Three counties moving forward with one-year data center moratoriums

Tuesday was a busy day for opponents of AI data centers across Florida.

Commissioners in three counties — Clay, Hernando and Lake — unanimously advanced moratoriums for large-scale data centers, prohibiting applications, permitting and rezoning for 12 months. The stated goal is to allow time to research the issue in depth and weigh the pros and cons.

Lake County Commissioner Anthony Sabatini spearheaded his county’s prohibition.

“They’re very, very serious commitments to utilities and land use,” said Sabatini. “I think a moratorium is very common sense.”

The former state representative has generated his share of controversy throughout his career, but his position on data centers enjoys broad support from across the political spectrum. A recent Gallup survey found Americans are significantly more willing to live next to a nuclear power plant than a data center.

The Board also discussed the possibility of requiring data centers to use reclaimed water.

Meanwhile, Hernando County Commissioners discussed the risks of a permanent ban, which many of the constituents who took the podium urged them to adopt. However, citing federal case law, County Attorney Jon Jouben cautioned that enacting a moratorium longer than one year could infringe on property rights and expose the county to greater legal liability.

“We can’t say ‘no’ forever,” said Commissioner Steve Champion, who argued the county needed to study the issue and establish regulations in the long run. “If we just say ‘no’ like these other counties, we’re going to go to court and lose.”

Wakulla and Jackson counties passed permanent bans earlier this month, ignoring similar warnings from their county attorneys.

At all three meetings, numerous residents spoke during public comment to voice concerns about high water and energy usage, noise pollution and environmental damage. Addressing the Clay County Commission, resident Troy Cahoon criticized Commissioner Alexandra Compere for telling First Coast News that “data centers can be good neighbors.”

“We’ve been your neighbors a lot longer, and I think our word should carry more weight than any money that comes in from them,” said Cahoon. “Keep the free state of Florida free.”

One of the few speakers in support of data centers was Clay resident Marsha Garcia, who claimed there were already several data centers operating without issue in Northeast Florida and argued they are necessary to store vital records.

“We must all do our part, we must be reasonable,” said Garcia. “The deed to your house, the plat map, your marriage license, and other court records are stored in a data center in the Clay County Courthouse right next door.

Clay County Commissioner gave final approval to their moratorium on Tuesday, while Hernando and Lake counties will vote on final adoption of their moratoriums in two weeks.

In all, over a dozen counties statewide have adopted or advanced data center moratoriums and bans, all in North or Central Florida. Several municipalities have also recently advanced similar moratoriums, including Lakeland, Zephyrhills and Palm Coast.