Nassau County Commissioners to 'consider' pause on AI data center development

Nassau County, Florida, is contemplating a temporary halt on new AI data center developments in its unincorporated regions. The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) discussed and proposed a twelve-month moratorium, directing the County Attorney to draft the necessary documentation during their April 13 meeting. The proposed moratorium, if adopted, would pause the acceptance and processing of new data applications for data center development. According to the BOCC, this measure aims to provide the county with sufficient time to assess the scale, intensity, and potential impacts of AI data centers before further development proceeds. This consideration comes after AI energy company NextNRG announced in September 2025 that it had secured a long-term lease for 1,600 acres in Nassau County for an AI data center, with an option to expand. Despite this, County Commissioner Alyson McCullough stated that there are currently no active development plans or permits in place. A NextNRG spokesperson confirmed their awareness of interest in Nassau County for economic growth and energy innovation projects, committing to engage with local stakeholders. The draft moratorium is scheduled to be presented at the BOCC's meeting on April 27, and two public hearings are set for May 11 and June 8, indicating the process for its potential adoption.