AUBURNDALE, FL — The City of Auburndale has confirmed that a data center is planned along North Pace Road, following previous zoning approvals by city commissioners that opened the door for the development.
According to an email from city official Julie Preble, the Auburndale City Commission approved an Industrial Planned Unit Development for the property on December 18, 2023, under Ordinance 1762. The approval permitted several industrial uses, including information services, technology, research and development, utilities, and data centers.
The original development plans included four buildings, with construction beginning on the first two in early 2024. The city issued temporary certificates of occupancy for those buildings in December 2025.
However, on November 4, 2026, the property’s new owners submitted a site plan to retrofit the interiors of the two existing buildings into a data center.
The city also confirmed that the proposed data center will not be discussed during the November 16 City Commission meeting, as the project is already permitted under the previously approved industrial development plan.
According to Preble, the December 2023 commission meeting was publicly advertised, and residents were given an opportunity to attend and provide comments.
Regarding infrastructure concerns, the city referenced Senate Bill 484, which requires data centers to cover their own infrastructure and service costs rather than shifting those expenses to general utility customers.
The developer has also obtained permits through the Southwest Florida Water Management District for water usage of less than 25,000 gallons per day. According to the city, the facility will utilize a closed-loop cooling system.
The confirmation comes amid growing concerns among residents about continued industrial development, government oversight, and whether existing infrastructure can support additional large-scale projects.
While the city has confirmed plans to convert the buildings into a data center, an anticipated opening date has not been announced. Nothing further at this time.
SOURCE: CITY OF AUBURNDALE
