Florida's gubernatorial candidates have drawn a sharp line over artificial intelligence infrastructure, with Democrat David Jolly proposing a one-year moratorium on new data centers and Republican Byron Donalds warning that a statewide freeze could drive investment elsewhere.
Jolly, in a Sept. 13 interview with CBS Miami, said Florida needs more time to assess the effects on communities and natural resources. During a Tallahassee stop, he framed the proposal as a response to residents' concerns about water use, electricity costs and local control as communities weigh new facilities ahead of November's gubernatorial vote.
"We don't need data centers in the state of Florida at all, at all, at all," Jolly told CBS Miami. His campaign announced Sept. 14 that he would visit Northern Virginia's Data Center Alley this week to meet residents who say nearby facilities have disrupted their lives with persistent noise, air quality issues and other effects. Democrats launched a "Data Center Donalds" tour Tuesday in Pinellas County, with agriculture commissioner nominee Joey Mendoza Atkins and state House candidate Bryan Beckman joining residents at the site of a previously proposed data center.
Donalds argues Florida can protect communities while remaining open to infrastructure businesses need. "Capital goes where it's valued," he said in an August interview, warning that talk of bans and moratoriums could signal Florida is not the place to invest. "But you can't build for your life if you don't have a high-paying job.
"And you're not going to have a high-paying job if you don't have companies who invest in your state," Donalds said. Last week, Donalds described AI as a force multiplier, comparing its potential to the internet and personal computers. He supports keeping facilities away from homes and using cooling technology that conserves water, and said local governments should retain control over whether projects are built.
A July survey from the University of North Florida's Public Opinion Research Lab found 68% of likely Florida midterm voters opposed an AI data center in their local area, while 28% supported one. The poll surveyed 848 likely voters July 8–17. Voters were evenly divided on the general increase in AI use, with 49% supporting it and 49% opposing it.
Florida adopted new rules for large data centers when Ron DeSantis signed SB 484 in May. The law requires electricity rate structures designed to ensure large customers pay their own service costs, preserves local planning and land-use authority, and establishes water-permitting requirements for large data centers. It also calls for an independent study of their economic, environmental and public-health effects.
Jolly argues paying for utilities does not resolve broader concerns. "He's basically saying you can come plunder our natural resources as long as you pay your own way," Jolly said of Donalds' position.