On January 31, 2024, Judge Allen Winsor dismissed a federal lawsuit that Disney had filed against Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis. The judge dismissed the suit as it was said to violate DeSantis’ First Amendment rights to freedom of speech. The grounds for defamation were not found, which led to the case being where it is now.

DeSantis and Disney have had a history of issues. DeSantis has tried to limit the autonomy and self-sufficiency of Disney for the majority of his term as Governor. This comes from the deal cut in 1967 for Disney to have a specialized tax status in Florida and be given more freedom with their park. DeSantis took this away from the company in 2022 and still appears to be wanting their level of self-sufficiency lowered.

Disney executives have also spoken out against DeSantis and his actions, primarily regarding the “Don’t Say Gay Bill” that DeSantis was part of.

Neither Disney nor DeSantis have spoken out on how the matter will proceed from here, if at all.