Disney and Gov. Ron DeSantis' Central Florida tourism board reach legal settlement

Much of the legal war between Disney and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is now over.

Board members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, handpicked by the governor to lead the special governing district that he stripped from Disney's control, approved a settlement Wednesday that would end the state-level litigation between them and the theme park giant.

It puts to rest lawsuits filed by both sides over a contractual dispute.

"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," said Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resorts, in a statement.

Also in a statement, Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Vice Chairman Charbel Barakat said his panel “was created to bring public accountability and transparency to one of Florida’s most important destinations. We’re proud of the landmark work the District has accomplished and look forward to what lies ahead.

"With this agreement, we’re eager to work with Disney and other businesses within Central Florida to make our destination known for world-class attractions and accountable governance,” Barakat added.

Representatives of DeSantis touted the settlement as a win on social media.

Bryan Griffin, DeSantis' communications director, bashed various media outlets that previously ran stories implying Disney had the upper hand in the litigation.

"Disney TODAY concedes last-minute deals were 'null,' 'void,' 'unenforceable,'" he posted on X. "How many of these media outlets will be issuing corrections?"

Here's what happened: Shortly before DeSantis wrested control of the district, then called the Reedy Creek Improvement District, its leadership approved contractual agreements to keep a lot of control that was under Disney for decades.

The new board members discovered what they considered an end run after the members met for the first time, and they challenged them in state court.

And there was a trial date scheduled for June over a Disney lawsuit over public records relating to the takeover, which came due to legislation pushed by GOP lawmakers aligned with the governor. Litigation for both is over under the settlement.

"Everything we've done is has been in the best interest of the state of Florida, and we've been vindicated in all those actions," DeSantis said at a press conference Wednesday afternoon.

But there's still a legal battle yet to come.

First Amendment lawsuit also was filed, then dismissed

The state-level litigation followed a federal First Amendment lawsuit filed by Disney, accusing the DeSantis and his allies of punishing it for its opposition to a state parental rights law, which was called "Don't Say Gay" by its critics, evidenced by his takeover of the district and other actions.

"If the State’s strategy succeeds, Disney will assuredly not be the last entity punished for espousing disfavored viewpoints," the company wrote in a legal filing.

Before getting sued, DeSantis had repeatedly connected the legislative crackdown on Disney with what he calls their "woke" criticism of the parental rights law. A federal judge recently dismissed that case, but Disney is appealing that decision.

C. A. Bridges with the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida contributed. This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. USA Today Network-Florida First Amendment reporter Douglas Soule can be reached at DSoule@gannett.com.