Attorneys representing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have requested the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by Disney, claiming political retaliation. They argue that DeSantis and another defendant are immune and that Disney lacks standing to sue. The attorneys also contend that Disney’s complaint fails to provide a valid basis for relief. Disney has not yet responded to CNBC’s request for comment on the court filing.
DeSantis has been publicly feuding with Disney throughout his campaign for the Republican presidential primary. The dispute between DeSantis and Disney, a major employer in Florida, has been ongoing for over a year.
The motion to dismiss, consisting of 27 pages, was filed by DeSantis’ attorneys and Meredith Ivey, the secretary for Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity. They argue that Disney lacks standing to sue and that both the Governor and the Secretary are immune from legal action.
Disney’s lawsuit revolves around the special tax district that encompasses Walt Disney World in Florida. This district, which allowed Disney to govern its operations, faced dissolution after the company criticized a state classroom bill known as “Don’t Say Gay.” However, following concerns about the financial impact on neighboring counties, the district remained intact but was renamed and had its board replaced with DeSantis’ preferred candidates.
Disney accused the new board members of interfering with their development deals and responded by suing. The Governor’s attorneys argue that any supposed injuries stemming from these clashes cannot be traced back to the State Defendants and that enjoining them would not provide Disney with relief.
Furthermore, the attorneys emphasize that neither DeSantis nor Ivey enforce the disputed legislative acts, undermining Disney’s attempts to link them to these laws. They assert that signing a law does not equate to enforcing it and highlight the Governor’s legislative immunity, dismissing Disney’s allegations of retaliatory intent.
Disney initially filed its First Amendment lawsuit in late April, and subsequently, the DeSantis-appointed board countersued in state court. In May, Disney filed a motion to dismiss the state-level suit, prompting the board to respond, criticizing Disney’s arguments as imaginative rather than based in reality.
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