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.
Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough County.
Specific to Hillsborough County only.
pending · Unincorporated areasDirects county staff to draft a moratorium on new AI data centers in unincorporated Hillsborough County, potentially taking effect after October 1, 2027.Hillsborough County proposed AI data center moratorium (2026)
What this means
The proposal would pause development of AI data centers in unincorporated Hillsborough County, making new projects there substantially harder. It also points toward future rules that could limit or prohibit county drinking water for cooling; the sources do not specify how long the pause would last.
Timing
The measure includes a proposed moratorium on development of A.I. data centers in unincorporated Hillsborough County. The source states that the ordinance would take effect after 2027-10-01 or upon the expiration of Florida Senate Bill 180, but it does not specify when the moratorium itself expires.
People behind it
- Board of County Commissioners
Directed staff to draft the ordinance imposing a moratorium on AI data center development and approved related draft ordinances.
- County staff
Responsible for drafting the AI data center moratorium ordinance and evaluating future land-use regulations.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements2
A proposed ordinance would impose a moratorium on developing AI data centers in unincorporated Hillsborough County. It would take effect after October 1, 2027, or when Florida Senate Bill 180 expires, whichever applies.
Future land-use regulations for AI data centers could limit or prohibit the use of County potable water for cooling.
Sources
Data provided by Regbase · Cookie preferences · Report missing data