Commissioner seeks 12-month ban on data centers

Commissioner Kerry Smith, who is up for reelection in August, has introduced an agenda item directing staff to develop a 12-month moratorium prohibiting the approval, processing or acceptance of land-use amendments, rezonings, permits, development reviews, and site or building plans related to the construction, expansion or operation of data centers in unincorporated Santa Rosa County.

The agenda item also includes language allowing a public hearing on the matter.

Smith was able to introduce the proposal following the passage of SB 484, which Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law several weeks ago. The legislation allows local governments to adopt ordinances restricting data center development within their jurisdictions.

The law also requires public utilities to establish minimum tariffs and service requirements for large-load customers, a measure intended to prevent increased costs for residential and commercial customers. The legislation includes environmental provisions addressing issues such as water use.

The proposed moratorium follows similar actions taken by several Florida counties, including Clay, Nassau, Hernando, Jackson and Walton.

In a previous interview with the Santa Rosa Press Gazette, Commission Chairman Colten Wright said there had been no discussions between data center developers and Santa Rosa County officials.