Santa Rosa To Put Temporary Moratorium On Data Centers

Santa Rosa County Commissioners voted earlier today (June 22) to join a growing list of local governments statewide in moving to place a moratorium on the development of data centers. The PNJ reports that the vote was 3-1 in favor of directing staff to draw up an ordinance that would place a 12-month hold on any discussion, processing or development review of data center facilities in unincorporated Santa Rosa. Congressman Jimmy Patronis says the data center debate will eventually land at the Florida Public Service Commission - and says the impact on utility rates could be significant. Patronis says utilities don't want to be in the position of having millions of angry Floridians blaming them for higher rates driven by data center demand. Public hearings will be held on the issue before the board can vote to approve or deny the wording of the moratorium.