Pinellas County closes the door on large-scale data centers

Pinellas County commissioners have agreed to draft a resolution to formally reaffirm that large-scale, standalone data centers are prohibited in the county's unincorporated areas under existing development code. Commission Chair Dave Eggers emphasized the urgency for the resolution, citing long-standing discussions and growing public concern over the significant electricity, water, and industrial land consumed by such facilities. While other Florida communities like Pinellas Park have enacted temporary moratoriums, Pinellas County Attorney Jewel White advised against a moratorium, arguing it could imply that data centers are currently permitted when they are not explicitly listed as an allowable primary use in the county's zoning code.

The move comes as Pinellas County, one of Florida's most densely developed counties, seeks to protect its limited industrial land, much of which is already occupied. Commissioner Brian Scott highlighted the need to differentiate massive hyperscale data centers from smaller facilities used by local institutions like hospitals or government agencies. An inquiry from American Tower Corp. for a data-processing facility in Pinellas Park, which was later dropped, underscored the regional pressure. The resolution, which will not change existing law but clarify the commission's position, is intended to build public trust and reassure residents. Forward Pinellas, the county’s land use and transportation planning agency, is also developing common definitions and standards through a new Countywide Data Center Policy Working Group, with recommendations expected by October.