Polk County grants 10‑year, 90% ad valorem tax exemption to proposed Fort Meade data center

The Polk County Board of County Commissioners adopted an ordinance granting an economic development ad valorem tax exemption and approved a corresponding performance agreement for Fort Meade DC LLC.

Project summary presented by staff: the applicant plans a roughly 1,925,000 square foot data center campus with approximately $1.2 billion in real property improvements and $1.64 billion in tangible personal property (equipment). The company projects 50 new full‑time jobs at an average annual wage of about $107,000 (more than 200% of Polk County's 2025 average annual wage, as presented).

Under the board’s approved guidelines, the project qualifies for a 90% reduction in applicable ad valorem taxes for a 10‑year period (2029–2038). Staff read estimates from the property appraiser that if the exemption is granted, approximately $14,837,536 in ad valorem taxes would be foregone each year during the 10‑year exemption; the county would still recognize about 10% of value as new revenue (approximately $1,648,615 annually), and the school board's estimated new tax revenue would be about $13,159,501 annually. Staff and local economic development representatives noted a substantial positive fiscal impact to the city of Fort Meade and the region.

Commissioners discussed the tradeoffs and supported the long‑term economic development benefits, noting the project represents high‑wage jobs and lower infrastructure impacts than heavy industrial uses. The ordinance and performance agreement were approved on the record.

Provenance: Presentation and public comment began at 00:45:15 in the public hearing block; the board voted to adopt the ordinance during that block.