Disney has called the move political retaliation for what should be protected free speech and sued the state last month to reverse the move.
Former President Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign quickly seized on the news, with the Trump War Room account tweeting that DeSantis’ actions cost the state jobs and investment. Democratic state Sen. Linda Stewart, who represents part of Orange County, called it “disappointing” that Florida would lose jobs.
Carlos Curbelo, a Republican former congressman representing Miami, praised DeSantis’ leadership during the pandemic but said the governor is smearing his own record and preventing businesses from coming to Florida or expanding in the state .
“This is the first clear negative result of an overly aggressive approach to governance and politics,” Curbelo said.
Iger’s predecessor announced plans to move jobs from Southern California to a new facility in central Florida in July 2021, citing a “business-friendly climate”. While Disney has never disclosed the value of its investment, the Los Angeles Times reported that it would receive approximately $580 million in tax credits over the next 19 years.
“I am optimistic about the direction of our Walt Disney World business,” D’Amaro wrote. We plan to invest $17 billion and create 13,000 jobs over the next ten years. I hope we are able to do that.”
