Data Center Record.

Florida Governor 2026: where the candidates stand on data centers

8 candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot, from the Florida Department of State's list. The officeholder comes first, then the Republican and Democratic nominees together by last name, then everyone else by last name; in each group a candidate with a statement or vote on the record comes first (how the order works). Each has the same space. The list: Florida Department of State, Division of Elections, Candidate Tracking System: Candidate Listing for 2026 General Election (The listing states no certification or as of date; it is the Division's live Candidate Tracking System read on October 9, 2026).

Checked · How the record reads leaders · Report a change · Corrections

More on Florida: the state page · its laws and bills on data centers · its leaders

The candidates

  1. Byron Donalds, Republican candidate for Governor, Florida

    Byron Donalds

    Republican

    Of 32 statements on the record, 9 were for data centers, 8 raised concerns about data centers and 15 carry no label.

    What they said

    9 8 0

    What they did

    0 votes in favor of data centers 1 vote against

    32 statements · 1 vote on the record

    Photo: United States Congress, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped.

    Byron Donalds's page · In their own words

  2. David Jolly

    Democratic

    Of 20 statements on the record, 13 raised concerns about data centers, 1 was mixed and 6 carry no label.

    What they said

    0 13 1

    What they did

    No vote on a data center measure on the record.

    20 statements · 0 votes on the record

    David Jolly's page · In their own words

  3. Frank J. Russo

    No party affiliation

    Of 8 statements on the record, 7 raised concerns about data centers and 1 carries no label.

    What they said

    0 7 0

    What they did

    No vote on a data center measure on the record.

    8 statements · 0 votes on the record

    Frank J. Russo's page · In their own words

  4. Dean Ocean Abrams

    No party affiliation

    No sourced statement on the record as of October 20, 2026. No vote on a data center measure either. Silence is not a position.

    0 statements · 0 votes on the record

    Dean Ocean Abrams's page · In their own words

  5. Charles Burkett

    No party affiliation

    No sourced statement on the record as of October 20, 2026. No vote on a data center measure either. Silence is not a position.

    0 statements · 0 votes on the record

    Charles Burkett's page · In their own words

  6. Jeffrey Peter "Dr. Jeff" Datto

    No party affiliation

    No sourced statement on the record as of October 20, 2026. No vote on a data center measure either. Silence is not a position.

    0 statements · 0 votes on the record

    Jeffrey Peter "Dr. Jeff" Datto's page · In their own words

  1. Moliere "Moe" Dimanche

    No party affiliation

    No sourced statement on the record as of October 20, 2026. No vote on a data center measure either. Silence is not a position.

    0 statements · 0 votes on the record

    Moliere "Moe" Dimanche's page · In their own words

  2. Scott Eckhard Jewett

    Libertarian

    No sourced statement on the record as of October 23, 2026. No vote on a data center measure either. Silence is not a position.

    0 statements · 0 votes on the record

    Scott Eckhard Jewett's page · In their own words

Certified write in candidates 2

These candidates are not printed on the November 3 ballot. A voter writes in the name, and the votes count because an official election list certifies the candidacy: the state's own, or a county election board's where the state publishes none. Each line names the list that certifies it; what each has said about data centers stays on their own page.

Labels are applied by the record's published rules: two readings of each statement, and a third that reads its source where the two differ. Every label sits beside its statement and its source, and any label can be challenged through Report a change, with the correction logged on the corrections page.

In their own words

Where does Byron Donalds stand on data centers?

Of 32 statements on the record, 9 were for data centers, 8 raised concerns about data centers and 15 carry no label.

Statements 32 statements

  1. · paraphrased

    Donalds said data centers must build closed loop systems on site that recycle water rather than continuously drawing from the aquifer.

    Florida Politics · [Archived Copy] · Full quote, context and sources

  2. · paraphrased

    Byron Donalds said data centers should use reclaimed water from water treatment plants instead of fresh water.

    Florida Politics · [Archived Copy] · Full quote, context and sources

  3. · paraphrased · label set by a tiebreak

    Byron Donalds opposes a statewide moratorium or ban on data center construction

    FOX 13 Tampa Bay · Full quote, context and sources

  4. · paraphrased

    Byron Donalds stated Florida state law will keep utility rates in check and prevent utility bills from increasing due to data centers

    Yahoo · Full quote, context and sources

  5. · paraphrased

    Byron Donalds, Republican gubernatorial candidate, supports data center development and said state commissioned study due back June 1, 2027.

    NBC 6 South Florida · Full quote, context and sources

  6. · paraphrased · label set by a tiebreak

    Byron Donalds expressed support for letting local governments decide whether to construct data centers.

    islandernews.com · Full quote, context and sources

  7. · paraphrased · label set by a tiebreak

    Byron Donalds pledged to investigate the effects data centers would have on Florida communities if elected

    baynews9.com · Full quote, context and sources

  8. · paraphrased · label set by a tiebreak

    Byron Donalds supports local governments making their own decisions about data center developments

    baynews9.com · Full quote, context and sources

  9. · paraphrased

    Byron Donalds, Republican candidate for Florida governor, said decisions about data centers should be left to local governments

    FOX 35 Orlando · Full quote, context and sources

  10. · paraphrased

    Byron Donalds voted in May 2025 for House measure containing 10 year moratorium on state and local AI regulations, provision later removed by Senate

    SuaraGarut.ID · Full quote, context and sources

  11. · paraphrased · label set by a tiebreak

    Byron Donalds supports Florida SB 484 requiring data centers to cover service costs and utilize reclaimed water

    SuaraGarut.ID · Full quote, context and sources

  12. · paraphrased

    Byron Donalds in June 2025 said the future of Florida will be important for data centers and power as critical things for the state

    WUSF Public Media · Full quote, context and sources

  13. · paraphrased · label set by a tiebreak

    Byron Donalds voted in May 2025 for the U.S. House's version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which included a 10 year moratorium on enforcement of state or local regulations for artificial intelligence models

    Florida Phoenix · [Archived Copy] · Full quote, context and sources

  14. · paraphrased · label set by a tiebreak

    Byron Donalds expressed strong support for Florida state law SB 484 regulating data centers pushed by Governor Ron DeSantis

    Creative Loafing Tampa · Full quote, context and sources

  15. · paraphrased · label set by a tiebreak

    Byron Donalds warned that a statewide freeze on data centers could drive investment elsewhere and opposes a moratorium.

    Tampa Bay 28 · Full quote, context and sources

  16. · paraphrased · label set by a tiebreak

    Byron Donalds supports keeping data centers away from homes and using cooling technology that conserves water, including systems that recirculate water or use air cooling.

    Tampa Bay 28 · Full quote, context and sources

  17. · paraphrased

    Byron Donalds introduced federal legislation called the Protecting Ratepayers Act requiring commercial data centers consuming five megawatts or more to generate their own off grid power

    Hoodline · Full quote, context and sources

  18. · paraphrased · label set by a tiebreak

    Byron Donalds, GOP gubernatorial candidate, supports building AI data centers and hyperscale data centers in Florida

    Orlando Sentinel · Full quote, context and sources

  19. · paraphrased

    Byron Donalds says data center industry donations do not influence his policy positions

    Florida Politics · Full quote, context and sources

  20. · paraphrased

    Donalds says data centers are essential to commercial space race and national security

    Florida Politics · Full quote, context and sources

  21. · paraphrased

    Donalds advocates for local control on data centers

    Florida Politics · also reported by 2 more · Full quote, context and sources

  22. · paraphrased

    Rep. Byron Donalds introduced legislation requiring large AI data centers to generate their own power and water rather than draw from public utilities

    WFIN · Full quote, context and sources

  23. · paraphrased · label set by a tiebreak

    Byron Donalds said regarding data centers: We are wide open. We have actual land in this state that is still pristine, available to use

    The Miami Times · Full quote, context and sources

  24. · paraphrased

    Byron Donalds argued that data stored in Florida is more secure than data warehoused in other states or foreign countries

    The Miami Times · Full quote, context and sources

  25. · paraphrased

    Byron Donalds advocated for small modular nuclear reactors and closed loop water filtration systems as part of data center builds

    The Miami Times · Full quote, context and sources

  26. · paraphrased

    Byron Donalds stated if elected Governor he would respect local bans on data center facilities

    The Miami Times · Full quote, context and sources

  27. · paraphrased · label set by a tiebreak

    Byron Donalds spent more than $2 million on advertising in his primary promising to protect Florida from data centers

    Time Magazine · Full quote, context and sources

  28. · paraphrased

    Rep. Byron Donalds introduced the Protecting Ratepayers Act to ensure private developers bear investment costs of data center developments

    CNBC · Full quote, context and sources

  29. · paraphrased

    U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds claimed SB 484 ensures utility rates will not go up due to data centers

    Yahoo · Full quote, context and sources

  30. · paraphrased

    Byron Donalds filed the federal Protecting Ratepayers Act to require data centers to draw on alternative sources for power and water.

    Florida Politics · Full quote, context and sources

  31. · paraphrased

    Byron Donalds has advocated for small modular nuclear reactors and micronuclear reactors and closed loop water filtration systems as part of data center builds.

    Florida Politics · Full quote, context and sources

  32. · paraphrased

    Donalds filed message legislation called the Protecting Ratepayers Act in summer 2026 to require data centers to draw on alternative sources for power and water.

    Florida Politics · Full quote, context and sources

Votes 1 vote

1 vote on data center measures: 0 in favor of data centers, 1 against.

  1. Voted yes on a measure that limited data centers: H.R. 9340, U.S. House of Representatives, September 16, 2026 · against

Where does David Jolly stand on data centers?

Of 20 statements on the record, 13 raised concerns about data centers, 1 was mixed and 6 carry no label.

Statements 20 statements

  1. · paraphrased · label set by a tiebreak

    Jolly would potentially extend a temporary moratorium into a permanent statewide ban if research shows severe negative impacts

    FOX 13 Tampa Bay · Full quote, context and sources

  2. · paraphrased

    Democrat David Jolly proposes a one year statewide moratorium on new data center construction

    FOX 13 Tampa Bay · Full quote, context and sources

  3. · paraphrased · label set by a tiebreak

    Jolly suggested Byron Donalds' acceptance of donations from data center developers would lead to more data centers in Florida

    Bay News 9 · Full quote, context and sources

  4. · paraphrased

    David Jolly, Democratic opponent to Donalds, has made data center resistance central to his campaign and considers an outright ban

    Florida Politics · Full quote, context and sources

  5. · paraphrased · label set by a tiebreak

    Jolly heard from residents about loud noise pollution, decreased property values, and closure of restaurants and food stores due to data centers

    baynews9.com · Full quote, context and sources

  6. · paraphrased

    David Jolly, Donalds' Democratic opponent, visited Northern Virginia this week and is considering an outright ban on data centers.

    Florida Politics · Full quote, context and sources

  7. · paraphrased · label set by a tiebreak

    David Jolly, Democratic candidate for Florida governor, said Florida should ban data centers

    FOX 35 Orlando · Full quote, context and sources

  8. · paraphrased · label set by a tiebreak

    Byron Donalds campaign has received donations from data center developers

    Spectrum Bay News 9 · Full quote, context and sources

  9. · paraphrased

    David Jolly plans to visit Northern Virginia data center region known as Data Center Alley this week to assess impact on communities

    Spectrum Bay News 9 · Full quote, context and sources

  10. · paraphrased · label set by a tiebreak

    David Jolly has promised that if elected governor, he will declare a year long statewide moratorium on construction of data centers in Florida

    Florida Phoenix · [Archived Copy] · Full quote, context and sources

  11. · paraphrased

    David Jolly called SB 484 a good first start but questioned why ratepayer protection is considered an accomplishment

    Creative Loafing Tampa · Full quote, context and sources

  12. · paraphrased

    David Jolly said he would issue an immediate moratorium on data centers on his first day as governor

    Hoodline · Full quote, context and sources

  13. · paraphrased

    Jolly said data centers destabilize communities, devalue real estate, carry environmental impacts, pose public health concerns, and lack a long term economic benefit

    Hoodline · Full quote, context and sources

  14. · paraphrased

    David Jolly states Florida does not need data centers and should let the other 49 states build them

    FOX 13 Tampa Bay · Full quote, context and sources

  15. · paraphrased · label set by a tiebreak

    David Jolly, gubernatorial nominee, said 70 to 80 percent of Floridians oppose data center construction

    Central Florida Public Media · Full quote, context and sources

  16. · paraphrased

    David Jolly vows to enact a one year moratorium on Florida data center construction if elected

    Central Florida Public Media · Full quote, context and sources

  17. · paraphrased · label set by a tiebreak

    David Jolly, Democratic gubernatorial candidate, advocates for a data center moratorium

    The Miami Times · Full quote, context and sources

  18. · paraphrased · label set by a tiebreak

    David Jolly backs Escambia data center moratorium

    Florida Politics · Full quote, context and sources

  19. · paraphrased · label set by a tiebreak

    Byron Donalds out of step with voters on data center moratorium issue

    Florida Politics · Full quote, context and sources

  20. · paraphrased

    David Jolly calls for a pause on AI data centers until Florida has a responsible plan to protect water, workforce and privacy.

    Florida Politics · Full quote, context and sources

Votes 0 votes

No vote on a data center measure on the record.

Where does Frank J. Russo stand on data centers?

Of 8 statements on the record, 7 raised concerns about data centers and 1 carries no label.

Statements 8 statements

  1. · paraphrased · label set by a tiebreak

    Russo proposes voluntary Florida Data Center Modernization Fund with 1 billion dollars raised from Florida billionaires

    Morningstar · [Archived Copy] · Full quote, context and sources

  2. · paraphrased

    Russo's Florida Data Center Community Responsibility Act includes five principles: Community Responsibility Tax, Host Community Fund, Five Year Modernization Deadline, Energy Self Sufficiency, and End Taxpayer Subsidies

    Morningstar · [Archived Copy] · Full quote, context and sources

  3. · paraphrased

    Frank Russo challenges Mark Zuckerberg to personally commit 250 million dollars toward data center modernization and protecting Florida water and power infrastructure

    Morningstar · [Archived Copy] · Full quote, context and sources

  4. · paraphrased

    Frank Russo proposes requiring new and upgraded data centers to provide their own power rather than use public grid

    PR Newswire · [Archived Copy] · Full quote, context and sources

  5. · paraphrased

    Frank Russo proposes ending state tax credits and incentives for data centers

    PR Newswire · [Archived Copy] · Full quote, context and sources

  6. · paraphrased

    Frank Russo said he would pursue ballot initiative if legislature does not enact the proposal

    PR Newswire · [Archived Copy] · Full quote, context and sources

  7. · paraphrased

    Frank Russo proposes five year modernization deadline for existing data centers to upgrade to efficient technology

    PR Newswire · [Archived Copy] · Full quote, context and sources

  8. · paraphrased

    Frank Russo unveiled Florida Data Center Community Responsibility Act proposing statewide charge on large data center operations based on electrical capacity

    PR Newswire · [Archived Copy] · Full quote, context and sources

Votes 0 votes

No vote on a data center measure on the record.

Where does Dean Ocean Abrams stand on data centers?

No public statement on data centers is on the record yet for Dean Ocean Abrams.

Statements 0 statements

No public statement on data centers is on the record yet for Dean Ocean Abrams.

Votes 0 votes

No vote on a data center measure on the record.

Where does Charles Burkett stand on data centers?

No public statement on data centers is on the record yet for Charles Burkett.

Statements 0 statements

No public statement on data centers is on the record yet for Charles Burkett.

Votes 0 votes

No vote on a data center measure on the record.

Where does Jeffrey Peter "Dr. Jeff" Datto stand on data centers?

No public statement on data centers is on the record yet for Jeffrey Peter "Dr. Jeff" Datto.

Statements 0 statements

No public statement on data centers is on the record yet for Jeffrey Peter "Dr. Jeff" Datto.

Votes 0 votes

No vote on a data center measure on the record.

Where does Moliere "Moe" Dimanche stand on data centers?

No public statement on data centers is on the record yet for Moliere "Moe" Dimanche.

Statements 0 statements

No public statement on data centers is on the record yet for Moliere "Moe" Dimanche.

Votes 0 votes

No vote on a data center measure on the record.

Where does Scott Eckhard Jewett stand on data centers?

No public statement on data centers is on the record yet for Scott Eckhard Jewett.

Statements 0 statements

No public statement on data centers is on the record yet for Scott Eckhard Jewett.

Votes 0 votes

No vote on a data center measure on the record.

Candidates and their order come from the Florida Department of State's list, verified October 9, 2026. Every candidate, by state · How the record reads leaders.

Are you a candidate in this race or on the campaign? Ask for a correction or send a statement, or email corrections@datacenterrecord.org.

Every race in Florida, and where each candidate stands

Bill data from LegiScan, licensed CC BY 4.0. The record chooses the bills, writes each stage in its own words and cites the legislature's own page for every bill.

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