Lynn Haven commission enacts temporary moratorium on data, AI data centers

The Lynn Haven City Commission on Thursday adopted Resolution 2026-06-561, directing city staff not to accept or process applications for data centers or AI data centers while the commission develops a formal ordinance to define and regulate such facilities. City Manager read the resolution, which bars acceptance of development permits, site plans, rezonings, variances and building permits for data centers pending adoption of the ordinance.

Mayor Lowry said the resolution is “the proper first step in preventing any type of data AI center from being built here,” and described it as a due-diligence measure that allows the city to study a possible one-year moratorium, conduct studies and determine whether to permit, conditionally permit, or prohibit such facilities. “We have to do our due diligence,” he said.

Commissioners moved and seconded the resolution and approved it on a roll call vote with five "Yes" votes (Commissioners Work, Perno, Peoples, Tender and Mayor Lowry). The city manager told the commission staff will return with an ordinance that defines data and AI centers more precisely and outlines any timing or exceptions.

The resolution text as read instructs staff not to accept or act upon applications "for data centers or AI data centers pending the adoption of an ordinance and providing an effective date," and includes language tying any final definition to the forthcoming ordinance. Commissioners noted neighboring counties have undertaken similar moratoria and studies.

Next steps: staff will draft the ordinance the commission requested and bring it back for future hearings and readings. No specific effective date or sunset was included in the motion as read; the commission framed the item as an initial, preventive measure while ordinance language is developed.