Right-wing protesters in Florida share common ground with left on data center opposition
Conservative residents in Hernando County, Florida, are actively protesting against data center construction, despite an existing moratorium, demanding a permanent ban due to concerns over noise, environmental impact, and national security. This local opposition mirrors broader bipartisan concerns about data centers, influencing state-level policies and political races.
In Hernando County, Florida, a group called No Data Centers Hernando County, composed primarily of conservative residents, is actively protesting the construction of hyperscale data centers. Despite the Hernando County commission unanimously approving a one-year moratorium on such developments in June, organizers like Carol and Patti Zirhut are demanding a permanent ban, citing concerns about noise pollution, environmental destruction, the social costs of AI, and national security risks from Chinese-sourced components. This local rally is affiliated with Humans First, a conservative social movement focused on AI safety, led by veteran organizer Amy Kremer.
The conservative backlash against data centers is driven by concerns similar to those of liberals, including environmental costs, ethical problems of AI, and potential harm to quality of life. However, right-wing opposition also incorporates fears of Chinese technological infiltration. A recent Gallup poll indicates a bipartisan opposition to local data center construction, with strong objections from both Republicans and Democrats. Local political figures, including a firefighter running for agricultural commissioner and a Republican candidate for county commissioner, have engaged with the protesters.
Florida’s political landscape reflects this tension, with Governor Ron DeSantis signing a law in May that addresses utility and water costs for hyperscale data centers, yet his administration has also offered millions in tax breaks to developers. Meanwhile, Republican Rep. Byron Donalds, a gubernatorial front-runner, faces backlash from his own party due to his pro-data center stance and significant campaign contributions from pro-AI PACs, despite his recent proposal to prevent data centers from driving up utility costs. Local organizers express feelings of betrayal by the state’s Republican leadership, which they perceive as overly pro-development.
The widespread opposition has led to over 20 Florida counties and municipalities discussing or enacting moratoria on data center construction. In Citrus County, a developer withdrew plans for an 800-acre data center after a one-year moratorium on rezoning applications was approved. This trend signals a desire among some Floridians to prioritize local control and community values over rapid, large-scale development, even if it sends a message that the area is “closed for business” to major economic projects.