North Port releases new information on proposed data center as commission considers moratorium

The City of North Port, Florida, has launched a new online resource to inform residents about data centers as the City Commission considers a temporary halt on new data center development. The city's 'Data Center Info' webpage provides details about how data centers operate, their potential economic impact, and related local policies.

This initiative coincides with the city's review of a proposed data center and office project in the northeastern part of the city. The site and development plan application for this project, submitted by applicant North Port 300 on July 20, 2026, is currently pending as city staff await responses to identified deficiencies. The proposed development, located in the Yorkshire area, would include approximately 896,000 square feet of buildings, with about 123,200 square feet dedicated to office space and the remainder to data center operations and support functions. The property has been designated Activity Center 6 (AC-6) in North Port’s Comprehensive Plan since 2002, allowing for various uses, including industrial and office development.

The data center is part of a larger, voluntary master concept plan covering roughly 282 acres, which also proposes commercial and retail space, multifamily housing, parks, and multi-use trails. Concurrently, the North Port City Commission is considering a moratorium on data center development, with the first reading of a proposed ordinance scheduled for August 31. A city workshop on September 3 will feature experts from Florida Power & Light and the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority to provide information on data centers, including energy and water usage. The Commission is slated to vote on the second and final reading of the moratorium ordinance on September 8.