New Florida law aims to regulate data centers
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 484 into law, a bill designed to regulate hyperscale data centers. The new law aims to protect ratepayers, local communities, and the environment from the impacts of data center development. It grants local governments the authority to reject data center projects and prevents excessive electricity and water consumption from raising utility costs for residents.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 484 into law on July 1, a measure targeting the regulation of hyperscale data centers across the state. The bill, which was filed in January 2026, received approval from both the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate during the 2026 regular session held in Tallahassee.
Governor DeSantis announced the signing in Lakeland, emphasizing that the legislation provides "much-needed protections for taxpayers and our natural resources." According to the Governor, SB 484 is designed to ensure local governments retain the power to reject data center development, prevent the transfer of data center-related electricity costs to consumers, and safeguard Florida's vital water resources from excessive consumption by these facilities.
The Governor's office stated that the new law is crucial for protecting ratepayers, the environment, and local communities from potential adverse effects of large data centers. While Florida aims to accommodate large data centers, the legislation ensures that their operations do not strain the state's electricity and water infrastructure to the point of creating problems for residents, such as increased utility bills.