Disney Sues Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

Disney just filed a lawsuit against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. The feud between the two is long-standing, as DeSantis has been intent on undermining the company’s Florida resort. For example, Disney has been able to self-govern its Floridian land, effectively making it its own country, but DeSantis and Floridian legislators terminated that power in February.

Disney believes that DeSantis is retaliating against the company after they spoke out against the Parental Rights in Education law (dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” law by critics). They said in their lawsuit that “Disney regrets that it has come to this,” and added, “In America, the government cannot punish you for speaking your mind.”

DeSantis, however, had a different opinion. A his spokesperson said that this case was “yet another unfortunate example of their hope to undermine the will of the Florida voters and operate outside the bounds of the law.” He himself also attacked Disney, saying that they just didn’t “want to pay the same taxes as everybody else.” DeSantis doesn’t believe the case has merit, yet has admitted that he indeed retaliated against Disney to punish it for its speech.

While I don’t particularly like either side of this case, I do believe that Disney is right in filing a case against DeSantis. As they said, DeSantis made a “classic First Amendment violation.” While I don’t know where this case will go, I know this will provide trouble to DeSantis, who is sure to launch his 2024 campaign soon.

Legal trouble on his hands will make it much harder for him. But Disney isn’t doing too hot either; the lawsuit came in minutes after a board appointed by DeSantis limited Disney’s control over expansion at their resort. The bottom line is, neither party is benefiting from their feud, yet it seems like it won’t be over anytime soon.

Sources:

LUKE FANN

Editor-in-Chief at The City Voice | fann-l@students.grps.org

Editor-in-Chief Luke Fann is a junior at City and freelances for Rapid Growth Media's Voices of Youth program. He also attends Michigan State University's MIPA Summer Journalism Workshop, receiving the Sparty Award in Journalistic Storytelling and the Art of Storytelling. Additionally, he recieved an Award of Excellence in the Level Up: Leadership for Media program in 2025 and earned an honorable mention for his piece on AI and LLMs at the 2024 MIPA Spring Awards.

Luke began writing in 7th grade and became an editor by the following year. By his sophomore year, he was Managing Editor and then Editor-in-Chief. As for writing, he focuses on business and technology news, taking a deeper dive into topics rather than focusing solely on breaking news. He also covers personal interests, and his weekly editorials offer unique takes on timely issues.

If you're interested in writing for The City Voice, especially as a middle schooler or Underclassman, reach out to Luke or attend a meeting. Journalism is a great way to express your passions. No matter your background, The City Voice wants to hear your voice.