Data centers in Florida

Angie Nixon, U.S. Senate Democratic candidate, supports restrictions on AI data centers

Victor Arias, Democratic congressional candidate for District 19, warned of rising electricity costs from data centers and said he would vote for a moratorium of at least one year if elected

Phillip Carter called for a moratorium on data centers

Victor Arias said there are already more than 100 data centers in Florida

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

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

Governor Ron DeSantis promoted Florida's new data center law on social media.

Marc Hoenstine, Managing Director of Economic Development at Duke Energy, discussed large load customer classes for data centers

TECO received constant calls from data center companies interested in the area

Florida Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith said utility companies and developers should bear the financial cost of adding data centers into communities, not residents.

Google announced a $1 million investment in the Home Builders Institute to address skilled trade worker shortages for data center construction

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

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

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

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

Angie Nixon, Florida Democratic Senate candidate, called for a moratorium on data center construction until more research is done.

Angie Nixon, Florida Democratic Senate candidate, outlined a vision for data centers in Florida and called for greater accountability from Big Tech.

Angie Nixon proposed that communities affected by data centers receive dividend payments similar to Alaska's natural resource distribution system.

Loudoun County supervisor Mike Turner graded Loudoun a failure on five of six data center tests (noise, power, emissions, setback, appearance), with water as the only pass.

Loudoun County supervisor Mike Turner stated that Loudoun treated data centers as office parks in 2000, making them by right, and now has four hyperscale data centers that cannot be voted down, with by right ending on March 18, 2025.

Heidi Cramer, business consultant for the Florida Small Business Development Center at FGCU, said the data center issue is the most talked about and misunderstood issue.

Imran Siddiqui, executive director of the Florida Digital Infrastructure and Security Alliance, said a data center brings in tax revenue and creates more than 100 six figure jobs.

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

Sherry Ambrose, director of economic development for Florida Power and Light, said if a new generator is needed for power, the data center pays 100 percent of that cost.

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

Republican U.S. Senator Ashley Moody says consumers should not pay costs associated with data centers and that environmental protections and local input are important

Jay Stearman, county planner, stated large scale data centers require substantial water and electrical resources comparable to small municipalities and do not support many long term employment opportunities, often emitting low frequency nuisance noise.

Commissioner Amanda Ballard stated the moratorium would give staff time to fill gaps in Manatee County regulations regarding data centers, which are not adequately addressed in land development code or comprehensive plan.

Project executive Adam Kramer stated the facility would not rely on Indiantown's water supply.

Richard Lamondin, Florida State Senate candidate, called for data center moratorium in Westview.

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Angie Nixon headlined a town hall in Fort Meade on Monday to outline federal safeguards she says should include transparency, environmental review and community input

Nikki Fried, chair of Florida Democratic Party, said Westview community was not informed about data center construction until too late due to hidden negotiations and backroom deals.

Adam Kramer stated the project would generate $44 million a year of tax revenue from energy use going directly into infrastructure projects to support rural Martin County and Indiantown.

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

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

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

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

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

David Jolly traveled to Northern Virginia known as Data Center Alley to observe impact on communities

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

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

Consumer advocates say Duke is skirting a new law on data center electricity costs.

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

James Martin, Democratic nominee for U.S. House District 21, called for a several year moratorium on data centers in the Treasure Coast

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

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

Jimmy Patronis, Florida District 1 representative, voted to advance H.R. 9430, the Ratepayer Protection Act, which would protect ratepayers from paying costs of AI data center power and grid infrastructure.

Confirmed by the record: Patronis voted Yea on H.R. 9340, U.S. House of Representatives roll call 312, September 16, 2026. Read from the statement's words: Jimmy Patronis voted for H.R. 9430. The statement gives the number as H.R. 9430; the record's Ratepayer Protection Act is H.R. 9340. Checked against the roll call the record holds on the bill, as the clerk printed it.

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

Jason Pizzo, Florida state senator, publicly opposed Avila's SB 1118 public records exemption for data center projects

Several data centers have been proposed or discussed in Indiantown within Martin County.

Donalds now says he no longer agrees with the national moratorium and was not the biggest fan of that provision

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

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

Not on the record: the record holds no bill called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Read from the statement's words: Byron Donalds voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (2025). Checked against the bills and roll calls the record holds.

Kelly Martinez Semrad, Orange County commissioner, advocates for one year moratorium on new data center applications due to unknown long term environmental and quality of life effects

Byron Donalds campaign has received donations from data center developers

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

Grassroots opposition to AI infrastructure because of its huge demand on local water supplies and the electrical grid has been growing since early 2026

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

Florida Democratic Party made visit to Pinellas County to criticize Rep. Byron Donalds over campaign donations from tech executives and AI developers.

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

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

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

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.

Orange County Commissioner Kelly Martinez Semrad advocates for one year temporary moratorium on all new data centers, citing lack of county definitions and zoning regulations for data centers.

Kelly Martinez Semrad said the county needs more time to evaluate the short, medium and long term effects of large AI data centers, citing concerns about water consumption, increased utility costs for nearby residents and noise

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

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

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

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

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

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

Byron Donalds calls for AI bill of rights to protect children and families

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mayor Jerry Demings said a demonstration of data center noise during the meeting reinforced concerns

Leon County Commissioner Nick Maddox stated there is time and place for data centers but county needs twelve months to figure out if permitting them is appropriate

Commissioner Kelly Semrad requested discussion of one year or longer temporary pause on AI data center development to allow staff to study impacts

Alex Kelly, Commerce Secretary, stated data centers are a big shiny economic development object with a lot of catches.

Dianne Triplett, Duke Energy deputy general counsel, said the company's proposal includes a 20 year minimum commitment, significant financial assurances, early termination obligations, monthly minimum bills, and two years' notice before termination

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

Walt Trierweiler, Office of Public Counsel, said Duke's tariff proposal does not set out a distinct rate schedule for large load customers

Bradley Marshall, Florida Rising, stated that data centers must pay their full cost of service and Duke's proposal does not come close

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

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

"I have statutory exceptions that the Council can use for trade secrets. If someone is bringing forward a proposal considered a trade secret and they're willing to indemnify the Village while they speak to us so we can protect their records, then we have that opportunity. So, an NDA should not be needed."

"What we would like to proffer to the Council is two ordinances. They will both have to go through planning and zoning and come before you on two separate readings. You will have public comment at each of those meetings. The first one is the moratorium that we feel will be legally defensible. The second one is the transparency ordinance."

Donalds advocates for local control on data centers

Commission Chairman Jamie English said a moratorium would send the wrong message and that the county lacks rules for issuing data center permits

Commissioner Pam Feagle proposed a 12 month moratorium on data centers to allow time for land development revisions

Tom McNamara, real estate broker, said it is too soon to tell what lasting effect data centers could have on property values

Byron Flagg stated that Florida Senate Bill 484 requires data centers to obtain consumptive use permits and preserves local government oversight through comprehensive planning and land development codes

Aaron Blyeu, chief development officer of Cloverleaf Infrastructure, stated typical data center projects request 75,000 gallons of water, mostly for initial system build, with ongoing use limited to offices, toilets, break rooms, and kitchens

Imran Siddiqui, executive director of Florida Digital Infrastructure and Security Alliance Board, told Florida League of Cities Annual Conference attendees that data centers are essential infrastructure and Florida should compete for data center investment

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

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

Okaloosa County Commissioner Trey Goodwin stated I know a lot of jurisdictions have taken the position that they either need to ban or put on moratoriums for these things, I'm concerned that is taking the wrong approach

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

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

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

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

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

Bradley Marshall, Florida Rising, stated this is the first case deciding how Senate Bill 484 provisions will practically play out.

David Jolly backs Escambia data center moratorium

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

Duke Energy proposes minimum 20 year contract term and minimum monthly bill provisions for large load data center customers

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

PSC Commissioner Mike La Rosa stated Duke's petition appears facially noncompliant with Senate Bill 484 requirements

Troy Kent, council member, said there is nothing positive that he heard about data centers in communities

Volusia County is highly susceptible to sinkholes, with approximately 10 percent of Florida being most susceptible and Volusia in the heart of one of those areas

Don Dempsey, council member, said he wants the ban to be permanent and not a temporary moratorium

Carol McFarlane, planning and development services director, said data center water and electricity impacts are huge and noise and low frequency sound pose public health concerns

Mayor Pro Tem Doug Capps referenced approximately 1,400 acres of undeveloped land near the bypass that could require city water and sewer service and possible annexation if developed.

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

Mark McNees, Florida State University professor, stated: 'Saying rates will not go up because of the law claims an outcome the statute does not deliver'

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation establishing guidelines for data centers consuming more than 50 megawatts of electricity.

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

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

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

Hyperscale data centers use millions of gallons of water per day and their electric demand often requires governments to build new power infrastructure.

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.

"We've tried to flip this and say we know we have to build new generation to serve these (large) customers, and they should be the ones to pay for it."

Jason Brodeur said data centers will be one of the most important issues that lawmakers address this year.

"If we don't do this, others are going to get ahead of us."

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