Manatee County Commissioners Approve 12-Month Data Center Moratorium

BRADENTON — The Manatee County Commission approved a temporary, 12-month moratorium on new data center-related development applications in unincorporated Manatee County. 

The board adopted Ordinance 26-42 following its second and final public hearing Thursday. The temporary pause will give County staff time to evaluate how data centers, large-scale data centers and other large-load facilities should be addressed in the Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Code and other county regulations.  

Under the moratorium, the county will temporarily stop accepting new applications for building permits, site plans, development orders, development agreements, special permit uses, rezonings and Comprehensive Plan amendments related to these facilities in unincorporated Manatee County.  

“This gives us the opportunity to make sure we have the right rules in place if these facilities come through our development process,” said District 2 Commissioner Amanda Ballard. “Data centers can have significant infrastructure needs, and we want to understand those impacts and make thoughtful decisions about where, how, and if they fit into Manatee County.” 

Large-scale data centers can require substantial amounts of electricity and water to support continuous operations and cooling systems. County staff have also identified potential land-use considerations involving the size and location of facilities, compatibility with surrounding properties, noise, buffering and other impacts. Manatee County's existing Land Development Code does not currently define data centers, large-scale data centers or large-load customers as specific land uses.  

The moratorium does not mean data centers have been permanently prohibited in Manatee County. Instead, it temporarily pauses new applications while staff studies the issue and develops recommendations for the Board to consider. 

During the 12-month period, staff will evaluate potential changes that could establish where different types of data center facilities may be appropriate and address issues including: 

• Water and electricity demand;  

• Noise and potential impacts on neighboring properties;  

• Appropriate locations and compatible zoning districts;  

• Setbacks and buffers; and  

• Siting, design and other development standards.  

The county's action follows a new state law that took effect July 1. Chapter 2026-65 recognizes that data centers and other large-load customers can present unique planning, infrastructure and compatibility considerations and specifically preserves local governments' authority over comprehensive planning and land-development regulations for these facilities.  

Under state law, a large-scale data center generally means a location containing a data center with an anticipated monthly peak electrical load of at least 50 megawatts.  

The county's Business Impact Estimate found that no existing businesses are expected to be affected by the moratorium and identified no direct compliance costs or new fees for existing businesses.  

The BOCC first directed staff on July 28 to develop the temporary moratorium, with the motion passing 6-0. The Manatee County Planning Commission subsequently recommended approval 6-0 on Sept. 17.  

The moratorium will remain in place for 12 months or until repealed by the board, whichever occurs first. The Board may extend the moratorium as permitted by law if commissioners determine additional time is necessary.