Martin County commissioners approve one-year pause on large-scale data center applications
Martin County commissioners unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on large-scale data center applications while the county studies environmental impacts and develops future regulations. Residents strongly opposed data centers, including the proposed 100-megawatt Florida Gateway Project on Kanner Highway, whose application will continue through the development review process.
Martin County commissioners unanimously approved a one-year pause on new large-scale data center applications after a second public hearing. The moratorium will give county staff time to study environmental impacts and develop regulations for future projects in the ecologically sensitive region.
Residents who spoke at the hearing opposed data center development, citing concerns about the proposed Florida Gateway Project’s scale, electricity demand and potential water use. Commissioner Blake Capps confirmed the project’s application on Kanner Highway, while Commissioner Vargas criticized how the application was handled. The application is expected to undergo a yearlong development review, and no other large-scale data center applications are currently pending in the county.