Key facts
- Data center developers in Florida are facing opposition from residents and regulatory bodies.
- The state's Commerce Secretary has criticized the planning for a specific data center project.
- Developers are attempting to compromise by reducing project scope and altering designs.
- Residents are concerned about the proximity of data centers to homes and schools, citing noise and light pollution.
- Calls for updated zoning laws and temporary moratoriums on data center development are increasing.
- Industry representatives suggest that moratoriums could lead developers to choose other states for future projects.
Data center developers in Florida are encountering significant local opposition and regulatory scrutiny, prompting some to reconsider their expansion plans in the state. The administration of Governor DeSantis has also weighed in, with Commerce Secretary Alex Kelly describing the planning for the Stonebridge data center as "fundamentally flawed."
In response to community concerns, some developers are seeking compromises. PBA Holdings Inc., for instance, has reduced the square footage and redesigned the cooling system for a proposed 600-megawatt data center in western Palm Beach County. Project manager Ernie Cox stated that they believe they have addressed all concerns, viewing the project as critical infrastructure.
However, residents like Santiago Lattanzio remain concerned, noting that the proposed data center would still be only 2,000 feet from some homes and a nearby school. Locals who moved to the area seeking tranquility are frustrated by the details of "Project Tango," many of which are under a nondisclosure agreement. Residents are urging the commission to pause data center developments and update zoning rules to accommodate the rapid growth of AI infrastructure.
Industry representatives warn that such moratoriums could have long-term consequences, potentially causing developers to bypass Florida for projects in other states due to a lack of certainty. The outcome of Florida's gubernatorial race is also being closely watched, as GOP frontrunner Rep. Byron Donalds has previously advocated for the state to lead in data center development, a stance that has drawn criticism from opponents promising stricter regulations.