If you’re in the loop with Disney news, then you know that there’s a LOT going on right now.

Between changes coming to the theme parks, new movies getting released in theaters, and The Walt Disney Company’s legal battle with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, there’s plenty to try and keep up with. We’ve been following everything that’s happening, ready to hear more from Disney executives. And that’s exactly what happened today.

During Disney’s Q2 earnings call for fiscal year 2023, CEO Bob Iger shared details on the financial reports for the Company, announced some changes with Hulu content, revealed a Disney+ price increase, and more. But his comments on one topic, in particular, will likely stand out to many.

During the call, Iger made some comments about the situation in Florida with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Reedy Creek Improvement District (now Central Florida Tourism Oversight District) in response to a question.

Iger started by saying that the federal lawsuit filed against DeSantis and the new Board of Supervisors for the District last month made Disney’s position clear, and that is that all of the changes made to the District are “about one thing and one thing only — and that’s retaliating against us for taking a position against pending legislation.” (This is in reference to Disney’s response against the Parental Rights in Education Bill, what critics called “Don’t Say Gay”).

According to Iger, Disney has just been exercising its right to free speech. Iger insisted that this is “not about special privileges or a level playing field.” He went on to detail how there are around 2,000 special districts in Florida, most of which have been established to foster development in certain areas. Iger noted that Reedy Creek was one of these special districts created to foster development.

He shared that Disney has built a massive business in the state that employs over 75,000 individuals and attracts tens of millions to Florida. So he pointed out that while it’s “easy” to say that Reedy Creek has benefitted Disney, “it’s misleading to not also consider how much Disney benefitted the state of Florida.”

Iger pointed out that Disney is not the only company in Florida operating under a special district, and mentioned that the Daytona Speedway and The Villages (a retirement community) operate under special districts too. He argued that if the point of DeSantis’/the state’s actions is to level the playing field “in the uniform application of the law or government oversight of special districts,” then any changes need to be applied to ALL special districts (not just Disney).

Iger also said that there is a “false narrative” that Disney has been trying to protect its tax breaks as part of this battle. But, he pointed out, Disney is the largest taxpayer in Central Florida and paid over $1.1 BILLION in taxes (to the state and locally) last year. He also said that Disney pays MORE real estate taxes because of the special district situation.

According to Iger, there was no effort to impact Reedy Creek until Disney spoke out against the Don’t Say Gay bill. So, to him, this is “plainly a matter of retaliation, while the rest of the Florida special districts continue operating basically as they were.”

Iger said that Disney is proud of the tourism industry it created in Florida and they want to keep providing a great experience for guests. He explained that Disney never wanted and never expected to have to defend its business in federal court, especially after the good relationship it had with Florida for many years.

So what happens now? Well, Iger pointed out that Disney has plans to invest $17 billion in Disney World over the next 10 years “which is what the state should want us to do.” He insisted, “We operate responsibly. We pay our fair share of taxes. We employ thousands of people.”

Iger ended his comments with a very pointed question seemingly aimed at Florida, DeSantis, and other state leaders — “Does the state want us to invest more, employ more people, and pay taxes, or not?”

While picking up and moving Disney World OUT of Florida isn’t really a feasible idea, it does seem that Iger may be indicating that a souring relationship with Florida could potentially encourage Disney to invest in its parks and resorts elsewhere, rather than pouring all of that money into Florida. This is something that some analysts have warned as a potential. Could continuing fights mean that Disney decides to build that new ride in Disneyland instead of Disney World? Or focuses on a new hotel in another resort instead of Orlando? It’s possible. Only time will tell.

To learn more about the Reedy Creek situation, Disney’s federal lawsuit against DeSantis, the District Board’s lawsuit against Disney, and more see our posts below:

• DeSantis’ Reedy Creek Board Takes Further Action To CHANGE Disney District
• Gov. DeSantis Signs Bill to VOID Disney’s Reedy Creek Agreements
• Clearing Up the CONFUSION Over the New Reedy Creek Board’s Attack Against Disney
• Disney Claims DeSantis Is Waging a “Relentless Campaign to Weaponize Government Power” — Here’s a Breakdown of the Drama

We’ll be on the lookout for more news on this subject, and we’ll make sure to share with you as we find out more. Stay tuned to DFB for the latest updates from The Walt Disney Company.

CEO Bob Iger Responds to One of Disney’s Biggest Criticisms — Click Here! 

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The post Disney CEO Bob Iger Fires Back at DeSantis “Retaliation” in Florida Surrounding Reedy Creek first appeared on the disney food blog.