of the law modifying the selection manner of the governing body of the district.

In February, the previous Reedy Creek board gave the company enormous power to Disney through developmental agreements just weeks before the governor signed a law stripping Disney of its self-appointed board.

In April, the new Central Florida Tourism board voted to nullify Disney agreements. However, Disney and the new board are in a court battle.

The legislation revises local comprehensive planning requirements by increasing the length of required planning periods for comprehensive plans from five years to 10 years, and from 10 years to 20 years.

The legislation encourages local governments to make timely updates to their comprehensive plan.

McClain said the bill will also prohibit local governments from requiring building design elements for single family or two family dwellings under certain conditions.