Santa Rosa to develop a 12-month moratorium on data centers
Santa Rosa County commissioners voted to have staff develop a 12-month moratorium on data center construction and operation. This decision was driven by concerns over the county's infrastructure capacity, including power and water resources. The proposal will undergo two public hearings before a final vote.
Santa Rosa County commissioners voted 3-1 to direct staff to develop a 12-month moratorium on data center construction and operation, joining several other Florida counties considering similar measures. The decision was prompted by District 2 Commissioner Kerry Smith, who referenced recent state legislation (Senate Bill 484) designed to protect communities from hyperscale data centers.
Commissioners expressed concerns about the county's ability to support such facilities, citing strains on the power grid and water resources. Commissioner Bobby Burkett stated, "Our power grid can't support one," while Commissioner Rhett Rowell questioned the compatibility of data centers with the area. Some residents, including District 2 candidate Jeff Snow and Pea Ridge resident Sherry Chapman, advocated for a permanent ban rather than a temporary moratorium.
Despite calls for an outright ban, Commissioner Smith advised against it due to potential legal challenges, suggesting a year-by-year approach to the moratorium. The proposal for the 12-month pause will now proceed to two public hearings before commissioners take a final vote on the ordinance. Commission Chairman Colten Wright was absent for the vote, with Commissioner Ray Eddington casting the sole dissenting vote against the temporary measure, favoring a permanent ban.