Disney World halts vaccine mandate for employees after Gov. DeSantis signs legislation restricting mandates

Following legislation signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis last week banning vaccine mandates that require all employees to get vaccinated, Walt Disney World Florida has haunted its vaccine requirement for workers.

Disney argues in a statement given to The Washington Post on Saturday that their "approach to mandatory vaccines has been the right one," but added that that the company "will address legal developments as appropriate."

Disney told the outlet that more than 90 percent of active Florida-based employees had submitted verification to the company that they had been fully vaccinated.

Earlier this year, the company mandated that all of its salaried and non-union hourly employees working at US sites be fully vaccinated.

Last week, DeSantis signed legislation that puts these required vaccine mandates on pause, with employers being required to give exemptions to to the vaccine.

Some exemptions outlined by the legislation include recovery from COVID-19, medical, religious, pregnancy, periodic testing, and more.

Those that don't want the vaccine, or do periodic testing, are allowed to wear personal protective equipment, covered by their employer.

Smaller businesses that violate this legislation, 99 or less employees, will face $10,000 fines per person that is fired or reprimanded for their vaccination status. Larger businesses face $50,000 fined per violation.

"I told Floridians that we would protect their jobs and today we made that the law," said DeSantis. "Nobody should lose their job due to heavy-handed COVID mandates and we had a responsibility to protect the livelihoods of the people of Florida. I'm thankful to the Florida Legislature for joining me in standing up for freedom."