Is Reedy Creek Part of Florida?

Reedy Creek is a unique and intriguing part of central Florida, often misunderstood due to its unique status. This privately owned community is located within the state and plays a significant role in providing essential services to themed entertainment parks and other Disney properties within its jurisdiction. This article aims to clarify the status of Reedy Creek, explore its history, and detail how it operates in relation to the state of Florida.

Location and History

Location: Reedy Creek is situated in central Florida, close to Orlando, the “Theme Park Capital of the World.” It is a highly specialized community that operates under private governance but holds real estate within Florida. The area is well-known for its key role in hosting Disney properties, including the original Walt Disney World Resort, numerous theme parks, and hotels.

Formation: The establishment of Reedy Creek dates back to the early 1970s. The primary purpose was to offer efficient and tailored services to Walt Disney World and other affiliated properties. The deal was part of a larger agreement between the state of Florida and Disney, aimed at attracting the company to relocate to central Florida.

Private Governance and Services

Reedy Creek is a wholly privately governed community, which means it operates under its own set of rules and regulations distinct from those of the state and local municipalities. Despite its private nature, it is still considered part of Florida. The primary services provided by Reedy Creek include law enforcement (police), fire protection, and public works. These services are essential to the smooth operation of the Disney properties and to maintaining the safety and comfort of the area's residents and visitors.

Reedy Creek as a Taxing District

Despite its private character, Reedy Creek functions as a taxing district in Florida. This means that the community collects and uses taxes to fund local services and infrastructure. Unlike typical municipalities, however, the tax revenues generated by Reedy Creek go toward maintaining the infrastructure and services within the private community rather than being utilized by the state or local governments.

Legal Structure and Governance

The legal structure of Reedy Creek is unique, and its governance operates under a special Not-for-Profit Status. This status allows Disney to dedicate resources to the community without these being liable for state or local taxes. This arrangement ensures that the operations of the area remain autonomous while still maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding state of Florida.

Conclusion

In summary, Reedy Creek is indeed part of the state of Florida. It is a special taxing district within the state that has its own governing body providing essential services to its residents and the Disney properties within its jurisdiction. Understanding the complex relationship between Reedy Creek and the state of Florida can provide insight into the unique dynamics of this fascinating community.

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