Florida data-center boom hits a wall of local pushback

Florida’s push to attract hyperscale data centers is colliding with broad local opposition, leading to moratoriums in at least 20 counties, lawsuits and recalls, and regulatory scrutiny as residents raise concerns about water use, wetlands, noise and quality of life. Some developers are pausing large projects or downsizing and seeking compromises, while state leaders, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, push tighter rules, potentially shifting future data-center investments to other states and altering Florida’s AI-fueled growth strategy.