Orlando SentinelOrlando Sentinel

The entertainment giant's political sway is waning, so Gov. Ron DeSantis supports ending Disney's special privileges in Florida.

The Walt Disney Co. is opposed to the Parental Rights in Education bill, also known as the "don't say gay" bill.

He said at an event that he doesn't support special privileges in law just because a company is powerful.

His comments came after state Rep. Spencer Roach said that lawmakers have met twice to discuss the repeal of a state law that allowed Disney World to establish its own independent government.

Roach didn't reply to messages asking for more information. Disney didn't respond to requests for comment.

A last-minute exemption the company got in legislation last year is an example of special treatment. The companies that operate theme parks were excluded from the bill.

The exemption was intended to make sure the Disney Plus streaming service caught up with this.

The carve-out for Disney was ridiculous and embarrassing, but public records show that his legislative affairs director was a liaison between Disney and lawmakers. The Seeking Rents newsletter revealed those records.

He wants the carve-out repealed because he didn't want to throw the baby out with the water.

A spokeswoman for the governor's office didn't respond to an email asking about the governor's involvement in the Disney carve-out and whether he would support repeal of the Reedy Creek Improvement District.

Big Tech law is being challenged.

Disney is a major donor to the Florida Republicans, who control state government.

The Reedy Creek Improvement District was formed in 1967, after Disney gained control of its theme park property.

Disney gained the ability to issue tax-free bonds for improvements, regulate land use and environmental protections, and provide fire, police and other essential public services through that government structure.

Disney has scored other economic wins from the Republican-controlled Legislature over the years, including a $570 million tax break for its new regional hub in Orlando.

Disney and Republicans are at odds over social issues. Disney issued a statement saying that the bill should never have been passed and should never have been signed into law.

Critics say the legislation is vague and targets the LGBTQ community.

Disney's influence in Florida politics would be good for the state.

I don't think many people in the Legislature will be able to defend a lot of what has been done over the years.

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