But they DO NOT presumptively have full power. And very much will be enjoined by the courts based on a contract that probably has precedent, in Florida even.
Remember America was built on the concept of limited government. There’s all kinds of stuff governments can’t do. In some areas they’re more restricted than others.
I wouldn’t say master stroke by Disney. I’d say dumb move by DeSantis. Which they then short circuited in a way to maximize how dumb it made him look. And put it all into a situation they can drag out in courts for years, and use to campaign against many state officials through that whole time. Impressive, but not masterful. Masterful would have settled behind closed doors and actually let DeSantis “win”. This was mean spirited. And funny. And will eventually win for them.
I practiced law for many years and am unaware of any precedent for what Disney and the outgoing Reedy Creek Improvement District did. I do not see Florida’s courts enforcing such an irregular contract that is plainly contrary to public policy.
Excellent analysis. As you correctly point out, this will be argued in the courts for years to come. I don’t see Disney shutting down Disney World or moving it out of Florida, but what they can and likely will do, while this works its way through the court system, is make some very well publicized layoffs from some of their Florida operations, put expansion projects on hold, etc. and all the while making it known that such actions are a response to the ongoing litigation and the uncertainty it’s causing Disney over their future in Florida.