What exactly does a data center do? They're all over Florida

Data centers, the physical infrastructure supporting digital services like generative AI and cloud computing, are increasing in number across the United States, with Florida ranking tenth nationally with over 100 facilities. This growth has sparked significant environmental concerns due to their substantial energy and water consumption, which is further exacerbated by the rise of AI-focused data centers. The article highlights that large data centers can consume up to 5 million gallons of water daily and place considerable strain on local power grids. Consequently, communities situated near these facilities often experience elevated utility costs for residents and small businesses, as increased demand leads utility companies to pass infrastructure upgrade and energy procurement costs onto consumers. Noise pollution is another reported side effect, contributing to rising opposition among online communities and lawmakers. While data centers do create some economic opportunities, the article notes they typically provide a limited number of permanent jobs. The issue has become a "hot topic" in politics, with figures like former President Donald Trump calling on tech companies to cover the power costs associated with their AI operations. The Data Center Coalition and the Environmental and Energy Study Institute are cited for statistics and insights into the industry's evolution and impact. Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Meta are identified by ABI Research as leading data center owners in the U.S., with Virginia housing the most data centers overall. The Tallahassee Democrat, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida, provided this explainer on the function and societal impact of these critical digital infrastructures.