Volusia County council to decide on ban for large-scale AI data centers
The Volusia County Council voted to ban large-scale data centers in the county’s unincorporated areas. The ordinance targets facilities with peak electrical loads of at least 50 megawatts and is intended to protect water supplies, natural resources and nearby communities.
Volusia County leaders approved an ordinance banning large-scale data centers in the county’s unincorporated areas. The measure applies to facilities with anticipated peak electrical loads of at least 50 megawatts and does not affect incorporated cities, which retain their own land-use authority.
Supporters, including County Council Member Don Dempsey, cited potential impacts on the aquifer, sinkhole-prone areas, natural resources, electricity demand, noise and nearby property owners. The county had not received an application for an AI data center, and officials said the ban was intended to establish restrictions before a project was proposed.