Disney World May Have To Revert to Plastic Straws if Florida’s Proposed Paper Straw Ban Passes

Florida Bill Targeting Paper Straws Could Ripple Into Walt Disney World Parks

A new piece of Florida legislation could stir up big changes for restaurants across the state, including Walt Disney World theme parks, which fully transitioned to paper straws back in 2023. Senate Bill 958, along with its companion House Bill 2195, aims to restrict how cities and counties regulate drinking straws and stirrers, citing emerging health concerns tied to paper alternatives.

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Supporters of the bill point to studies suggesting that many paper straws contain PFAS chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” which have been linked to potential health risks. A 2023 study published in Food Additives and Contaminants found PFAS in roughly 90 percent of paper straw brands tested, with researchers noting the chemicals were likely used to create water-resistant coatings. According to the legislation, future straw regulations must be rooted in science-driven government policy rather than blanket environmental assumptions.

If passed, the law would immediately take effect and give local governments until January 1, 2027, to update any existing straw-related rules. While the proposal does not outright mandate plastic straws, it would limit the ability of municipalities to require paper-only options unless specific compostability and marine biodegradability standards are met. Hospitals, medical facilities, senior care centers, and prepackaged beverages would be exempt.

This is where Disney fans start paying attention. Walt Disney World made headlines in 2023 when it completed its transition to paper straws across quick-service and table-service locations as part of broader sustainability efforts. While Disney operates on its own property with unique governance through the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, changes to statewide policy could still influence sourcing, guest requests, or future operational decisions inside the parks. In short, your melting paper straw moment at Magic Kingdom could soon become part of a larger legal and logistical conversation.

The debate has also been fueled at the federal level. Earlier this year, President Donald Trump issued an executive order banning paper straws in federal buildings, criticizing them as ineffective, costly, and sometimes wrapped in plastic anyway. His comments echoed common guest complaints about paper straws dissolving mid-sip, something many theme park visitors know all too well during a Florida summer.

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For now, nothing changes overnight for guests sipping sodas on Main Street, U.S.A. But as Florida lawmakers continue weighing environmental goals against health data and guest experience, Disney and other major hospitality players may need to reassess what “sustainable sipping” looks like in the years ahead. Whether that means new materials, reusable options, or a selective return of plastic straws remains to be seen, but this is one bill worth watching closely if you vacation in the Sunshine State.

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