Ban on large-scale data centers
Summary
Council weighed a six-month moratorium versus an outright ban on data centers using 50 megawatts or more, after testimony about water drawdown, sinkhole risk, noise, and few permanent jobs. All seven members ultimately directed staff to draft a complete ban, with a freeze on applications in the meantime.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 7
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 3 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 20, 2026.
Impact analysis
Potential costly litigation if a ban is challenged, but no immediate county spending.
Residents concerned about aquifer depletion, sinkholes, noise, and property values near any future data center site.
Data center developers and any entities seeking to site large-scale facilities in the county.
Mentions & discussions (7)
County Council — 2026-10-20
The council gave final approval to Ordinance 2026-22, banning data centers of 50 megawatts or larger. Residents asked the council to also prepare rules for smaller data centers before state preemption (SB 180) changes.
County Council — 2026-10-06
The council took the first step toward permanently banning data centers of 50+ megawatts in unincorporated Volusia, citing water use, aquifer/sinkhole risk, grid strain and noise. The final vote is October 20 after PLDRC review. Residents mostly supported the ban; some pushed to also regulate smaller facilities.
County Council — 2026-09-22
Dempsey showed a state map putting west Volusia in the state's highest sinkhole-risk zone, reinforcing the county's permanent ban on mega data centers; Nicholson pushed back that Volusia's sinkhole risk is overstated.
County Council — 2026-08-17
Council weighed a six-month moratorium versus an outright ban on data centers using 50 megawatts or more, after testimony about water drawdown, sinkhole risk, noise, and few permanent jobs. All seven members ultimately directed staff to draft a complete ban, with a freeze on applications in the meantime.
County Council — 2026-08-04
Council members and the public are wrestling with how to handle proposed AI data centers — water use, 24/7 noise, and grid strain are concerns. Santiago favors a six-month moratorium; Brower wants a possible ban via the nuisance route and up to twelve months; the attorney warned a ban needs a defensible legal basis. Staff will return next meeting.
County Council — 2026-07-21
Santiago pushed for a six-month moratorium on data centers while staff studies their impacts on utilities, water, and the grid. Staff will bring a draft resolution in August.
County Council — 2026-05-19
Council members are worried about data centers' huge water use and few permanent jobs. Team Volusia confirmed data centers are off its recruitment list, and the council directed staff to research what limits SB 484 allows — incentives, reclaimed-water mandates, utility fees — with a report due around August.
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