Iger's Surprise Offer to DeSantis: What's Next for Disney and Florida?

Photo byPhoto by: Thomas Hawk

Returning Disney CEO Robert Iger says he's willing to speak with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

When Florida Governo Ron DeSantis took over Disney World's special district, it initially appeared as though he would win the showdown, but in a surprise move, the largest Florida employer was able to maintain its independence. It seems like DeSantis was caught with his pants down.

Since then, DeSantis has threatened to "void anything Disney did on the way out the door," and earlier this month, the company's returning CEO Bob Iger referred to his response as "anti-business" and "anti-Florida."

DeSantis threatened to jack up the taxes on hotels and impose heavy tolls on all roads leading to Reedy Creek District, where Disney World Florida is located.

Iger stated that he is willing to speak with DeSantis to de-escalate the feud.

Meeting with Florida Governor

“If the governor of Florida wants to meet with me to discuss all of this, of course, I would be glad to do that,” the 72-year-old CEO said.

Iger said he has always respected elected leaders.

Disney and Governor DeSantis have been at odds for months over the corporation's self-governing district, which provided it with a unique tax status and other advantages involving new buildings and medical services. The agreement, which has existed since 1967, has allowed the business to save millions of dollars throughout the years.

Even though tension has been building for a year, Florida and Disney are closely related. Iger was careful to emphasize that Disney World employs 75,000 people and annually attracts millions of visitors to its theme parks close to Orlando.

About a year ago, Disney and DeSantis got into a spat after Disney's former CEO, Bob Chapek, spoke out against the state's infamous "Don't Say Gay" rule, which forbids teachers from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity in school. The governor decided to terminate Disney's long-held special tax status to make the company pay for opposing him publically.

What do you think about Iger trying to de-escalate the current tension with DeSantis?

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