Democratic nominee for Florida governor David Jolly said he would issue an immediate moratorium on data centers in Florida if elected governor in November.
He criticized Republican nominee and Rep. Byron Donalds for his support for data centers in the past.
Voters are speaking up. As Governor, I'll issue an immediate moratorium on data centers. Byron will build more. https://t.co/JKHLWbljmV
— David Jolly (@davidjollyfl) August 26, 2026
This declaration comes soon after several counties in the state voted to stop, at least temporarily, the development of large-scale data centers, meaning no new applications for development can be approved.
The increasing infrastructure across the country to support expanding artificial intelligence has sparked widespread backlash in many communities where these hyperscale data centers are located.
In order to cool the machines, the centers use large amounts of water and electricity, which residents argue could raise their utility costs.
In May, Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation into law placing protections for residents against hyperscale data centers.
Senate Bill 484 primarily prohibited utilities from passing data center costs onto residents and ensured that local governments reserve the power to reject data center developments in their communities.
Rep. Donalds previously showed outward support for data centers, saying Florida should allow the developments as long as Floridians and consumers are protected, even receiving several campaign donations from the companies responsible for them. However, he has softened that support with the increase in backlash against the centers, advocating for resident protections.
Rep. Donalds has also opposed a statewide moratorium.
Jolly has not wasted an opportunity to criticize Rep. Donalds for that past support, including in an X post this week in which he announced his plan for an immediate moratorium on the centers, writing that his opponent will build more.
"Voters are speaking up. As Governor, I'll issue an immediate moratorium on data centers," Jolly wrote in the post, quoting another post announcing the several county moratoriums on the centers in the state. "Byron will build more."
