Dade City Weighs 12-Month Data Center Moratorium
Dade City commissioners approved the first reading of an ordinance proposing a 12-month moratorium on new data center development within city limits. The proposed pause would give officials time to study potential impacts on groundwater and electrical infrastructure and revise local development regulations.
Dade City commissioners advanced a proposed 12-month moratorium on new data centers by approving the ordinance’s first reading. If approved on second reading, the measure would stop the submission and acceptance of permits, site plans, development orders, special exceptions, rezonings and comprehensive-plan amendments for data center facilities within the city.
Commissioners Kristin Church and Scott Black cited concerns about water consumption and the ability of the city’s groundwater and electric systems to support power-intensive facilities. The proposal would allow officials to evaluate appropriate land-use rules and could be lifted depending on the findings of that review.
The action follows similar moratoriums adopted by Pasco County for unincorporated areas and by Zephyrhills. Florida Senate Bill 484 preserves local land-use authority over large-load customers and directs water management districts to require reclaimed water for cooling when feasible, providing additional context for Dade City’s proposed pause.