Florida Governor Signs Reedy Creek Legislation: What You Need to Know
As of February 27, 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed into law the Reedy Creek legislation, a bill that will have significant implications for the Reedy Creek Improvement District and Walt Disney World Resort.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the legislation, including its background, key provisions, and potential impact.
Background
The Reedy Creek Improvement District is a special district in Florida that was created by the state legislature in 1967 to provide infrastructure and services for the Walt Disney World Resort. The district has its own government, with two elected officials and a board of supervisors appointed by the governor.
In recent years, there have been concerns about the district's governance and transparency. Critics have argued that the district's leaders have been too closely aligned with Disney and have not acted in the best interests of the public.
In response, the Florida legislature has taken steps to increase oversight of the district. The Reedy Creek legislation is the latest and most significant of these efforts.
Key Provisions
The Reedy Creek legislation contains several key provisions that will impact the governance and operations of the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Some of the most notable provisions include:
Increased Oversight: The legislation establishes a new oversight board for the Reedy Creek Improvement District. The board will be composed of five members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state senate. The board will have the power to review and approve the district's budget, contracts, and other decisions.
Transparency Requirements: The legislation requires the district to provide more information to the public about its operations and finances. The district will be required to hold public meetings and provide access to its records and documents.
Restrictions on Disney: The legislation limits the influence that Walt Disney World Resort can have on the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Specifically, Disney will no longer be able to appoint members to the district's board of supervisors, and the district will be required to competitively bid contracts for goods and services.
Taxation Authority: The legislation clarifies the district's authority to levy taxes and issue bonds.
Potential Impact
The Reedy Creek legislation is likely to have a significant impact on the governance and operations of the Reedy Creek Improvement District and Walt Disney World Resort.
One of the most immediate impacts will be the establishment of the new oversight board. The board will have the power to review and approve the district's budget and contracts, which could lead to greater transparency and accountability.
The restrictions on Disney's influence over the district could also have significant implications. Some critics have argued that Disney has had too much influence over the district's decisions, and these restrictions could help to mitigate those concerns.
It is unclear how the legislation will impact the relationship between the Reedy Creek Improvement District and Walt Disney World Resort. Disney has been a major stakeholder in the district since its creation, and the restrictions on Disney's influence could lead to tension between the two entities.
Conclusion
The Reedy Creek legislation is a significant development for the Reedy Creek Improvement District and Walt Disney World Resort. The legislation's provisions could lead to greater transparency, accountability, and independence for the district.
However, there are also concerns about how the legislation will impact the relationship between the district and Disney. It remains to be seen how these tensions will play out, and how the legislation will be implemented in practice.
Overall, the Reedy Creek legislation represents a major step forward in efforts to improve the governance and operations of the Reedy Creek Improvement District.
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