Florida gives millions in tax breaks to data centers despite governor's skepticism
Despite Governor Ron DeSantis's public skepticism regarding data centers' resource consumption and their impact on electricity bills and water scarcity, Florida has for years provided significant sales tax breaks to the industry. These exemptions save data centers millions by lifting taxes on construction materials, technology, and electric bills. DeSantis signed a data center consumer protection law in May while still criticizing the industry.
Florida has provided millions in sales tax breaks to data centers, exempting them from taxes on construction materials, technology, and even their electric bills, according to a recent report. This policy exists despite Governor Ron DeSantis publicly positioning himself as a leading skeptic of data centers.
DeSantis has argued that Floridians should not have to subsidize wealthy companies that consume vast amounts of resources. He made these comments while signing a data center consumer protection law in May, criticizing the industry's hunger for resources like electricity and water. This stance highlights a contradiction with the state's long-standing tax exemption policy benefiting these very companies.