Broward County to Consider One-Year Moratorium on Large Data Center Development
Broward County commissioners are considering a proposal to direct the county attorney to draft a one-year moratorium on large-scale data center development in unincorporated areas. The proposed pause would give the county time to study impacts on electrical infrastructure, utilities, environmental resources and nearby properties, but it would require additional approval before taking effect.
Broward County commissioners are scheduled to consider a proposal sponsored by Commissioner Lamar P. Fisher to begin drafting a one-year moratorium on large-scale data centers in the county's unincorporated areas. The measure would not immediately stop development or apply automatically to municipalities within Broward County.
County officials say the potential moratorium would provide time to evaluate data centers' effects on electricity demand, utilities, water and environmental resources, while developing land-use rules for the facilities. The proposal follows broader concerns across South Florida and comes as neighboring Palm Beach County considers restrictions after rejecting the Project Tango data center proposal. Any Broward County moratorium would require further county action before becoming effective.