What’s happening in Florida
Florida has become a national leader in data center regulation. On May 7, 2026, Governor DeSantis signed SB 484 into law at Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland. “You should not pay one more red cent for electricity because of a hyper-scale data center as an individual,” DeSantis said. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
SB 484 prohibits utilities from shifting data center infrastructure costs onto residential ratepayers, requires large-load customers to pay their full cost of service, preserves local authority over zoning and permitting, and protects Florida’s water resources. However, the final version allows state agencies to sign NDAs with developers for up to 12 months — meaning project details can be hidden from the public.
Active projects across the state: In Palm Beach County, the Project Tango vote has been delayed for a third time to July 15. Over 8,000 residents have signed petitions against it and the Wellington Village Council passed a unanimous resolution urging the county to pause. In Polk County, the Fort Meade $2.6B campus was approved despite 40 of 41 public commenters opposing it. The Okeechobee Okee-One project is officially dead after the state accused IRSC of “falsehoods and pretenses about energy and water” and clawed back its $1.5M grant. The St. Lucie County $13.5B Project Jarvis was withdrawn in February.
Florida ranks 10th nationally in data center market size, with 12 operating facilities and 8 major projects planned totaling approximately 1,366 megawatts. Miami’s subsea cable infrastructure makes it a gateway to Latin America, making the state an increasingly attractive target for hyperscale developers.
Why Florida residents are concerned
Transparency. SB 484's 12-month confidentiality window denies residents early notice about projects that will affect their communities. The Nassau County situation illustrates the problem.
Water. Florida's aquifers are already stressed. A single hyperscale data center can consume up to 1 million gallons per day during peak cooling.
Grid strain. Florida's grid is strained by summer demand. Data centers add continuous industrial loads year-round.
Property values. Residential property values near industrial data center developments consistently decline.
How to oppose a data center in Florida
Attend your county commission or city council meetings. Local elected officials control zoning and land use decisions. Public comment periods are your most direct opportunity to voice opposition. Bring specific concerns — water impact, property values, electricity rates, noise — and reference relevant state and local legislation.
Send a formal opposition letter. Written opposition becomes part of the public record and carries significant weight with commissioners. Letters should cite specific concerns, reference relevant statutes, and be addressed to every commissioner by name. We handle this for you →
Organize your neighbors. Join or create a local opposition group. More than 268 community groups across 37 states are actively fighting data center developments. Strength in numbers changes votes.
Engage state legislators. Contact your state representative and senator. Tell them you support regulatory frameworks that protect communities from data center impacts — including moratoriums, ratepayer protections, and environmental review requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What is Florida SB 484?
SB 484, effective July 1, 2026, requires utilities to create tariffs for large energy users but grants developers a 12-month confidentiality period. It's Florida's first data center regulatory framework.
How can I oppose a data center in Florida?
Attend your county commission or city council meetings, submit formal opposition letters to your elected officials, and engage with state-level legislation. More than 268 community groups across 37 states are actively fighting data center developments. We can research your local officials and send a personalized opposition letter on your behalf for you.
How much water does a data center use?
A single hyperscale data center can consume up to 1 million gallons of water per day during peak cooling. AI data centers consumed roughly 17 billion gallons nationally in 2023, projected to reach 68 billion gallons by 2028.
Do data centers lower property values?
Research consistently shows that proximity to industrial infrastructure — including data centers — can negatively impact residential property values. Windowless warehouse-scale buildings, diesel generators, and continuous noise are incompatible with residential neighborhoods.