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.
Manatee County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Mixed Data Center Policies
Manatee County’s 12-month moratorium blocks new data-center-related permit and site-plan applications in unincorporated areas, but does not permanently ban facilities or affect existing operations.
Rating from Florida statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Manatee County.
Specific to Manatee County only.
current law · Unincorporated areasPauses acceptance of new development applications for data centers and other large-load facilities in unincorporated Manatee County for up to 12 months.Manatee County Ordinance 26-42 (2026)
What this means
For 12 months, the measure would stop new data-center-related development applications in unincorporated Manatee County, including permit and site-plan applications; that would make building or expanding facilities there substantially harder. It does not permanently ban data centers or address existing operations. The moratorium will remain in place for 12 months.
Timing
- Ends
- twelve (12) months, or until repealed by the Board, whichever occurs first
The Board may extend the moratorium by resolution to the extent permitted by law, including beyond twelve months if approved by majority vote and supported by a legislative determination that an extension is in the best interests of Manatee County citizens.
People behind it
- Manatee County Board of County Commissioners
Directed development of the temporary moratorium and adopted Ordinance 26-42.
- Manatee County Development Services Department
Prepared the proposed measure and was assigned to research the issue and develop potential regulatory amendments.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements2
A 12-month moratorium bars the submission and acceptance of new applications for building permits, site plans, development orders, development agreements, special permit uses, rezonings, and Comprehensive Plan amendments related to data centers, large-scale data centers, and other large-load facilities in unincorporated Manatee County (temporarily stop accepting new applications).
The moratorium lasts 12 months or until the Board repeals it, whichever occurs first; the Board may extend it by resolution as permitted by law, including beyond 12 months if approved by a majority vote (remain in place for 12 months).
Sources
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