Walt Disney World Resort has filed 13 lawsuits against Orange County officials, claiming its property taxes for 2024 are too high and demanding relief. The lawsuits target Orange County Property Appraiser Amy Mercado, Tax Collector Scott Randolph, and Florida Department of Revenue Executive Director Jim Zingale, accusing them of overvaluing Disney’s Central Florida properties.
The legal filings, submitted to the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, stem from a valuation of over $3 billion for Disney’s properties, resulting in a tax bill exceeding $98 million. Disney argues the assessments are inflated and do not reflect the fair value of the Central Florida resort’s assets.
Routine Legal Maneuvers
Lawsuits over property taxes are a common occurrence in Florida’s tourism industry. Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and other major hospitality companies frequently challenge their assessments, particularly at the end of the year. According to The Orlando Business Journal, Universal and several other hotels have filed similar lawsuits this December.
Disney itself filed 12 property tax lawsuits last year and recently scored a legal victory over the state regarding assessments for Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort. A judge ruled that the valuation method used in 2015 and 2016 was “unconstitutional and invalid.” That case remains in mediation.
Legal Battles Amid Political Tension
While these lawsuits may be routine for Walt Disney World Resort, they come during heightened tension between the company and Florida’s leadership. Disney’s relationship with Governor Ron DeSantis soured in 2022 after the company publicly opposed the Parental Rights in Education Act, also known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
In response, DeSantis moved to dissolve the Reedy Creek Improvement District, a special municipal area Disney had controlled since 1967. The district was restructured and renamed the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, with a state-appointed board now overseeing operations. The new board has taken control of Monorail inspections and banned COVID-19 safety measures in the district.
Disney made several attempts to retain control of Reedy Creek, including stripping the new board of power before it could take over and filing a First Amendment lawsuit against DeSantis. Despite these efforts, DeSantis declared victory.
Walt Disney World Resort’s Tax Challenges
These lawsuits are unlikely to end the broader debate over Disney’s influence in Florida, but they highlight the company’s continued efforts to challenge what it views as unfair tax burdens. As Florida’s largest employer and a major driver of state tourism revenue, Walt Disney World Resort remains a key player in shaping Central Florida’s economy.
Whether Disney will prevail in its legal challenges or face additional setbacks remains to be seen. The outcome could have significant implications for other companies disputing their property tax assessments in Florida.
Should Walt Disney World Resort get a break on its 2024 property taxes? Share your opinion with Disney Dining in the comments.
Disney want to steal tax money it deserves to pay. Because of some of their poor choices their stock had tanked, eve n though it has rebounded it is still well below where it was a few. Years ago. It’s a shame that Disney cares to a small subset of the people when most of their money is made by visits of traditional families
Disney makes its money by including everyone and discriminating against no one. They don’t cater to any subset. They cater to anyone willing to pay. They don’t want to steal tax money. They want to pay what is just.