Big data centers in Florida must pay full power and infrastructure costs under new law

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 484 into law, mandating that large-scale data centers cover the full cost of their electric service and associated infrastructure upgrades. Speaking at Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland, DeSantis stated the law prevents everyday Floridians from subsidizing utility bills for hyper-scale data centers that power artificial intelligence. The legislation directs the Florida Public Service Commission to establish new tariffs and service rules to ensure these large energy users bear their own costs. Additionally, the new law reinforces local governments' authority to approve or deny data center projects. It also permits water management districts to deny permits if a proposed data center threatens water supplies and encourages the use of reclaimed water. Amid these changes, the law allows local governments to enter into non-disclosure agreements with companies for up to one year, temporarily limiting public access to project details.