DeSantis To Remove Disney's Special Privileges Amid LGBT Battles

Disney self-governs its large plots of land in Florida, which has allowed it to wield more power and influence.

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Editorial Team
April 20, 2022

Why do we talk about Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis so often? He’s been a trailblazer, pushing the boundaries of how Republicans can fight back and use electable positions to help constituents. If it seems like there’s a noteworthy story about him weekly or even daily, it’s because there is.

Disney’s self-government status: In 1986, Disney received self-government status. This means they oversee zoning, developing infrastructure, writing building codes, oversee policing, providing fire protection, and more for their 25,000+ acres of land. They are their government and aren’t beholden to state regulations besides taxes to a certain extent.

DeSantis moves against Disney’s status: In recent months, Disney's CEO has overstepped his position in Florida’s politics. He publicly denounced DeSantis’s popular “Don’t Say Gay/Anti-Grooming” bill and launched efforts against Republicans in the state. In response, DeSantis is expanding a special session this week to discuss Disney’s status.

"What I would say as a matter of principle is I don’t support special privileges in law just because a company is powerful and they’ve been able to wield a lot of power," DeSantis said last month

Disney’s child predation problem: It’s been reported that over the past decade, Disney has had a serious child predator problem and has even gone as far as attempting to cover up crimes. Moves to change the policing arrangement in Disney could put an end to this.