Gov. Ron DeSantis' move to take over Walt Disney World's governing board in Florida may have backfired due to a prior agreement that stripped newly-appointed board members of their power. The agreement, approved without fanfare prior to DeSantis' assumption of more control of Disney's land, may have turned the company into the government.

Disney had been operating its expansive theme park and resort in Florida under a specially designated district that gave the board free reign of development processes such as zoning and infrastructure. This district had even controlled their own fire department and operated like a separate municipal government. However, when Disney publicly objected to Florida's proposed ban on the discussion of sexual orientation in public classrooms, it created a rift between them and DeSantis.

The new board members revealed that the old board had made a 30-year development agreement with Disney that stripped them of much of their power, prompting the board to consider legal action.

The episode is the latest in the feud between Disney and DeSantis who has battled the company ahead of his 2024 bid for the Republican nomination. Despite Disney's reassurances that their agreement was appropriate and discussed in open forums, the board is investigating Disney's past behavior and has retained multiple legal and financial firms to counsel them on the matter.