Pinellas County FL large data center ban resolution (2026)

Pinellas County, Fla. Board of County Commissioners — resolution adopted Thursday, September 24, 2026 'reinforcing the County's existing prohibition on standalone, large-scale data centers in the unincorporated county' (county news release). BASIS: large-scale data centers are not a listed permitted use under the land development code; the resolution makes the policy explicit and cites recent Florida legislation recognizing that data centers and other large-load customers create unique planning, infrastructure and land-use compatibility concerns. FINDINGS: limited remaining land for development and redevelopment; substantial electricity and water use, heat and noise could outweigh benefits. CARVE-OUT: ancillary data systems supporting otherwise permitted uses (e.g., hospitals, universities) may still be permitted. BACKGROUND (St Pete Catalyst, Aug. 2026): on County Attorney Jewel White's advice the commission chose a resolution over a moratorium, because a moratorium on a use the code does not allow could imply it is allowed. A resolution does not amend the land development code. Not to be confused with Pinellas Park FL one-year data center moratorium (2026) (City of Pinellas Park). NOT ESTABLISHED: resolution number, vote count. Effective date of the resolution itself not stated; the underlying prohibition (not a listed permitted use) is already in force.