Marion County holding public workshop on data centers following moratorium approval
Marion County commissioners approved a 12-month moratorium on large-scale data centers and will host a public workshop to discuss future regulations. The workshop will focus on environmental impacts, power grid concerns, noise standards, and water conservation technologies to establish permanent land use regulations. This follows an evaluation of the inadequacy of existing land development codes for data centers.
Marion County commissioners have scheduled a public workshop for Monday, September 21, in Ocala, to address the regulation, environmental impact, and future development standards for data centers. This workshop comes less than a week after the commissioners approved a 12-month moratorium on large-scale data centers, AI hubs, and cryptocurrency mining operations consuming 50 megawatts or more.
The temporary freeze, enacted during a September 15 public hearing, halts the acceptance and processing of development permits, site plans, rezonings, and special use permits for these facilities. Chief Assistant County Attorney Dana Olesky highlighted that current land development codes do not adequately address the substantial operational requirements and cumulative strains data centers place on the Floridan Aquifer and local power grid. Olesky cited Florida Statute 163.326 and Senate Bill 484, which reinforce local zoning authority over large electric customers.
During the upcoming workshop, growth services staff, external agencies, and the Land Development Regulation Committee will aim to establish policy direction for permanent land use regulations. Discussions are expected to cover critical areas such as groundwater withdrawal protections, power grid impacts, noise and infrasound standards, setback criteria, and potential mandates for water conservation technologies, including closed-loop cooling systems.