Hillsborough County commissioners vote to study AI data center impacts, direct attorney to draft moratorium

Hillsborough County commissioners in Florida unanimously voted to direct staff to study the impacts of artificial intelligence data centers and ordered the county attorney to draft a moratorium ordinance. This action was taken even though no data center applications are currently pending, reflecting a proactive approach amidst active water restrictions due to drought conditions.

The board passed two 7-0 motions. The first, introduced by Commissioner Chris Boles, mandates research into water conservation and capacity management tools, and recommends changes to the county's land development code, technical manuals, or utility requirements for water-intensive industries. Commissioner Donna Cameron Cepeda's second motion directs staff to create a framework for land use regulations specifically for data centers, including potential limits on potable water for cooling, and for the county attorney's office to draft a moratorium ordinance on AI data center development in unincorporated Hillsborough County. This moratorium would take effect after October 1, 2027, when state prohibitions on local moratoriums (Senate Bill 180) are set to expire, or if the bill is struck down.

Commissioners also raised concerns beyond water, specifically addressing the noise and vibration generated by data centers and their potential impact on rural areas, conserved environmental lands, and wildlife. Public input was significant, with a dozen residents and representatives from groups like Food and Water Watch and the Sierra Club urging the board to act. Speakers highlighted issues such as excessive noise, ground vibrations, air pollution, high energy and water consumption, environmental damage, and increased temperatures, citing difficulties reversing these impacts in other communities.

Despite state-level restrictions on immediate moratoriums, the county confirmed that data centers are not an approved use under the current land development code, meaning any future project would require intentional, case-by-case review through planned development zoning. The commissioners emphasized their commitment to assessing potential impacts and proceeding cautiously before allowing such developments, aiming to establish enduring policies that protect public interest and conservation.