The disagreement regarding the unpaid rent dates back to 2022, when the city served SeaWorld a default notice for the sum, including penalties such as late fees and interest. SeaWorld contested the claim, indicating that its agreement with the city didn't account for the pandemic's unprecedented impact on the venue's operations, thereby arguing that it should not be held to the usual lease terms under such circumstances. Still, an audit completed by the city treasurer established the amount SeaWorld owed. The theme park had only paid $2.2 million of the minimum yearly charge of $10.4 million plus a 3% surcharge for 2020, as confirmed by CBS8.