Citrus County hits pause button on data center development

Citrus County, Florida, is actively pursuing a temporary moratorium on data center construction permits and property rezoning in the Lecanto area. This decision follows a packed commission meeting where residents expressed significant opposition, citing concerns about data centers' high water and energy consumption, potential heat generation, and environmental pollution. County officials acknowledged a proposal for a data center on 800 acres near County Road 491 and Tram Road. Commissioners indicated that a temporary moratorium is preferable to a permanent ban to avoid potential lawsuits. Meanwhile, the broader issue of data center development has also reached the state level in Tallahassee, with Florida lawmakers approving Senate Bill 484. This legislation aims to introduce stricter regulations, including public disclosure requirements for new data centers and restrictions on their proximity to residential areas and schools, addressing widespread concerns about resource demands, noise, and energy use.