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Commissioners split on excluding hyperscale AI data centers from incentives; motion fails
Summary
Commissioner Ann Taylor proposed banning hyperscale and AI data centers from economic development tax incentives; the motion failed 2–3. Board asked staff for more information on pros and cons and a zoning review.
Commissioner Ann Taylor proposed that St. Johns County exclude hyperscale and AI data centers from economic development tax incentives and direct Growth Management to recommend zoning limits on where such facilities may operate.
Taylor raised concerns about land use, high water demand and impacts to agricultural areas. Public commenters, including Tom George and Clift Tice, opposed locating such facilities on agricultural land. Other commissioners asked for additional information about economic impacts and requested data from the Florida Association of Counties.
A motion by Commissioner Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Krista Joseph, to instruct the county administrator and county attorney to draft an ordinance excluding hyperscale and AI data centers from incentives failed 2–3 (Yeas: Taylor, Joseph; Nays: Murphy, Whitehurst, Arnold). Commissioner Whitehurst subsequently requested that staff return with an objective overview of the pros and cons of data centers for the Board’s consideration.
No ordinance was adopted; the Board requested further study and staff return with additional information.
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