VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Volusia County is moving toward a permanent ban on large-scale data centers in unincorporated areas, pausing new development applications while county staff drafts the proposed ordinance.
County Council members directed staff to pursue an outright prohibition during discussion of a proposed six-month moratorium on data center construction. Rather than adopt the temporary pause, the council chose to consider a long-term ban.
Under Florida law, a large-scale data center is a facility expected to use at least 50 megawatts of electricity during peak monthly demand.
County officials pointed to possible impacts on water resources, noise, infrastructure and nearby land uses. The facilities operate continuously and often require extensive electrical systems, cooling equipment and backup generators.
The proposed ban would affect only unincorporated Volusia County. Cities within the county would continue making their own land-use decisions.
The ordinance must next be reviewed by the Planning and Land Development Regulation Commission before returning to the County Council for two public hearings. Dates have not yet been announced.
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