Citrus County places temporary halt on data centers

Citrus County Commissioners in Florida have approved a one-year moratorium on data center development, aiming to establish comprehensive local regulations for the rapidly growing industry. The decision came after two hours of public comment, with many residents advocating for an outright ban due to concerns over extreme water and electricity usage, light pollution in rural areas, and continuous low-frequency hums. Commissioner Jeff Kinnard stated the goal is to implement "very restrictive and very protective" ordinances.

However, the moratorium will not impact a pending application from Deltona Corp., which seeks to rezone 550 acres adjacent to the 800-acre Holder Industrial Park for a heavy industrial category that would permit data centers. County Attorney Denise Dymond Lyn confirmed that while the land-use vote will proceed as Deltona's application was filed prior to the moratorium, no permits for data centers will be issued during the moratorium period, even if the Board approves the plan. The Planning and Development Commission has tabled Deltona's request and is scheduled to reconsider it on June 18, with the final decision resting with the County Commissioners.