County debates data center rules
Hillsborough County Commissioners unanimously voted to draft new land use regulations and propose a moratorium on AI data centers in unincorporated areas. The move comes amid strong public opposition and concerns over data centers' water consumption. The county seeks to proactively establish a framework before development applications are officially submitted.
Hillsborough County Commissioners unanimously voted to take proactive steps regarding data center development following discussions about impacts observed in neighboring communities. During a recent meeting, the board directed staff to create a framework for future land use regulations, including exploring ways to prohibit data centers from using the county's drinking water for cooling purposes. Additionally, the county attorney was asked to draft an ordinance to impose a moratorium on AI data centers within unincorporated Hillsborough.
The decision was heavily influenced by public opposition, with the majority of public commenters urging the county to protect the community until thorough research and strong safeguards are in place. Residents expressed concerns about the potential negative impacts on the local agricultural sector, particularly the strawberry industry, which yields over $1 billion annually for Hillsborough County.
Currently, data centers are not an approved use in the county's land development code, and while developers have expressed interest, no official applications have been submitted. Commissioner Don Cameron Cepeda initially proposed an immediate five-year ban on AI data centers, but this was deemed unenforceable due to state law, Senate Bill 180, which prevents local governments from enacting stricter building rules until October 1, 2027. If approved, the moratorium would take effect either upon the state law's expiration or if the state law is legally challenged and overturned.