The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
Gulf County
Mixed Data Center Policies
Florida’s rules require large data centers to cover their utility-service costs, and water permits may involve added planning and hearings that delay projects; utility service can be denied to some facilities. Qualifying large centers can receive sales-tax breaks, while separate access controls apply to the state’s own data center.
Rating and summary from Florida statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Gulf County.
Specific to Gulf County only.
pending · County measureTemporarily prohibits new AI data centers in Gulf County for one year while officials study their impacts and develop a policy.Gulf County Board of County Commissioners temporary moratorium on AI data centers (2026)
What this means
No binding legal effect verified; WMBB reports county staff will craft the moratorium. Proposed restriction only; adopted text not obtained.
Timing
Moratorium proposal only; adoption unverified. Proposed term: one year. Whether a binding restriction exists, whether it expires, and its commencement and expiration dates are unconfirmed. Do not calculate expiration from the drafting-direction vote.
People behind it
- Phil McCroan
Commissioner who moved to craft the moratorium.
- Randy Pridgeon
Commissioner who supported the motion.
- Jack Husband
Commissioner identified as the dissenting vote.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Proposed, not verified operative: a one-year moratorium concerning AI data centers. WJHG describes coverage of new AI data centers; adopted scope and exceptions remain unverified.
Sources
Data provided by Regbase · Cookie preferences · Report missing data