Broward County commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday, October 20, to begin drafting a one-year moratorium on large-scale data centers in unincorporated parts of the county, and directed the county attorney to prepare the ordinance. Nothing is in effect yet: the pause would apply only if commissioners approve the ordinance in a later vote.
Commissioner Lamar Fisher, who proposed the pause, said the county should first understand the facilities' effects on residential communities — including heavy electricity and water use and possible increases in residents' power costs. Florida law defines a large-scale data center as one expected to draw at least 50 megawatts at peak demand. Vice Mayor Robert McKinzie urged the commission to weigh the benefits of technology investment too, noting smaller projects could bring opportunities to the Broward Municipal Services District. Fisher expects the proposal back for a final vote next month, though it could slip to December.
Why it matters
Broward is following Palm Beach County, which already has a one-year ban running through September 2027. If you live in unincorporated Broward — including Broadview Park, Boulevard Gardens and Washington Park — the final vote will decide whether hyperscale AI facilities can be proposed near your neighborhood while the county writes permanent rules.
