1st of 2 data center ban hearings to occur next month

Putnam County leaders in Florida have initiated steps to consider a temporary ban on large-scale data center development, voting unanimously to hold public hearings on a proposed ordinance. The decision by the Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday comes amidst growing community concerns and "chatter" regarding data centers, despite no developers having yet contacted the county with specific plans.

Commissioner Larry Harvey introduced the draft ordinance, which was authored by County Attorney Rich Komando. The proposed moratorium, if enacted after a second hearing, would last until August 30, 2027. During this period, the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability, a Florida Legislature office, would be directed to conduct an independent study on data centers' impacts on land use, water resources, energy systems, and public health and safety. The county also plans to use this time to assess and update its Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code regarding data center practices.

Resident Joshua Florence, a challenger for Commissioner Harvey's District 4 seat, had previously expressed concerns to the board about data centers, noting the high level of discussion and confusion in the community, including misidentifying an FPL battery project as a data center. While a committee to research data center impacts was suggested, the board opted to await the public hearings and potential enactment of the moratorium before establishing such a task force, citing strong public interest and daily inquiries.