Houses amends and passes data center regulation framework

The Florida House has passed an amended version of a data center regulation bill (SB 484), which now heads back to the state Senate. The original Senate bill had some significant restrictions sought by the House, including a provision prohibiting permits for new data centers using over 50 megawatts within 5 miles of residential areas or schools unless approved by a local governing body. The House amendment, introduced by Rep. Griff Griffitts, adds new protections for ratepayers and local control over large data center projects. It requires the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) to conduct a study on the impacts of constructing large-scale data centers in the state, including on natural resources and utility rates. The amended bill also removes some disclosure requirements that were in the original Senate version. Critics like Rep. Allison Tant and Rep. Anna Eskamani expressed concerns that the changes could create more secrecy and reduce transparency around new data center projects for the public. But Rep. Griffitts argued the amendments simply put "guardrails" in place to give local governments more control. Meanwhile, business lobbyists have warned the changes could hamper data center investment in Florida and set the state back in the AI race against China.