Manatee County Commission Considers Data Center Moratorium
The Manatee County Commission held its first public hearing for a proposed 12-month moratorium on new data center and large-load development applications in unincorporated Manatee County. This temporary pause aims to allow county staff to evaluate and update regulations regarding water and electrical demands, appropriate locations, noise, and compatibility. A second public hearing and adoption consideration is scheduled for October 6, 2026.
The Manatee County Commission held its regular meeting on September 22, 2026, where a key item of discussion was the proposed Ordinance 26-42. This ordinance would establish a temporary 12-month moratorium on new data center and other large-load development applications within unincorporated Manatee County.
Planner I Jay Stearman presented the proposal, explaining that the pause is intended to allow County staff to evaluate and recommend updates to the Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Code, and other relevant regulations. The review would address critical issues such as water and electrical demands, appropriate siting, noise, buffering, and compatibility with surrounding land uses. The commission held the first of two required public hearings, with the second scheduled for October 6, 2026, when a vote on the moratorium's adoption will be considered.
Other agenda items included the adoption of Ordinance 26-36 regulating simulated gambling devices, appointments to the Citizens Oversight Committee for Infrastructure Sales Tax Advisory Board, and continued discussion on the County Reserve Policy. The meeting concluded with a heated exchange between Commissioner Bearden and Administrator Bishop and County Attorney D’Agostino regarding requests for information and a proposed agenda item to discuss Bishop's contract termination.