EDGEWATER, Fla. – As artificial intelligence continues driving a nationwide boom in data center construction, one Central Florida city is considering a move to make sure they never come to town.
On Monday, the Edgewater City Council is expected to discuss placing a measure on the November ballot that would ban data centers from being built anywhere within city limits.
Right now, there are no data centers in Edgewater—and city leaders say they want to keep it that way.
If voters approve the proposal, the city would be prohibited from permitting, approving, building, expanding, or operating any new data center in Edgewater. The measure would also prevent the city from adopting future rules or taking actions that would allow one to be built.
So, what counts as a data center?
Under the proposed measure, a data center is defined as a facility designed to house computer servers, networking equipment, artificial intelligence systems, and the infrastructure needed to store and process massive amounts of digital data.
The proposal comes as demand for AI continues to fuel rapid growth in data centers nationwide. While supporters say the facilities are critical for the digital economy, opponents argue they can consume large amounts of electricity and water, raising concerns about their impact on local infrastructure and natural resources.
Edgewater isn’t the only Florida community weighing restrictions. Lake, Seminole, and Jackson counties have either approved or are considering moratoriums or other limits on new data center development.
The discussion also comes as Florida’s new data center law takes effect. Senate Bill 484, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, prevents utilities from passing the cost of power grid upgrades for data centers on to residential customers, gives local governments authority to reject proposed projects, and requires strict water-use permitting.
The Edgewater City Council meeting begins at 6 p.m. at City Hall. If council members move the proposal forward, voters would have the final say in November.