Florida Lawmakers Weigh Regulations for Expanding Data Centers, Differing with Trump’s National Push
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Florida lawmakers are considering legislation that would regulate the growth of data centers within the state, a move that sets up a potential conflict with President Trump’s recent push for accelerated construction of these facilities nationwide. The proposed regulations address concerns over water usage, potential utility rate hikes, and other impacts stemming from the increasing demand for data storage driven by artificial intelligence.
While President Trump is advocating for the rapid expansion of data centers to bolster the United States’ position in the global AI race, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is proposing what he calls an “AI Bill of Rights.” This initiative, as reflected in Senate Bill 484, aims to balance technological advancement with consumer protection and responsible resource management.
A Florida Senate panel advanced the measure on February 3, 2026, signaling initial support for establishing parameters around data center development. Florida currently has 120 data centers, ranking it fourth nationally in terms of concentration.
Senator Bryan Avila, R-Miami, the bill’s sponsor, emphasized the need for safeguards. “There needs to be some parameters set in place,” Avila told the Senate Community Affairs Committee, describing the bill as a “pro-consumer, pro-ratepayer initiative.”
However, the legislation isn’t without its points of contention. A related public records exemption, included in Senate Bill 1118, has drawn scrutiny. This exemption would shield the locations of potential large data centers from public view for up to a year, ostensibly to allow for confidential negotiations with local officials.
Some senators questioned the compatibility of this exemption with the bill’s stated pro-consumer goals. Senator Jason Pizzo, NPA-Sunny Isles Beach, argued that the protection was being offered to “groups that need it the least.” Senator Ralph Massullo, R-Lecanto, inquired whether Avila would consider shortening the exemption period, stating a desire for greater public transparency.
Avila defended the exemption, asserting it mirrored those granted to other major development projects during preliminary discussions with communities. He maintained that the public would still have ample opportunity to provide input once projects become more defined.
“Projects of this magnitude, this scale, this size they usually take more than a year. That’s the reality,” Avila said.
The proposed legislation also addresses concerns about resource consumption. It would require data center owners to cover their own costs of electric service, preventing those costs from being passed on to other ratepayers. It would establish water-permitting requirements, including new standards for large-scale data centers.
A similar bill, HB 1517, is currently stalled in the House, having not yet been considered by any committees.
The Senate proposal reinforces the authority of local governments to ensure that data centers comply with comprehensive planning and land-development regulations. Data centers, while promising economic benefits like property tax revenue and construction jobs, also raise concerns about noise, pollution, and strain on local infrastructure.
One particularly large project, “Project Tango,” planned for Palm Beach County, west of Wellington, is slated to cover 150 football fields. The Palm Beach County Commission is scheduled to review the proposal in April.
The legislation comes as the nation grapples with the growing demands of AI and the infrastructure required to support it. With over 5,400 data centers already operating across the country, and thousands more anticipated, lawmakers are increasingly focused on mitigating the potential negative consequences of rapid expansion.
