Volusia County advances permanent ban on large-scale data centers
Volusia County leaders are advancing a plan to permanently ban large-scale data centers, citing community pressure and concerns over potential negative impacts on water supply, electricity, and quality of life. The decision follows an initial recommendation for a 12-month moratorium, with the county council opting for a permanent measure. This move is influenced by a new Florida state law granting counties authority to regulate such developments.
Volusia County, Florida, is moving towards a permanent ban on large-scale data center development, following a vote by the county council. This decision stems from significant community pressure and concerns articulated by council members, including Don Dempsey and Troy Kent, regarding the potential strain on the county's water supply, electricity grid, and overall quality of life. The council initially considered a 12-month moratorium but ultimately opted for a permanent prohibition.
The push for the ban is supported by a new state law (SB 484), signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, which grants Florida county governments the authority to regulate and decline large-scale data center projects. Volusia County staff highlighted the "well-founded and locally acute" water demands of these facilities, posing a "genuine risk to a resource that has no substitute." Additionally, the county's susceptibility to sinkholes was raised as a concern by Councilman Dempsey, who fears increased water consumption by data centers could exacerbate this issue.
The proposed permanent ban would specifically apply to unincorporated Volusia County, allowing municipalities within the county, such as Daytona Beach and DeLand, to maintain their own regulatory authority. The measure is currently in effect under the county's "pending ordinance" doctrine, freezing new development applications. It will proceed through formal ordinance drafting, review by the Planning and Land Development Regulation Commission, and two public hearings.
While some council members expressed caution about potential legal challenges from the state or developers, others, like Dempsey, urged decisive action. The article also notes the broader political debate surrounding data centers in Florida, with Democratic gubernatorial nominee David Jolly supporting a moratorium, in contrast to Republican Congressman Byron Donalds, who has received significant industry contributions.