Texas developer proposes multibillion-dollar data center to be built in rural DeSoto
A Texas developer, DCIP Group, has proposed a multibillion-dollar, 1,315-acre sustainable data center campus in rural DeSoto County, Florida. The project aims to be self-sustaining with an on-site power plant and use of reclaimed water, but faces skepticism and opposition from local residents concerned about environmental impacts. DCIP is currently seeking rezoning approvals from DeSoto County to move forward with the project.
DCIP Group, a developer based in Dallas, Texas, is proposing a massive 1,315-acre sustainable data center campus in rural DeSoto County, Florida. The project, estimated to cost $5 billion to $6 billion for its first phase, is designed to be self-sufficient in terms of power and water, aiming to alleviate common community concerns about data centers' environmental impact and strain on local resources.
According to Jon Brown, CEO of DCIP Group, the campus plans to generate its own power on-site, drawing from the local grid only during off-peak hours, to avoid driving up residents' electricity bills. For water, it intends to use treated reclaimed wastewater from the city of Arcadia's sewer system and collect stormwater runoff, with groundwater as a last resort. DCIP acquired the 34-acre site of a former natural gas plant in 2024, with plans to expand to a 1,315-acre campus.
Despite the developer's assurances of sustainability and significant economic benefits for DeSoto County, which is described as one of Florida's poorest, the project has met with resident opposition. A large group spoke out against it at a June 9 DeSoto County Commission meeting, even though it wasn't on the agenda. Brown acknowledges valid concerns about noise, power bills, and water but states the company has solutions and is working to explain them to the community.
DCIP is currently seeking approval from DeSoto County to rezone approximately 1,200 acres as a planned unit development, which would give the county oversight as the campus is built over six phases across seven years. Approvals are anticipated by early Q3, after which engineering and construction preparations can begin.