Today the Florida Senate passed HB 9B, the bill that would change the Reedy Creek Improvement District to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District and allow Governor Ron DeSantis to pick the five board members who will be on the board of directors. It is assumed that Governor DeSantis will sign this bill into law once it reaches his desk.
In response to the bill passing both houses in the Florida State Legislature, Walt Disney World Resort President Jeff Vahle released the following statement:
For more than 50 years, the Reedy Creek Improvement District has operated at the highest standards, and we appreciate all that the District has done to help our destination grow and become one of the largest economic contributors and employers in the state. We are focused on the future and are ready to work within this new framework, and we will continue to innovate, inspire and bring joy to the millions of guests who come to Florida to visit Walt Disney World each year.
Jeff Vahle, President, Walt Disney World Resort
This bill came into being after a bill was passed last year to dissolve the Reedy Creek Improvement District. This came after a feud between then Disney CEO Bob Chapek and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. There have been questions brought up about the legality of both the original bill and this one. At this point, it isn’t known what will happen once the bill is signed into law. What is known is that the moment the Florida Governor signs HB 9B, it will become effective immediately.
To read more details about HB 9B, read this explanation of the 183-page bill that will turn Reedy Creek Improvement District into the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. What do you think about this development? Do you think the bill will turn into law and then continue without any lawsuits? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
