Citrus County considers moratorium on data center development amid zoning request

Citrus County, Florida, is grappling with the prospect of data center development, prompting officials to consider a temporary moratorium. Commission Chair Diana Finegan plans to ask the Citrus County Commission to direct staff to draft an ordinance imposing a temporary moratorium, not to exceed 12 months, on building permits, development orders, or rezonings for data centers. This proposed pause aims to allow county officials to develop comprehensive regulations and study the potential impacts of such facilities. The discussion stems from a developer's application seeking comprehensive plan and zoning changes for a large tract at Holder Industrial Park, which would permit heavy industrial uses, including data centers. The Planning Development Commission (PDC) previously voted 4-3 to delay this application, citing a need for more information, technical review, and an understanding of how pending state legislation on data centers might affect the project. A new PDC hearing is scheduled for June 18. Residents and officials have expressed concerns mirroring nationwide criticisms of data centers, focusing on their significant demands for electricity and water, especially in warmer climates like Citrus County, and the constant low-frequency hum they produce. County commissioners moved in February 2026 to create specific data center regulations, addressing issues like noise, setbacks, and infrastructure requirements, before approving any projects. The draft ordinance containing these regulations is set to come before the PDC on May 21. While data centers could bring increased property tax revenue and economic diversification, questions remain about infrastructure upgrades, potential effects on utility rates, and the limited number of long-term jobs. Even if approvals move forward, construction would likely be years away.