Florida lawmakers are poised to consider new regulations for large data centers, the sprawling, energy-intensive facilities that power artificial intelligence programs and can drive up electricity costs for residents.
House Bill 1007, filed this week by Rep. Philip “Griff” Griffitts, Jr., R-Panama City Beach, would impose a list of new rules that data center proposals would have to meet before the developments could begin construction.
Under the bill, the local government in the area of the project must approve it in a hearing that allows members of the public to speak. The government body must send certified mail notifying property owners who would live within a 10-mile radius of the proposed data center of the meeting at least 30 days in advance.
