Gov. DeSantis signs AI data center bill in Lakeland
The law requires tech companies to pay all utility costs and limits where hyperscale facilities can be built, officials said.
- On Thursday in Lakeland, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 484, legislation designed to prevent Floridians from subsidizing utility demands for massive AI-related data center facilities.
- While Florida currently lacks hyperscale data centers, State leaders introduced the law to provide safeguards before expansion; it was the only AI-related bill to pass this legislative session.
- Florida Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly noted the law ensures companies pay for their own utility usage, while State officials also require public meetings regarding Water and electricity impacts.
- Taking effect July 1, the measure preserves local government authority over approvals, as DeSantis suggested local entities should charge large companies higher infrastructure rates, saying, "You should be charging them a lot more."
- During the Lakeland event, DeSantis also discussed the partnership with the Department of Homeland Security on immigration, highlighting the detention facility nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz" for housing migrants temporarily.
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28 Articles
DeSantis Signs Bill to Block Data Center Surcharges on Energy Bills
As data center projects emerge as one of the most fiercely debated issues across the country, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 484 on a new Florida law aimed at limiting the impact of large-scale “hyperscale” data centers tied to artificial intelligence growth. The measure focuses on protecting electric ratepayers, preserving local control over development […] The post DeSantis Signs Bill to Block Data Center Surcharges on Energy Bills ap…
Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 484, which prevents Florida citizens from paying the energy costs of large artificial intelligence data centers. The regulation prohibits electricity companies from transferring these infrastructure costs to residential user bills. In addition, the legislation, which will enter into force on July 1, protects the state's water resources by requiring special permits to refrigerate water servers. At the same time, lo…
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Spectrum News 13DeSantis signs data centers bill; Building permits law
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Tallahassee Reports
News Service of FloridaDeSantis Signs Data Center Regulations Into Law
By Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida Florida utility customers won’t bear the additional costs brought by new large scale data centers that power artificial intelligence, under a bill signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday. The new law (SB 484) was part of DeSantis’ push to impose regulations on AI. The other plank of his plan, aimed at protecting consumers from AI harms, failed to draw full legislative support in his final regular sessio…
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