Alachua City Commission approves first reading of 12-month moratorium on data centers
The Alachua City Commission approved the first reading of a proposed 12-month moratorium on artificial intelligence data center development. Residents raised concerns about potential impacts on water supplies, electricity costs, noise, light pollution and the environment, with a final vote scheduled for Oct. 26.
The Alachua City Commission voted nearly unanimously to advance a 12-month moratorium that would pause data center construction and prevent new applications from being accepted. The proposed ordinance includes a possible six-month extension, and Commissioner Jackson Youmas was the lone dissenting vote. Commissioner Jacob Fletcher said the city currently has no data center applications or plans.
Residents speaking at the meeting expressed concern about water and electricity consumption, environmental impacts, noise and light pollution, and whether the city has conducted enough research. The proposal follows broader backlash against data center development in Florida. A second and final reading is scheduled for Oct. 26.