Santa Rosa to put temporary moratorium on data centers
Santa Rosa County Commissioners voted to direct staff to draft an ordinance for a 12-month moratorium on data center development in the unincorporated areas of the county. This decision follows similar actions by other Florida counties to pause data center projects. Public hearings will be held before the moratorium can be formally approved.
Santa Rosa County Commissioners in Florida have voted 3-1 to direct staff to prepare an ordinance for a 12-month moratorium on the discussion and development review of data center facilities in unincorporated areas of the county. The vote, which occurred on June 22 in the absence of Chairman Colten Wright, aims to provide time for analysis of data centers and their potential impacts.
Commissioner Kerry Smith, who introduced the proposal, explained that a temporary moratorium is a safer legal approach compared to an immediate permanent ban, which could face challenges under Florida's Bert J. Harris Act. County Attorney Tom Dannheisser supported this view, stating that while moratoriums can be extended, a permanent ban requires substantial legal justification. Commissioner Ray Eddington cast the sole dissenting vote, advocating for a permanent ban instead, a sentiment shared by some members of the public.
Santa Rosa County joins a growing list of Florida local governments considering or implementing similar measures, including Clay, Nassau, and Hernando counties, which have adopted or are in the process of implementing temporary moratoriums. Escambia County is also considering a ban, while Walton and Wakulla counties have already prohibited large load centers and data centers, providing models for Santa Rosa County's proposed ordinance. Public hearings will be scheduled before the Santa Rosa board votes on the final wording of the moratorium.