Byron Donalds, a Republican congressman seeking Florida’s governorship, unveiled proposed legislation aimed at addressing public concerns surrounding artificial intelligence data center development. The measure would mandate that data centers procure all electricity and water requirements from private sources instead of relying on public power grids or municipal water systems.
Donalds characterized the proposal as a means to prevent utility rate increases for residents. According to Donalds, data center operators indicated willingness to assume these utility expenses independently. The congressman framed the legislation as addressing a primary concern animating opposition to such facilities across the state.
The proposal reflects heightened scrutiny over AI infrastructure expansion nationwide. Several major technology firms have entered voluntary agreements with the Trump administration to finance new power generation rather than burden residential ratepayers. However, analysts question whether such voluntary commitments possess legal enforceability given projected demand increases. Donalds’ gubernatorial predecessor, Ron DeSantis, signed comparable legislation in May requiring large-scale data centers to cover energy and water costs independently.
Opposition to data center construction has emerged across Florida, with more than 20 counties and municipalities voting against major projects or imposing construction moratoriums. Local officials and residents cited utility cost increases, community disruption, and environmental concerns as primary justifications. Republican strategist Matt Gorman noted that both progressive climate advocates and conservative populists have mobilized around the issue, suggesting technology companies face pressure to address concerns across the political spectrum.
Datacenter opposition has become a campaign issue in Florida’s gubernatorial race. James Fishback, a far-right Republican candidate, centered opposition to data centers in his primary challenge to Donalds, while David Jolly, the leading Democratic candidate, called for a construction moratorium. Cato Institute fellow Travis Fisher suggested tech firms’ increased willingness to absorb infrastructure costs reflects political apprehension regarding their operating legitimacy in targeted communities.