Manatee County Approves 12-Month Moratorium on Data Center Development
The Manatee County Commission approved Ordinance 26-42, establishing a 12-month countywide moratorium on data center development orders, including building permits, site plans and rezonings. The moratorium will give county staff time to study potential impacts on water use, electricity demand, noise, emissions and environmental standards.
The Manatee County Commission voted 6-0 on Oct. 8, 2026, to approve a 12-month moratorium on data center-related development in the county. Ordinance 26-42 pauses building permits, site plans, rezonings and other development orders while staff examine the sector’s potential effects on water resources, electricity demand, noise and environmental design standards.
The discussion referenced Florida Senate Bill 484, which establishes requirements for large electricity customers and preserves local authority over land-use planning. Commissioners and residents raised concerns about Manatee County’s water capacity, heavy utility use, generator emissions and the pace of artificial-intelligence development. Some speakers sought an 18-month pause and public workshops, but commissioners adopted the proposed 12-month term, noting that it could be extended later.