07/29/2026
There's been a lot of discussion lately about AI data centers in Sarasota County, especially after the County Commission voted to pause new applications for a year.
I realized I didn't know much about large-scale date centers, so I spent days researching the topic. I watched the entire County Commission meeting, read Florida's new data center law, reviewed industry reports, academic research, and looked at what's happening in communities across Florida and the country.
A few things surprised me:
• Some AI data centers can use millions of gallons of water per day, depending on their size and cooling system.
• The largest facilities can draw as much electricity as a small city.
• Some Florida communities are welcoming them, while others have adopted temporary moratoriums to study potential impacts before making long-term decisions.
• Sarasota County currently has no application for a large-scale data center. The recent vote was to temporarily pause applications while staff reviews the county's zoning rules and Comprehensive Plan.
Whether you're for them, against them, or just curious, I tried to put together an objective overview of what these facilities are, why they're expanding so quickly, what Florida's new law does, what the Sarasota vote actually means, and the potential benefits and concerns being debated around the country.
After researching the topic, my own view is that Sarasota County is not ready for one of these large-scale AI data centers. I think the commissioners made the right decision by pressing pause while they evaluate the potential impacts on water, energy, land use, and quality of life. If, over time, the technology becomes significantly more efficient and there is stronger evidence that these facilities can operate without creating unacceptable environmental or community impacts, then maybe? But based on what we know today, I don't believe Sarasota is the right place for a hyperscale data center.
Read it here:
Learn what hyper-scale data centers are, why AI is driving rapid growth, how Florida communities are responding, and what Sarasota County's moratorium means.
