David Jolly, Byron Donalds turn AI data centers into Florida campaign battleground
Florida gubernatorial candidates David Jolly and Byron Donalds are debating the future of AI data centers in the state. Jolly proposes a one-year moratorium to assess community and environmental impacts, while Donalds warns against such a freeze, prioritizing economic investment and local control. The discussion highlights concerns over water, electricity, and local authority, following the recent signing of state law SB 484 which regulates large data centers.
Florida gubernatorial candidates David Jolly, a Democrat, and Republican Byron Donalds are clashing over the development of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers in the state. Jolly has proposed a one-year moratorium on new data centers if elected, citing residents' concerns about noise, air quality, and environmental effects, and plans to visit Northern Virginia's "Data Center Alley" to gather community feedback.
Donalds opposes a statewide freeze, arguing it could deter economic investment and high-paying jobs, despite acknowledging public concern. He advocates for local governments to maintain control over development decisions and supports water-conserving cooling technologies for facilities. Donalds describes AI as a "force multiplier" for the economy.
This political debate unfolds in the wake of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signing SB 484 into law in May. The legislation mandates specific electricity rate structures for large customers, preserves local land-use authority, and establishes water-permitting requirements for large data centers, while also commissioning an independent study of their economic, environmental, and public-health impacts. Jolly criticizes Donalds' position as allowing the