Florida Governor Opposes Fort Meade's First Hyperscale Data Center

The Fort Meade City Commission unanimously approved a 20-year agreement on April 15, 2026, with developer Stonebridge to construct a 1,300-acre hyperscale data center. Designed to power artificial intelligence, the facility would be the first of its kind in Florida and could encompass up to 4.4 million square feet. The vote followed two hours of public testimony from residents who cited concerns regarding noise pollution, environmental impacts, and excessive electricity and water consumption.

Shortly after the approval, the administration of Governor Ron DeSantis voiced strong opposition. Alex Kelly, Secretary of the Florida Department of Commerce, sent a letter to Mayor Jaret Landon Williams describing the project's planning as "fundamentally flawed" and arguing that its economic benefits were overstated. Kelly specifically highlighted threats to the region's water and energy resources.

The project faces immediate regulatory obstacles. The Southwest Florida Water Management District informed the city that it cannot use existing permits for the facility's estimated 50,000 gallons of daily water use. Furthermore, the Florida Public Service Commission has not approved a rate structure to protect residential customers from bearing the center's energy costs. While Duke Energy claims the data center will cover its own electricity expenses and could potentially lower costs for other users, the project remains stalled by these state-level challenges.