Florida Governor Ron DeSantis warned people to “buckle up” as he signed a bill giving the state control over Disney’s sprawling Orlando theme parks.
The bill strips power uniquely held by Disney for over 50 years and enables more oversight by Mr DeSantis’ Republican-led legislature.
The move is seen as retaliation after Disney opposed state laws curtailing gender and sexuality education.
It precedes a likely 2024 presidential run by Mr DeSantis.
“Today, the corporate kingdom finally comes to an end,” he said on Monday at a bill signing ceremony in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, near Walt Disney World.
“There’s a new sheriff in town and accountability will be the order of the day.”
For more than 50 years, the Walt Disney World territory operated within Florida’s Reedy Creek Improvement District and essentially acted as a self-governing area, with control of utilities and a fire department.
It had been argued this saved local taxpayers from large infrastructure and other costs required to operate the 43 sq miles (111 sq km) of property that attracts millions of visitors a year.
The new law does not dissolve the district, or move its considerable debt on to taxpayers, but it subjects Disney to additional layers of external oversight through a five-member board, now appointed by the state.
It also means Disney will be treated the same as other Orlando theme parks, Mr DeSantis said, and will no longer be exempt from certain state regulations, including building and fire prevention codes. (BBC)