Florida Gubernatorial Candidates Fact-Checked on Key Economic Issues at WLRN Summit
During WLRN's Sunshine Economy Summit, Florida gubernatorial candidates David Jolly and Byron Donalds discussed data centers. Jolly proposed a one-year moratorium on new data centers, citing public opposition due to concerns about electricity and water usage. Donalds expressed openness to data centers with consumer protections.
Florida gubernatorial candidates Democrat David Jolly and Republican U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds participated in WLRN's Sunshine Economy Summit in Fort Lauderdale, discussing key issues like affordability, housing, property insurance, and taxes. This event served as their closest interaction during the election cycle, as Jolly declined to participate in a formal debate.
The discussion included their stances on data centers, with Jolly citing polls showing 68% to 79% opposition among Floridians due to concerns over electricity and water usage, as well as quality of life issues. He pledged to enact a one-year moratorium on new data centers if elected. Donalds, however, stated he is open to data center development provided there are consumer protections.
PolitiFact Florida fact-checked several claims made by both candidates during the summit. Jolly's claim that a proposed state fund for wind insurance would cut costs by 60-70% was deemed unlikely by experts, who highlighted Florida's high hurricane risk and the potential for emergency assessments on policyholders. Donalds' assertion that more Americans are moving to Florida than any other state was found to be nearly accurate but outdated, as Texas now holds the top spot, and Florida's migration boom has cooled.
Donalds' statement on tax refunds reaching historic highs and Floridians saving an average of $3,200 in taxes was found to be accurate. This was attributed to the 2025 "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" which lowered individual tax rates, though experts noted this was partly due to delayed IRS payroll table updates after the law's passage.