DeSantis’ Disney chief seeks legal opinion on potential ethics conflict

Florida ethics chairman Glen Gilzean is seeking a legal opinion on whether he can continue on the government watchdog panel while also working as the administrator of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Disney World oversight district.

Gilzean asked the ethics commission’s lawyers to provide an analysis by the close of business Wednesday, according to an email obtained through a public records request. The opinion was not available by Wednesday evening.

State law says ethics commissioners cannot hold “public employment.” Gilzean was hired in May to lead the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, drawing a $400,000-a-year salary from the special taxing district.

“Based on our conversations from a few months ago, I remained on the Commission on Ethics after starting employment with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District,” Gilzean wrote Monday in the email to Steven Zuikowski, the commission’s general counsel. “In an abundance of caution and in light of concerns that were raised today, will you please provide me a written legal opinion … I don’t want there to be any appearance of a conflict of interest.”

DeSantis’ Disney board chief faces scrutiny over ethics role 

The Florida Bulldog, an investigative news outlet, first reported on the potential conflict of interest.

Gilzean’s dual roles as ethics chairman and government administrator drew concerns from the Florida Center for Government Accountability. The arrangement constitutes an “inherent” conflict of interest and appears to violate the ethics commission’s rules, said Michael Barfield, director of public access initiatives.

Ben Wilcox, research director at Integrity Florida, reviewed the law and came to the same conclusion.

“It potentially could be a conflict of interest,” he said. “What if someone filed an ethics complaint against another member of that Disney board? That case would come before him.”

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, formerly known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District, oversees fire protection, roads and other government services for Disney World.

The district, its “public officers” and employees are subject to Florida’s code of ethics, according to the district’s enabling act.

Gilzean’s employment agreement, which he attached to his email to the ethics lawyer, states that he can be terminated for violation of Florida’s code of ethics. The state’s ethics commission, which Gilzean chairs, is tasked with investigating allegations of ethical violations involving public officials.

DeSantis first appointed Gilzean to the ethics commission in August 2019. His present term expires in June 2024. The nine members of the ethics panel, who do not draw a salary, are appointed by the governor and leaders of the Florida Senate and House.

Gilzean, a DeSantis ally, was named to the tourism district administrator post on May 10. The district’s five board members, who approved the hiring, are appointed by the governor.