Florida’s local governments grapple with data center development
Florida's local governments are deciding how to regulate data center development. Lakeland City Commission is considering a 12-month moratorium on hyperscale data centers, prompted by a large project proposal in Polk County. This follows Nassau County's recent approval of a similar moratorium, as state law now gives local governments power over such regulations.
Florida's local governments are actively addressing the regulation of data center development, a responsibility empowered by Senate Bill 484, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis this year. While SB 484 instituted certain statewide protections, requiring public disclosure of development deals and setting environmental standards and permitting processes, it intentionally left specific zoning and land use decisions to local jurisdictions.
The Lakeland City Commission, grappling with these new powers, discussed a proposed 12-month moratorium on hyperscale data centers during its recent meeting. This consideration comes in response to a proposal for a 600,000 square foot data center situated on 60 acres within Polk County. Lakeland City Mayor Sara Roberts McCarley noted the absence of state-level regulatory frameworks, making local decisions challenging.
Lakeland's potential pause mirrors action taken by Nassau County earlier this month, where a 12-month moratorium on data center development applications was approved. Nassau County's intent is to use this period to amend its Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code. Lakeland is scheduled to hold two public hearings on its proposed moratorium on July 6 and 20, with a vote anticipated at the second meeting, according to City Attorney Palmer Davis.