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Disney has sought to remind Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis that the company is a major economic force in the state, as it pushes back against his efforts to phase out a popular business incentive program.
In a Monday blog post, Disney said it has generated $3 billion in economic activity in the state every year and created more than 158,000 direct and indirect jobs in the past decade alone. It said its operations had a total economic benefit of more than $40 billion over the same period.
Disney said that it contributes $385.3 million in tax revenues in Florida each year, with an annual total of $4.1 billion in taxes and fees generated since 2010.
Disney is fighting DeSantis’ attempt to end the state’s controversial Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund Program, which provides tax credits to companies in targeted industries, including the film industries that have become increasingly important to the state’s economy. Disney is one of several major film companies that have received refunds through the program. Disney currently has two refund applications pending for its theme parks and ESPN Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando.
The company criticized the governor’s efforts to end the program, which it said “would make it much harder for [Disney] and other business to hire and invest in Florida communities.” It also argued that the program had created new job opportunities throughout the state, contributed to an improved quality of life, and made Florida a top destination for businesses.
Disney’s post comes after the company sued the state earlier this month, claiming that DeSantis was seeking to terminate the program in an unconstitutional manner. Disney is asking the court to declare that the governor’s executive order was invalid and to allow the program to continue.