Volusia County Council Pursues Permanent Data Center Ban

The Volusia County Council is pursuing a permanent ban on large-scale data centers in unincorporated areas of Volusia County, Florida. While the council initially discussed a six-month moratorium, members instead directed staff to draft an ordinance for an outright prohibition of these facilities.

Under Florida law, large-scale data centers are defined as facilities requiring at least 50 megawatts of electricity during peak monthly demand. County officials cited concerns regarding noise, infrastructure, and the impact on water resources caused by the continuous operation of backup generators and cooling equipment. They also noted potential conflicts with nearby land uses.

The proposed ban does not apply to incorporated cities within the county, as those municipalities maintain their own land-use authority. The draft ordinance will be reviewed by the Planning and Land Development Regulation Commission before returning to the County Council for two public hearings.