Pasco unanimously adopts moratorium on data centers
Pasco County Commissioners unanimously enacted a 12-month moratorium on new data centers, pausing building permits, rezonings, and site plans in unincorporated areas. The decision, which prevents a previously debated data center proposal from proceeding, was largely supported by residents concerned about environmental impacts and land use. The county plans to use this year to study how to regulate the rapidly growing industry.
Pasco County Commissioners in Florida unanimously approved a 12-month moratorium on new data centers, effectively freezing all building permits, rezonings, and site plans for these facilities across unincorporated Pasco. The moratorium is retroactive to May 27, the date the county first advertised the hearing, and was praised by Chairman Jack Mariano for its speed and solidity. This move also specifically blocks a long-debated data center proposal near I-75 and State Road 52, which had a developer previously advocating for an exception for smaller facilities.
The decision garnered significant public support during a one-hour comment session, though many residents, including Cindy Skarda from San Antonio and Angela Rene Camenzuli from Spring Hill, advocated for a longer or even permanent ban, citing concerns over Florida's fragile aquifer, water contamination risks, noise, air emissions, and wildlife impacts. Residents also highlighted the rapid "land rush" for AI-driven hyperscale data centers. County attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder clarified that the moratorium can legally last for one year, but can be extended if commissioners deem it necessary.
The commissioners also tightened an exemption for small data centers, reducing their capped power draw from 10 megawatts to 2.5 megawatts and adding e-waste disposal requirements. Pasco County joins at least 25 other counties and two cities in Florida that have enacted or are considering similar halts to data center development. The next steps for regulating the industry will be discussed in 2027.