Disney’s state case rages on after DeSantis’ federal legal victory: timeline

ORLANDO, Fla. – While Disney is appealing its loss in its federal lawsuit against Gov. Ron DeSantis, the state case against the governor-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District rages on.

The state case is occurring in Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit in Orange County. Judge Margaret Schreiber is presiding over the case.

On May 1, 2023, the district filed the case against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts over last-minute, far-reaching agreements between Disney and the soon-to-be-dissolved Reedy Creek board.

The district argues that the agreements, giving broad developmental and land usage rights to Disney, were meant to “tie the hands” of the new district and “stymie” Florida’s representatives.

The oversight district is seeking the judge declare Disney’s developmental and land agreements void.

Disney had alleged retaliatory freedom of speech violations in federal court, a case it lost, pending appeal.

A couple months after the state case began, the judge denied Disney’s effort to dismiss the Florida board’s complaints.

The board quickly sought summary judgement, but Disney has now twice asked the court to delay its decision. In November 2023, Disney asked the court to delay judgement until March 12, which the judge granted.

However, in January, Disney again asked for an extension, which would delay judgement another six months, pushing it back into late-2024.

The judge has not yet granted Disney’s motion.

In January, Disney sought records from the executive office of Gov. Ron DeSantis, who pushed and signed the law to dissolve Reedy Creek and enact the new board.

While the state case continues, DeSantis and his office took a victory lap over their federal victory.