During the Florida House’s “AI Week,” state lawmakers were informed about the potential for significant growth in the state’s infrastructure for artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. Currently, Florida lacks large-scale AI data facilities similar to those in states like Virginia and Iowa, but discussions indicate that this could change in the near future.
Christopher Maier, who leads a team at Cielo Digital Infrastructure responsible for selecting data center sites, shared insights with lawmakers. He addressed concerns regarding Florida’s vulnerability to hurricanes, stating, “It was always a misperception about hurricanes and the impact of storms in Florida. I think we’ve done a really good job of positioning ourselves to overcome that.” He emphasized that improvements in the utilities sector have made Florida’s infrastructure more resilient compared to other parts of the country.
If data centers do begin to establish operations in Florida, measures are in place to protect existing utility rate payers. Tiffany Cohen from Florida Power & Light (FPL) explained that state regulators have recently approved a tariff allowing the utility to charge high energy users upfront for their energy needs and infrastructure upgrades. “They outline the costs, the requirements and the commitments up front,” Cohen noted, “giving data center operators the certainty they need to make long-term investments, and at the same time, they protect existing customers.”
Concerns regarding environmental impacts, particularly in relation to energy consumption and pollution, are at the forefront of discussions about data centers. Cohen reported that data center operators are actively working to enhance their efficiency to mitigate potential harm. “I think really what we’re seeing is, is the industry really lean in on concerns about environmental impacts and do what they can to mitigate those,” she stated.
National opposition to data center construction has surged, with over 200 organizations advocating for a halt to new developments across the country. The energy consumption of data centers is significant; they accounted for nearly 5% of total energy use in the U.S. in 2023, a figure projected to triple by 2028, according to a report from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
As Florida positions itself for potential growth in the AI data sector, the balance between environmental responsibility and infrastructure development remains a crucial talking point. The state’s strategy could not only reshape its energy landscape but also influence how data centers operate nationwide in the years to come.
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