DeSoto approves data center moratorium, but controversial project can advance
DeSoto County commissioners approved a one-year moratorium on data centers, but it explicitly excludes rezoning applications for an 800-plus-acre project by DCIP Group, which can now advance. This decision follows months of intense public opposition over environmental concerns like noise, emissions, and water use. The moratorium allows the county to develop new data center regulations for future applications.
DeSoto County commissioners in Florida have approved a one-year moratorium on data center developments, a move that follows months of intense public opposition to a large-scale project. However, the moratorium will not apply to current rezoning applications from DCIP Group, the company proposing to build more than a dozen data centers across 1,300 acres, with an initial 800-plus acres now cleared to proceed.
The unanimous vote by four commissioners, with one recusing himself, comes after the county's Planning Commission had recommended including existing applications in the moratorium and extending it for two years. Instead, commissioners followed their attorney's advice to limit it to one year and exclude pending applications, including a bid to rezone over 800 additional acres after 34 acres were already approved in March. Commissioner Elton Langford indicated that the moratorium could be extended if the county hasn't established adequate regulations by year's end.
Residents, including Deborah Lodrini and Arcadia resident Wendy Midgett, have voiced strong opposition, citing concerns about potential noise, emissions, and water usage associated with hyperscale gas-powered data centers. DCIP Group CEO Jon Brown has stated the company plans to use "state-of-the-art acoustic modeling" and prioritize reclaimed water, projecting water usage from zero to 3 million gallons daily. Opponents like Ed Johnson advocated for a two-year moratorium to allow proper time for revising the county's comprehensive development plan.
The moratorium aims to give DeSoto County time to establish local regulations for data centers, as none currently exist. This local action comes as the state of Florida recently passed a law to prevent data centers from shifting utility costs to residential ratepayers and to allow temporary confidentiality for developers' initial plans. Despite the moratorium, residents, including Jesus Renzoli, vow to continue their fight against DCIP Group's project, arguing it benefits few at the expense of the wider community.