Broward County Weighs Data Center Moratorium
Broward County commissioners are considering a one-year moratorium on new large-scale data centers in unincorporated areas. Commissioner Lamar Fisher wants officials to study potential electricity and water impacts before deciding whether to adopt the pause.
Broward County Commissioner Lamar Fisher has placed a proposal on the commission agenda to draft a one-year moratorium on large-scale data center development in unincorporated Broward County, including the Broward Municipal Services District. The proposed pause would cover facilities across the unincorporated area as commissioners assess electricity and water consumption and concerns about large facilities being built near residential neighborhoods.
The proposal comes as other Florida counties adopt or consider similar restrictions. Palm Beach County approved a 12-month moratorium for projects requiring at least 50 megawatts, while Manatee County enacted a one-year pause citing water shortages and grid-capacity concerns. Florida's Hyperscale Data Center Act, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, defines large-scale facilities, requires operators to cover utility-service costs and use reclaimed water where feasible, and preserves local authority to regulate or reject projects.