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Commission asks legal staff to prepare possible moratorium package on AI/data centers
Summary
Commissioner Taylor asked staff and legal to prepare a one-year package to pause new AI/data-center approvals while the county studies infrastructure, water and energy impacts; legal cautioned state law (SB 180) may limit moratorium language and staff will return with options and a public-hearing path.
Commissioner Anne Taylor asked the board to act proactively on AI/data centers, proposing a one-year moratorium on new data-center applications so the county can study infrastructure and environmental impacts and decide on a measured policy. She cited neighboring counties' actions, a regional council designation of data-center growth as a planning issue, and concerns about electrical load and aquifer impacts.
Legal staff warned that Florida legislation (SB 180) places limits on local moratoriums and that a formal moratorium requires public notice and a hearing; the county attorney recommended directing the attorney's office to draft an ordinance package and return with options. Commissioners agreed by consensus to have legal and staff prepare a moratorium package for a future public hearing and to research neighboring counties' approaches and relevant state law.
Commissioner Christian Whitehurst said he supports preparing a factual report first and noted power-utility representatives told him the county is unlikely to be an immediate candidate for major data centers for at least 20 years; the board asked staff to compile a memo and to coordinate with the Northeast Florida Regional Council on existing research.
No moratorium ordinance was enacted at the meeting; commissioners directed staff and legal to return with draft language and an advertised public-hearing schedule if appropriate.
