In a move widely seen as retaliation, Gov. Ron DeSantis asked Florida lawmakers to consider the revocation of Disney World's self-governing privileges. Disney, the state's largest private employer, paused political donations in Florida and condemned a new state education law that opponents call "Don't Say Gay."
The Florida Legislature was scheduled to convene this week for a special session. The Republican-controlled body can now take up bills that would eliminate special tax districts that were created before 1968.
Almost all of the districts in Florida were set up after that date. It allows the megaresort, which employs 80,000 people, to function as its own municipal government.
Disney has a special zone called the Reedy Creek Improvement District that gives it control over the planning and permitting process for construction on its 25,000-acre property. Reedy Creek taxes Disney to pay for the resort's own fire and medical response battalions. Some of Disney World's own electricity is generated through Reedy Creek.
The Disney company condemned the Parental Rights in Education law, which restricts discussion about sexual orientation and gender identity in Florida classrooms.
Disney said on March 28 that it was committed to supporting the national and state organizations working to achieve the repeal of the law. Disney initially tried not to take a side on the measure, which caused an employee revolt.
Mr. DeSantis sent a fund-raising email to supporters that said Disney had lost any moral authority to tell them what to do.
Disney didn't comment on Tuesday's development.
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