The president isn’t worried, but Orange County has data center concerns
Orange County commissioners are considering a proposed moratorium on large-scale data center applications to allow county staff to study their impacts on natural resources, community character, and infrastructure. The county currently lacks specific regulations for data centers, which could be allowed under existing industrial zoning, despite concerns over water and energy demands. This discussion follows a national trend of communities raising concerns about data center development.
Orange County, Florida, is set to address the growing concerns surrounding data centers, with county commissioners expected to discuss and potentially propose a moratorium on new applications for "hyperscale" data centers. Commissioner Kelly Martinez Semrad initiated the discussion in June, recommending at least a one-year pause to allow county staff to proactively study the intensive utility-scale operations' impact on community welfare, natural resources, and the county's ability to manage water and energy supplies.
Currently, Orange County's development regulations do not specifically address data centers, meaning they could be permitted under existing industrial zoning. This has raised fears about their potential strain on public resources, particularly water and electricity demands. The proposed moratorium aims to create a framework for future data center development before any specific proposals are submitted. This local action reflects a broader trend across Florida, with Lake County recently enacting a 90-day pause, and Citrus, Nassau, and Pasco counties having already imposed similar moratoriums. In Citrus County, community objections led a developer to withdraw a data center plan.
While Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 484 into law in May, establishing requirements for large data centers with a focus on power and water use, local officials like Commissioner Nicole Wilson argue a local conversation is crucial. Wilson highlighted Orange County's existing struggles with increasing power and water demands and premium land value, emphasizing the need for protective measures. This sentiment contrasts with President Trump's recent social media post mocking worries about data centers, advocating for them as drivers of economic success. A recent Gallup poll also indicates significant public opposition to AI data center construction in local areas.