Hernando County pauses data centers for one year

Hernando County, Florida, unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on data-center development, one of more than 20 Florida counties and municipalities reported to have discussed or passed such pauses. The Verge’s reporting from a local protest says organizers want a permanent ban, while statewide opposition now spans utility costs, water, noise, surveillance, and job displacement. For infrastructure planners following the widening political risk around AI power demand, county zoning and community consent now belong beside grid capacity in site-selection diligence.