Moratoriums, labor shortages, energy capacity highlight data center discussion at CREDA statewide conference
A panel at the Commercial Real Estate Development Association’s statewide Florida conference examined moratoriums, utility capacity, labor shortages and community opposition affecting data center growth. The discussion highlighted local moratorium efforts, the approved Stonebridge hyperscale project in Fort Meade, legal challenges and water permitting issues, as well as proposed developments in Osceola County and Orlando.
Industry leaders at the Commercial Real Estate Development Association’s Florida Statewide Conference discussed the regulatory, political and infrastructure challenges facing data center development. Marc Hoenstine, Duke Energy’s managing director of economic development, said large data center customers should pay for the infrastructure they require, while Ryan Companies development director Todd Johnson argued that moratoriums can give developers and local governments time to establish clear rules. Corgan principal JT Jacobs emphasized early community engagement amid growing opposition.
More than a dozen Florida municipalities have enacted data center moratoriums, and Orange County commissioners have expressed support for a temporary ban while county rules are developed. Palm Beach County rejected the proposed Project Tango hyperscale facility, while Fort Meade’s City Commission unanimously approved Stonebridge’s planned 4.4-million-square-foot facility on a former phosphate mine; that project faces legal challenges and awaits a water permit. Other developments discussed included a large potential site in Osceola County and CoreSite’s proposed expansion in Orlando.