Levy County commissioners seek moratorium on data centers

Levy County commissioners in Florida have directed county staff to draft a one-year moratorium on data centers, a move aimed at providing officials with more time to assess the potential impacts of such facilities on the county. The decision emerged from a public workshop held on Tuesday, where approximately 100 residents gathered, with most voicing support for the moratorium.

During the workshop, a University of Florida guest speaker highlighted that data centers generate one to two permanent jobs per 10,000 square feet and emphasized the need for noise mitigation if located near residential areas. The county attorney informed commissioners that current county code lacks a legal definition for data centers, meaning any proposed facility would undergo a specific application process. He also clarified that a moratorium, though temporary, would pause development on private property.

Residents, including Chiefland resident Charlene Calbillo and Bronson resident Stephanie Buxton, expressed reservations about data centers in their rural area and largely backed the moratorium as a means for further research. Some, however, questioned if simply denying rezoning requests might be a more direct approach. The proposed moratorium will first be reviewed by the planning commission before returning to the board of commissioners for consideration. This development occurs as Florida Senate Bill 484, granting local governments authority over data center zoning and land use, prepares to take effect.