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Santa Rosa commissioners hold first hearing on proposed 12‑month moratorium for data centers
Summary
At a July 9 public hearing, Santa Rosa County commissioners heard extensive public opposition to data centers and discussed a proposed 12‑month moratorium to pause applications while staff and attorneys develop evidence for permanent land‑use rules; no vote was taken and a second hearing is set for July 23 at 5:00 p.m.
Santa Rosa County commissioners opened the first of two required public hearings on a proposed 12‑month moratorium on data centers during their July 9 meeting in Milton. The board did not vote; the ordinance's second public hearing and second reading is scheduled for July 23 at 5:00 p.m.
The moratorium would temporarily prohibit new data‑center applications while county staff and the board compile a factual record to support any permanent land‑use regulations. County attorney Tom told the board the short pause is intended to limit legal exposure while staff prepares amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code. "This short term... is the way to put in a rapid moratorium to stop any potential application," Tom said, and added that the moratorium gives the board "the opportunity to have the proper time to establish the factual background and data."
The hearing drew dozens of public commenters, who expressed strong concern about water use, the power grid, stormwater runoff and noise. Commissioners debated strategy: Commissioner Smith said the board should follow legal advice and use a moratorium to build a defensible record before pursuing permanent restrictions. "I tend to go by their direction... to basically put a 12‑month moratorium in place in order to do the study to beef up our systems," Commissioner Smith said. Several commissioners said they prefer a permanent ban but supported using the moratorium to ensure any permanent rule can withstand legal challenge.
Attorney Tom clarified that a one‑year moratorium does not require the board to wait the full year to adopt permanent regulations; if staff compiles sufficient evidence sooner, the board can move more quickly. He said the ordinance directs staff to prepare proposed amendments and noted that Florida law requires public notice, staff review and planning‑board hearings before adoption. "It just gives you the time to conduct a necessary review to have a factual basis," Tom said.
The board closed the initial hearing without a vote and moved into the regular meeting's public forum. The ordinance text and backup materials are available on the county website; the chair said residents can view the packet and video at santarosa.fl.gov. The second public hearing on the moratorium will be held July 23 at 5:00 p.m.
