Orange County

Florida House to vote on bill to take away Disney World’s self-governing power

ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida lawmakers are looking to vote on a bill that will take away Disney World’s self-governing power.

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The bill to dissolve Disney’s Reedy Creek tax district passed through committee on Wednesday and goes to the full House for a vote Thursday before a Senate vote on Friday.

Osceola State Rep. Fred Hawkins presented the bill Wednesday morning. It received major pushback from Democrats who tried over and over again to amend it.

Democrats are mostly worried about the power the governor will have to appoint the board that will run the newly named district.

Watch: A look at the bill that could dissolve Disney’s Reedy Creek

The people in charge of the district said they are not too concerned.

Channel 9 was at the Reedy Creek Improvement District’s meeting Wednesday, and they hardly mention the special session in Tallahassee.

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ push to do away with Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District is one step closer to becoming a reality.

Watch: Attorney: Disney has strong case if it goes to court over Reedy Creek

The bill changes the name of the district to Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.

It also gives DeSantis authority to appoint a five-member board of supervisors that would run the district.

Current leaders of Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District said it has no opinion on the governor’s plan to replace them.

Watch: Reedy Creek firefighters brace for changes ahead of special district dissolution

If passed the bill will end Disney’s tax district on June 1.

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Q Mccray

Q McCray, WFTV.com

Q McCray is an award-winning general assignment reporter.