Do local governments approve data center construction?

SB 484 gives local governments in Florida authority over the construction of data centers and other “large load customers” for now.

These decisions are made through local comprehensive planning, as governments consider infrastructure capacity, land use compatibility, zoning laws and environmental impacts.

During a Sept. 17 campaign stop, Florida GOP gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds said local governments have authority over data center construction. While he was correct, that doesn’t mean they hold unlimited power in every scenario.

The ability of local governments to regulate data centers may be preempted if it interferes with state and federal laws. Officials in North Port already question whether SB 180 – which forbids municipalities from enacting “burdensome” regulations on development after hurricanes – will limit them from imposing a data center moratorium.

There’s also nothing stopping state lawmakers from passing additional measures in the future that would control how local governments make decisions on data centers.