Pinellas officials explore ways to block large data centers

The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners held a work session on May 14 to discuss potential strategies for discouraging large-scale data centers from locating in the county. Commissioner Chris Scherer initiated the conversation, highlighting concerns about excessive water and electricity consumption by data centers, and their limited contribution to local job creation. He cited estimates of water usage reaching up to 150 million gallons monthly for larger facilities. Scherer suggested exploring water usage restrictions, believing Florida Senate Bill 180—a 2025 law limiting local land-use regulations in hurricane-prone areas—might not preclude such water ordinances. County Administrator Barry Burton confirmed that staff are researching the county's legal authority to implement such restrictions and evaluating the impact of existing utility agreements with municipalities and Tampa Bay Water. Commissioner Kathleen Peters also voiced support for prohibiting tax incentives and abatements for large data center projects, while cautioning that broad water restrictions could inadvertently affect other critical facilities like hospitals. Peters expressed significant concerns about the noise, bright lighting, and overall environmental impact of large data centers in a densely populated, urban coastal community like Pinellas County, questioning their alignment with the county's long-term priorities. County staff are expected to provide further recommendations and insights later this year.