Jackson County puts data center plan on hold pending state rules
Jackson County commissioners voted unanimously to impose a one-year moratorium on a proposed artificial intelligence data center, citing insufficient information about the project and pending state regulations.
The county's planning department received documents describing what appeared to be a solar farm or battery storage facility. Upon closer examination, officials concluded the project was likely a large-scale data center based on similar proposals in other states.
Residents packed commission chambers to oppose the plan. Outside, they held signs reading "Don't ruin our aquifer" and "We can't drink data!" Their primary concerns centered on water consumption, noise pollution, and higher electricity costs.
Zachary Latrell, a local resident, told commissioners he feared the data center's water demands could harm Enconfina Creek, where his family spends weekends. "It sucks that I have to tell my kids that because of a data center, family fun days at Enconfina may no longer be a thing," he said.
AI data centers across the country have drawn similar opposition. These facilities require substantial water and electricity to operate cooling systems that prevent servers from overheating.
The timing of the moratorium aligns with new state protections. A Florida law scheduled to take effect in July requires companies operating data centers-not local residents-to fund any additional energy infrastructure. The law also establishes water use protections and gives local governments authority over facility placement.
Commissioner Paul Donofro Jr. said the delay allows the county to conduct environmental and economic impact studies before the new rules take effect. "Right now, from everything I am seeing, it more than likely would be a bad thing," he said.
No developer or end user has been publicly identified for the project. Nic Zateslo, a Democratic congressional candidate who attended the meeting, said that lack of transparency should halt discussions. "You don't know who you are negotiating with and that alone should stop this process dead in its tracks," he said.
The proposal has drawn attention from multiple congressional candidates in Florida's 2nd District. Republican Keith Gross said he opposes AI data centers anywhere in North Florida. Democrat Yen Bailey cited current drought conditions as reason for rejection, adding that any economic benefits would be outweighed by environmental harms.
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