New Florida law gives local governments authority over data center development
A new Florida law grants local governments authority over data center development, leading Lakeland to consider a 12-month moratorium on hyperscale data centers. This follows Nassau County's recent approval of a similar moratorium to amend its land use codes. Lakeland has scheduled public hearings and a vote on its proposed moratorium for July.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed Senate Bill 484 into law, which empowers local governments to regulate data center development. The legislation also establishes protections for utility customers, mandates public disclosure of development deals, and sets environmental standards, though it does not provide specific state-level zoning or land use guidelines.
Following the new law, the Lakeland City Commission discussed a proposed 12-month moratorium on hyperscale data centers, spurred by a plan for a 600,000 square-foot facility in Polk County. Lakeland City Mayor Sara Roberts McCarley noted the lack of existing state frameworks for data centers, leaving local governments to address complex land use and regulatory issues.
Lakeland's consideration of a moratorium mirrors a recent action by Nassau County, which approved its own 12-month pause earlier in June to allow time for updating its Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code. Lakeland is slated to hold two public hearings on its potential moratorium on July 6 and July 20, with a vote expected at the latter meeting, according to City Attorney Palmer Davis.