Florida gubernatorial candidate Jay Collins proposes AI data center regulations, faces hypocrisy claims
Florida gubernatorial candidate Jay Collins has proposed strict regulations on AI data centers, citing concerns over environmental impacts, water, and electricity usage. This new stance contradicts his previous legislative record where he advocated for tax incentives to attract data centers to the state. Collins' campaign recently shared an AI-generated video criticizing data centers while attacking his opponent's past support for the industry.
Florida gubernatorial candidate Jay Collins, the current Lieutenant Governor and former state Senator, has proposed strict regulations on artificial intelligence data centers, challenging front-runner Byron Donalds on the issue. Collins' "Florida Strong Plan" mandates that AI data center operators fund their own infrastructure needs, undergo strict reviews for water use and environmental impacts, and include safety features for content filtering.
His campaign recently reposted an AI-generated video that critiques Donalds for supporting AI data centers, highlighting concerns about water and electricity usage. The video depicts a dystopian future with soaring electricity bills and water scarcity, directly contradicting Collins' own legislative history. While serving as a state Senator, Collins actively championed a bill (SB 1264) that sought to extend tax incentives for AI data centers, arguing they would bring significant investment and job creation to Florida.
Collins, on multiple occasions in 2025 legislative sessions, defended data centers as an economic boon, emphasizing the need for competitive incentives to attract large, hyperscale data centers. He cited 18 potential deals for new data centers that could represent significant investment in the state. Despite this record, his campaign continues to promote the anti-AI data center video, which critics have called out for its hypocrisy.