Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday signed legislation to create new regulations for large-scale data centers. The bill, SB 484, was signed at Florida Polytechnic University and aims to prevent utility costs from being passed on to Florida consumers.
In a statement, DeSantis said, “Today in Lakeland, I signed legislation to protect our citizens and communities from hyperscale data centers.” The Republican governor emphasized that SB 484 requires discussions involving water use and utility impacts from data centers to occur during public meetings, adding greater transparency for communities. Additionally, data centers must apply for a consumptive use permit to access the state’s water resources.
DeSantis described the bill as “the first in the country that ensures that the rhetoric we hear is actually reality on the ground.” State leaders have expressed concerns about the substantial water and electricity demands of massive data centers, particularly as artificial intelligence infrastructure expands nationwide. Florida Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly noted the legislation balances economic growth with public accountability, ensuring utility costs remain the responsibility of data center operators rather than taxpayers or utility customers.
DeSantis also highlighted the urgent need for an AI framework, stating, “I think a lot of people, as more and more of this stuff comes out, they’re like, ‘What the h is going on here?’” He added that creating clear guidelines would prevent incentives from harming the country, individuals, children, or families. The governor acknowledged concerns about electricity costs and water resources while noting AI data centers do not generate significant local employment opportunities.
This action follows Fort Meade officials unanimously approving plans for a major “hyperscale” AI data center project, which faces ongoing opposition and regulatory hurdles. DeSantis confirmed no data centers have been constructed in Florida yet, though several proposals exist. He stated Florida is one of the first states to enact such regulations and added, “You should not as a hard-working Floridian have to subsidize some of the wealthiest companies in all of humanity.”