This move led to the voiding of a contract made before the establishment of CFTOD, according to the lawsuit.
Governor DeSantis’ Stance
Governor DeSantis, along with J. Alex Kelly, the secretary of Florida’s Department of Commerce, argued a lack of standing and invoked 11th Amendment immunity in the case.
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District also contended a lack of merit in the lawsuit.
DeSantis’ press secretary, Jeremy Redfern, welcomed the court’s decision. He said that it signaled the end of Disney’s control over its own government and emphasized that the company should not be considered above the law.
Federal Judge’s Ruling
U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor, appointed in 2018, delivered the decisive ruling, stating that Disney had not demonstrated standing to sue the governor or secretary.
He emphasized that a law stripping Disney of control over the municipal district, including Disney World, was constitutional even if it targeted free speech.
Judge Winsor argued that Disney failed to show a direct link between its alleged injury – operating under a board it can’t control – and DeSantis’ control.
