We’ve got a huge update on the situation with Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District (“RCID”).

©Spectrum News 13

By way of a very quick background, the RCID was created over 50 years ago and essentially functions as its own county government in Orlando, Florida. For years, it has given Disney (the majority landowner in the District) a huge amount of power over the land on which it operates, allowing Disney to select the Board of Supervisors that make critical decisions over the District’s land. Following Disney’s criticism of Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Bill, a bill was passed that will dissolve the RCID in June of 2023 (in what many saw as an act of retaliation). But it seems things with the RCID could soon change in a critical way.

In early 2023, a bill was introduced in the Florida legislature that would NOT dissolve the RCID in June, but instead would rename the District and make key changes to the way it operates. Instead of having a Board selected by Disney (the landowner), the bill would establish a Board for the District that is appointed by the Florida Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The bill also strips the District of certain powers, while still enabling it to do key things like issue bonds.

Some legislators expressed concerns about the bill and suggested amendments that would ensure more independence between the District and the Governor, or that would otherwise give local Orlando elected officials a position on the Board. Those amendments were not approved, and the bill made its way to the floor of the Florida House of Representatives this afternoon (February 9th).

Reedy Creek Trash Cans

Here’s where that update comes in — the bill has officially PASSED the Florida House of Representatives. It was passed by a vote of 82 to 31.

©House of Representatives

It appears a message has since been sent to the Senate on the bill. As ClickOrlando points out, the Senate will discuss the bill on Friday and they are expected to approve it.

The President of Disney World had previously indicated that Disney was monitoring the legislation and that regardless of the outcome, they “remain committed to providing the highest quality experience for the millions of guests who visit each year.”

Reedy Creek Fire Department ©Reedy Creek

We will continue to look for updates and let you know what we find.

Click here to see what the president of Disney World has said about the Reedy Creek District drama

What do you think about the Reedy Creek situation? Tell us in the comments.