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Hendry expected to halt data center proposals until it updates code to reflect state law
By Eileen Kelley
August 24, 2026 at 8:20 PM EDT
Driven by the artificial intelligence boom, counties and municipalities throughout Florida have enacted temporary moratoriums or zoning freezes on large-scale AI data centers.
Locally, there are moratoriums in Sarasota and DeSoto counties. One more may be added to the mix now that a new law enacted in July gives local governments authority over planning and land development regulations for hyper-scale data centers.
Hendry County is expected to join the dozen local governments that are hitting the pause button on such centers.
The pauses are due to growing concern about water and electricity use. Commissioners will hear about shelving data-center proposals until a clear framework for their development is formed, based on size and environmental impact.
The board of commissioners meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
WGCU is your trusted source for news and information in Southwest Florida. We are a nonprofit public service, and your support is more critical than ever. Keep public media strong and donate now. Thank you.
Locally, there are moratoriums in Sarasota and DeSoto counties. One more may be added to the mix now that a new law enacted in July gives local governments authority over planning and land development regulations for hyper-scale data centers.
Hendry County is expected to join the dozen local governments that are hitting the pause button on such centers.
The pauses are due to growing concern about water and electricity use. Commissioners will hear about shelving data-center proposals until a clear framework for their development is formed, based on size and environmental impact.
The board of commissioners meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
WGCU is your trusted source for news and information in Southwest Florida. We are a nonprofit public service, and your support is more critical than ever. Keep public media strong and donate now. Thank you.