Pasco County commissioners vote to move forward with data center moratorium
The Pasco County Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend a 12-month moratorium on data centers, following a public hearing where residents voiced concerns about water, electricity, and noise. The proposed moratorium will now go to the Board of County Commissioners for a final decision in upcoming meetings. The City of Zephyrhills is also discussing a similar measure.
The Pasco County Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend a 12-month moratorium on data centers on Thursday, following a nearly three-hour public hearing. The vote comes as the City of Zephyrhills also considered a similar measure.
During the hearing, approximately 30 residents spoke, expressing concerns about water usage, increased electricity demands, potential noise pollution, carbon cost, and impact on property values and fragile ecosystems. Many expressed gratitude for the temporary pause and hoped for a permanent ban on data centers in Florida, citing the state's susceptibility to natural disasters.
The Planning Commission members acknowledged the need for further research into the moratorium's language. The proposed moratorium will now advance to the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners for a final decision, with discussions scheduled for June 16 and July 14, where public comment will again be accepted. Meanwhile, the Zephyrhills City Council is set to revisit its own proposed moratorium on June 22.