County Commission Finalizes Moratorium On Data Centers
The Palm Beach County Commission unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on new large-scale data center proposals while officials develop stricter regulations. The moratorium covers facilities with anticipated peak loads of at least 50 megawatts and remains in effect until September 2027, while commissioners rejected a proposed advisory committee and directed staff to consider hiring a consultant.
Palm Beach County commissioners finalized a moratorium on new large-scale data center proposals after receiving multiple applications and rejecting the controversial Project Tango near 20-Mile Bend. The measure applies to single-location facilities with anticipated monthly peak loads of at least 50 megawatts, but does not affect applications already submitted. County officials will use the pause to develop stricter rules for hyperscale data centers, with the moratorium lasting until September 2027.
Commissioners voted 4-2 against creating an Emerging Issues Technical Advisory Committee, citing concerns about added workload and delays. They later voted 5-1 to direct staff to bring forward a contract for an outside consultant, with estimated proposals ranging from $200,000 to $2 million. Mayor Sara Baxter opposed the consultant, while Commissioner Joel Flores supported the investment as a way to obtain objective expertise and avoid overburdening county staff.