Florida county opts to regulate data centers, not ban them
Okaloosa County commissioners have decided to regulate data center development instead of imposing bans or moratoriums, a contrasting approach to many other Florida jurisdictions. The board believes this strategy offers economic opportunities and has tasked staff with drafting regulations covering development standards, power, and water usage.
Okaloosa County commissioners are taking a distinct approach to data center development, opting to regulate rather than implement bans or moratoriums, a common strategy in other parts of Florida and the Northwest Florida region. Chairman and District 4 Commissioner Trey Goodwin emphasized this stance, stating that he believes banning such developments is "taking the wrong approach" and that the county does not "want to be in the dark ages.
The board reached a consensus that data centers likely represent a future economic opportunity for Okaloosa County. District 2 Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel voiced her support for exploring data centers, seeing them as a potential "win down the road" for the county, including economic benefits.
Nathan Sparks, Executive Director of One Okaloosa EDC, echoed these sentiments, criticizing moratoriums as a "bad look" and advocating for a project-by-project evaluation. He expressed enthusiasm for the possibility of data centers, acknowledging their limited direct job creation but highlighting their broader economic potential.
County staff are now tasked with researching and drafting development standards. These regulations will address various factors, including suitable locations, power and water demand, noise, lighting, and buffer requirements. The board also intends to require data centers to obtain approval on a case-by-case basis, with staff currently exploring this and other regulatory methods.