Manatee County approves a 12-month moratorium on large-scale data centers
Manatee County commissioners unanimously approved a 12-month moratorium on large-scale data centers and other high-electricity facilities. County staff will use the pause to study electricity and water consumption, noise, environmental impacts, and how data centers should be regulated in future planning documents.
Manatee County commissioners unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on large-scale data centers and other facilities with substantial electricity demands. The pause will allow county staff to assess how such developments should be addressed in the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code.
The review will examine electricity and water consumption, noise, environmental effects and definitions for different types of data centers. Commissioner Jason Bearden questioned whether Manatee County is suitable for artificial intelligence facilities because of their resource demands, while Commission Chair Tal Siddique said the county needs more information before deciding whether to allow or prohibit future projects. Residents Mark Stanick and Elizabeth Arnold also urged officials to account for differences in facility workloads and potential air pollution from backup generators.