Data Center Opposition Shapes Florida’s Gubernatorial Race

Florida’s rollout of large-scale data centers is a flashpoint in the 2026 governor’s race. Residents in Citrus, Marion, Escambia, Palm Beach and Sarasota are organizing against new facilities, while Republican front-runner U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds supports the industry. Voters—many lifelong Republicans—must weigh local environmental and utility concerns against party loyalty, reshaping primary dynamics.

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Florida now hosts more than 100 data centers, though no hyperscale AI facility has opened yet. The industry promises tax revenue and construction jobs but demands high water and electricity use, prompting opposition in communities that feel “encroached” by development. A nationwide survey identified 268 local opposition groups across 37 states, reflecting broader populist suspicion of big-tech projects.

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• Land use concerns: Crestview officials note roughly 1,400 acres of undeveloped land near the city’s bypass could be diverted to data-center utilities.

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• Utility jurisdiction: About 75 % of Florida’s population falls under the Florida Public Service Commission, which sets pricing rules for large utilities.

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• Local actions: Citrus County commissioners approved a one-year moratorium on new data-center projects after residents filled overflow rooms at public meetings.

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• Representative Byron Donalds, the leading GOP candidate, said, “I’m not anti-data center. I’m pro having a plan.”

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• WLRN and PolitiFact rated the claim “half true,” noting the law only requires large facilities to cover their own cost of service while leaving fuel-cost adjustments to the Public Service Commission.

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• Democratic candidate David Jolly announced a statewide moratorium on data-center construction, citing environmental and economic risks.

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• Citrus County officials imposed a one-year moratorium and are drafting ordinances on water usage and distance requirements from schools and churches.

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• Crestview City Council voted 4-0 to task the city manager with drafting a data-center prohibition ordinance.

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• Robin San Vicente, an environmental consultant in North Port, warned that data centers could strain water supplies and increase hurricane-risk exposure.

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• Rate impact: Donalds’ assertion that SB 484 prevents any rate increase conflicts with expert analysis that the statute does not control fuel-cost pass-throughs, leaving room for utilities to raise bills if demand rises.

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• Moratorium duration: Citrus County’s one-year moratorium is set to expire, and officials have not confirmed whether draft ordinances will be enacted before that deadline.

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• The Florida Public Service Commission must translate SB 484 into pricing rules, with companies required to file plans by the October deadline.

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• Crestview’s draft ordinance will move through the city’s standard process in the coming months.

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• Citrus County’s committee aims to finalize water-use and siting regulations before the moratorium lapses.

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• The Republican primary and the November general election will test whether data-center opposition can sway traditionally red counties away from Donalds toward candidates like Jay Collins, Bobby Williams, or Democrat David Jolly.

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• “I’m not anti-data center. I’m pro having a plan,” — Representative Byron Donalds.

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