ORLANDO, Fla. (NEWSnet/AP) — Allies of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Disney reached a settlement agreement Wednesday in a dispute over how Walt Disney World is developed, following the takeover of the theme park resort’s government.

In a meeting, members of the board of Central Florida Tourism Oversight District approved the settlement agreement, ending almost two years of litigation that was sparked by DeSantis’ takeover of the district from Disney supporters.

The 2022 law bans classroom lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity in early grades and was championed by the governor.

The district provides municipal services such as firefighting, planning and mosquito control, among other services, and was controlled by Disney supporters for most of its five decades.

Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort, said in a statement Wednesday the company is pleased a settlement was reached.

“This agreement opens a new chapter of constructive engagement with the new leadership of the district and serves the interests of all parties by enabling significant continued investment and the creation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs and economic opportunity in the state,” Vahle said.

Under the terms of Wednesday’s settlement agreement, Disney lets stand a determination by the board of DeSantis-appointees that the comprehensive plan approved by the Disney supporters before the takeover are null and void. Disney also agrees that a development agreement and restrictive covenants passed before the takeover also are not valid, according to the settlement terms.

Follow NEWSnet on Facebook and X platform to get our headlines in your social feeds.

Copyright 2024 NEWSnet and The Associated Press. All rights reserved.