DeSantis vs. Disney Showdown: Businesses to Flee Florida, Experts Say

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Sen. Marco Rubio worries about the ongoing spat between Governor Ron DeSantis and one of Florida's largest employers, Disney.

Companies seem to be getting a clear message about conducting business in Florida.

"I think where it gets problematic in the eyes of some people is when you start creating the idea . . . that somehow if you run crossways against us politically, whoever's in charge, you may wind up in the crosshairs of the legislature for political purposes to make a statement at you," Rubio said.

If companies flee Florida, business activity may drop. This leaves Floridians with fewer opportunities to find jobs, grow their income, or live comfortably.

A strong message to businesses in Florida

The senator added how he thinks the Florida governor's feud is "legitimate."

"I don't have a problem with [DeSantis] taking on Disney," Rubio said. Rubio asserted that the political disputes would deter businesses from setting up shop in the Sunshine State.

"I do worry that if this happens too many times, businesses that are thinking about coming to Florida are saying, 'Maybe we don't want to go there because if we get into a firestorm with them politically, they might come after our business,'" the senator said.

Disney filed a lawsuit against DeSantis, alleging a "targeted campaign of government retaliation" after DeSantis took steps to undermine the company's autonomy in Florida. With its self-governing status, Disney has the same authority as a local government in its own special district.

And Disney has the right to defend itself against other political entities.

DeSantis is under fire

DeSantis despised Disney's lawsuit and called it 'politically motivated' with no merit.

"I don't think the suit has merit. I think it's political," DeSantis said.

DeSantis and Disney first clashed when the company opposed a law that prohibited conversations on sexual orientation and gender identity in Florida schools from kindergarten until third grade. The law has been mocked by opponents as the "Don't Say Gay" measure.

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