A federal judge in Florida dismissed Disney’s lawsuit against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Secretary of Commerce on Wednesday for lack of standing and failure to state a claim. Disney sued DeSantis, the Secretary and and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) for alleged violations of the company’s First Amendment right to free speech under the US Constitution.
Disney initiated the lawsuit after Florida passed a dissolution bill that transferred control of the CFTOD from the company to a board selected by DeSantis. The company alleged that the bill was retaliation to their opposition to DeSantis’ policies, specifically Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law. Disney controlled the board selection process for several decades prior to the passage of the bill. In the suit, Disney asked for an injunction against implementation of the bill and decisions of the CFTOD.
US District Judge Allen Winsor cited two grounds for dismissal of the lawsuit.