Five proposed AI data center projects have been halted across Florida since February, turning the industry’s expansion into a central issue in the governor’s race.
One Fort Meade proposal alone would use enough electricity to power 500,000 homes, fueling concerns that large centers could raise utility costs and strain water supplies.
David Jolly is calling for a statewide moratorium, while Republican rivals Byron Donalds, Paul Renner and Jay Collins back tougher limits ranging from private utility sourcing to bans on taxpayer subsidies.
Donalds has also faced scrutiny over at least $135,000 in campaign contributions tied to AI-connected entities, including $10,000 linked to the 4.4 million-square-foot Fort Meade project.
The fight is widening beyond the campaign: local governments are weighing moratoriums, DeSantis signed a law preserving local zoning power, and Trump has attacked New York’s 1-year data center pause.