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.
Pinellas County
Strongly Anti-Data Center Policies
Pinellas County effectively bars standalone, large-scale data centers in unincorporated areas, including new development and expansion. Data systems supporting otherwise permitted uses, such as hospitals or universities, are not barred.
current law · Unincorporated areasProhibits standalone, large-scale data centers in unincorporated Pinellas County, while allowing data systems that support otherwise permitted uses such as hospitals or universities.Pinellas County Land Development Code, Chapter 138—standalone large-scale data-center permitted-use provisions
What this means
The measure reinforces a prohibition on standalone, large-scale data centers in unincorporated Pinellas County, so building or expanding those facilities there is effectively barred. It does not bar data systems supporting otherwise permitted uses, such as hospitals or universities.
People behind it
- Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners
Adopted the resolution reinforcing the prohibition on standalone, large-scale data centers in unincorporated Pinellas County.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Standalone, large-scale data centers are prohibited in unincorporated Pinellas County because they are not listed as a permitted use under the County’s land development code. Data systems supporting otherwise permitted uses, such as hospitals or universities, may still be allowed.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
Data systems that support otherwise permitted uses, such as hospitals or universities, may continue to be permitted under county regulations; the allowance does not apply to standalone large-scale data centers.
Sources
current law · Unincorporated areasReaffirms the ban on standalone, large-scale data centers in unincorporated Pinellas County while allowing data systems that support otherwise permitted uses, such as hospitals and universities.Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners Resolution reinforcing prohibition on standalone large-scale data centers (2026)
What this means
For standalone large-scale data centers in unincorporated Pinellas, the measure reinforces an existing prohibition, effectively barring new development in that scope. It does not cover data systems supporting otherwise permitted uses, such as hospitals or universities.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Standalone, large-scale data centers are prohibited in unincorporated Pinellas County because they are not listed as a permitted land use; data systems that support otherwise permitted uses, such as hospitals or universities, are exempt.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
Data systems that support otherwise permitted uses, such as hospitals or universities, may continue to be permitted under County regulations; the restriction applies to standalone, large-scale data centers in unincorporated Pinellas County.
Sources
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