Citrus County Commissioners Discuss Data Center Moratorium and State Law Impact
Citrus County commissioners in Florida are considering a proposed data center moratorium of up to 12 months to evaluate impacts on infrastructure, water supplies, and zoning rules. They are also discussing a new state law, Senate Bill 484, which establishes statewide standards for data center review and permitting, and its implications for local control.
Citrus County commissioners in Florida are facing a busy agenda, prominently featuring discussions on a potential data center moratorium and the implications of a new state law. Commissioners previously voted on May 12 to direct staff to draft an ordinance for a data center moratorium, which will now be discussed further.
The proposed moratorium, not to exceed 12 months, aims to temporarily halt new data center applications and approvals while the county assesses their potential impacts on local infrastructure, water supplies, and existing zoning regulations. This pause would also allow the county to determine how a recently enacted state law, Senate Bill 484, might affect their local oversight and development rules.
Senate Bill 484 establishes statewide standards for the review and permitting of data center facilities, creating a new framework that local governments like Citrus County must integrate into their planning. The commission will receive an update on this and other state legislative actions that could influence local government funding, land use policies, and future development guidelines.