Disney seeks to amend lawsuit against DeSantis to focus on free speech claim

Disney wants to narrow the scope of its federal lawsuit against Gov. Ron DeSantis to just a free speech claim that the Florida governor retaliated against the company because of its public opposition to a state law banning classroom lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity in early grades.

Disney on Friday asked a federal judge for permission to file an amended complaint focusing just on the First Amendment claim and leaving to another, state-court lawsuit questions about the legality of agreements the company signed with Disney World's governing district — the former Reedy Creek Improvement District board (RCID) — then-made up of Disney supporters. 

DeSantis in February effectively gained control of the RCID which he then reconstituted as the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD). The governor appointed five people to replace the elected members of the RCID, and mused that he might impose taxes on Disney's hotels or even place a prison next to Walt Disney World.