Pensacola Councilman Charles Bare proposes AI data center ban

Pensacola City Councilman Charles Bare has introduced an ordinance to the City Council proposing a one-year moratorium on the construction of large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) data centers within city limits. The proposed ban, which will be discussed at the July 16 council meeting, targets facilities that would draw more than 50 megawatts of power.

Bare stated his belief that data centers are not the best use of city property, citing concerns over potential environmental impacts, significant water and power usage, and a lack of substantial job creation. He intends the temporary moratorium to allow the city sufficient time to draft a permanent ban for inclusion in its land development code, a process that requires public hearings before the Planning Board and City Council.

The measure leverages a new state law granting local governments increased authority to regulate "large-load" utility customers exceeding 50 megawatts. While traditional business data centers typically consume less, newer "hyperscale" AI data centers can demand 100 megawatts or more. Bare clarified that the moratorium is not intended to affect smaller, essential data centers used by hospitals or universities.

Local opposition to AI data centers has grown following earlier discussions between FloridaWest and an unnamed company interested in a smaller data center in Escambia County, although those talks did not progress. Both Escambia County commissioners and Santa Rosa County officials are also considering similar bans, with Santa Rosa County holding public hearings on its own measure. Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves has expressed support for the moratorium if it passes the council, stating he does not favor data center construction within the city, though his primary concern lies with county-level developments impacting the city.