LAKELAND, FL – Ron DeSantis signed legislation Thursday in Lakeland aimed at increasing oversight and protections related to hyperscale data center development across Florida.
The measure, Senate Bill 484, includes provisions designed to preserve local government authority over whether large-scale data centers can be developed within their communities. The legislation also seeks to prevent costs associated with data center operations, including electricity expenses, from being passed on to consumers.
According to DeSantis, the bill also includes protections intended to safeguard Florida’s water resources from high-volume consumption tied to data center operations.
The legislation comes as the proposed 1,300-acre Fort Meade AI data center continues to face scrutiny over water usage and infrastructure impacts. The Southwest Florida Water Management District previously stated the project would require a new water use permit before moving forward.
SOURCE: GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS
