Data centers firmly rejected for Sarasota County in unanimous vote
Sarasota County commissioners unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on data center applications, citing concerns over electricity and water consumption and potential environmental impacts. This pause allows county staff to evaluate how such developments align with current zoning codes. The decision makes Sarasota County one of several in Florida to implement a temporary ban on data center construction.
Sarasota County commissioners unanimously voted 5-0 to approve a one-year moratorium on accepting or reviewing data center applications. The 12-month ban, enacted at a recent meeting, provides county staff with time to assess how these large-scale developments, driven by AI's energy demands, fit into the jurisdiction's existing zoning code. This decision comes despite the county having not yet received any formal data center applications, though one company had expressed interest in property along Cattleman Road.
The county's move follows similar actions by other Florida counties, including Citrus, Nassau, and Hernando, which have also placed moratoriums on data center development. Michele Norton, Sarasota County Assistant Director of Planning and Zoning, highlighted the significant power demands of hyperscale data centers, noting that a 50-megawatt facility can consume as much electricity as 35,000 to 50,000 homes. She also raised concerns about water usage for cooling, with large AI data center campuses potentially using up to 5 million gallons daily, a substantial portion of the county's treated drinking water supply.
Commissioners expressed strong opposition to data centers in Sarasota County. Commissioner Teresa Mast emphasized that not accepting applications sends a clear message. Vice Chair Mark Smith urged staff to revise codes to prevent future applications, stating that data centers "don't belong in Sarasota County" due to their hum, size, security lighting, and resource strain. Commissioner Joe Neunder echoed these concerns, citing the "large consumption of electricity and the draining of our power grid" and the potential negative impacts on the "delicate ecosystem and environment," concluding with a definitive "no, not now, never" for data centers in the community.