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.
Leon County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Mixed Data Center Policies
Leon County has enacted an 18-month pause on applications for large-load facilities, including large data centers, but it applies only in unincorporated areas and has a limited hurricane-damage exception.
Rating from Florida statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Leon County.
Specific to Leon County only.
current law · Unincorporated areasPauses the acceptance, review, and approval of applications for large-scale data centers in unincorporated Leon County for 18 months, except for certain properties with documented hurricane damage.Leon County large-load customer facilities moratorium ordinance (2026)
What this means
The ordinance would pause acceptance, review, and approval of applications for large-load facilities, including large-scale data centers, for 18 months—making new projects substantially harder to start during that period (18-month moratorium). It would apply only in unincorporated Leon County, with a limited hurricane-damage exception, so it is not a countywide or permanent ban (scope and exception).
Timing
Official adoption motion confirms an 18-month term. Adopted ordinance attachment not obtained; commencement and precise sunset remain unverified. Staff describes an exemption for documented Hurricane Debby or Helene damage, which does not grant development approvals or create development rights. Final exception language remains unverified; no expiration date is inferred from adoption.
People behind it
- Commissioner Welch
Moves adoption at the October 13 hearing.
- Vice Chairman O’Keefe
Seconds the adoption motion.
- Commissioner Proctor
Requests extending the proposed moratorium to 18 months.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements2
The adopted motion establishes an 18-month moratorium on large-load customer facilities, including large-scale data centers.
The final-hearing staff report describes pausing acceptance, review or approval of development-permit, development-order, rezoning and site-plan applications, only within unincorporated Leon County. Precise operative wording awaits the adopted ordinance.
Sources
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