Pinellas Commission reinforces ban on large-scale data centers in unincorporated county

Pinellas Commission reinforces ban on large-scale data centers in unincorporated county

The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution Thursday reinforcing the County's existing prohibition on standalone, large-scale data centers in the unincorporated county.

Large-scale data centers are already prohibited under the County's land development code because they are not listed as a permitted use. The resolution makes that policy explicit while citing recent Florida legislation recognizing that data centers and other large-load customers can create unique planning, infrastructure and land-use compatibility concerns.

The Commission cited Pinellas County's limited remaining land for development and redevelopment, along with potential impacts from large-scale data centers, including substantial electricity and water use, heat and noise. The resolution states that those impacts could outweigh the benefits of allowing such facilities in unincorporated Pinellas County.

The resolution distinguishes standalone data centers from data systems that support otherwise permitted uses, such as hospitals or universities. Those ancillary uses may continue to be permitted under County regulations.