Does DeSantis really think he has immunity from the Disney lawsuit?

See his latest remarks here.

DeSantis vs Disney

By now most people are aware of the ongoing legal turmoil brewing between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Shortly after Disney’s former CEO spoke out against the Parental Rights in Education Bill, the Governor signed Senate Bill 4-C into Law.

This effectively dissolved the Reedy Creek Improvement District (RCID), the special tax district that governed Disney. DeSantis appointed the Central Florida Tourism Oversite District (CFTOD) in its place. This all led to two lawsuits.

If you need to catch up on what is going on, here is some reading material for you. Disney sued DeSantis in federal court with claims that DeSantis is punishing the Walt Disney Company for practicing free speech. You can get up to speed on the federal case HERE.

Meanwhile, the CFOTD has also sued Disney in a state case after the RCID transferred its power to Disney prior to the CFOTD takeover (a move that DeSantis has since passed legislation to invalidate). You can see the judge’s latest decision in that case HERE.

DeSantis Claims Immunity

In response to the motion to dismiss Disney’s lawsuit against DeSantis, he said Disney does not have the standing to sue. He also claims that, as governor, he is entitled to immunity from the suit.

DeSantis’ attorneys state that both DeSantis and the Secretary of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity have formal power to enforce challenged laws. As a result, Disney lacks standing and cannot overcome the State Defendants’ sovereign immunity.

The attorneys wrote, “Disney must do more than generalize: It must show that the State Defendants have specific, formal power to enforce the challenged laws, such that an injunction against them would ‘be effectual.’”

Do you think DeSantis has immunity from being sued by Disney? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and pass this post along to a friend.