(PENSACOLA) --- Escambia County Attorney Alison Rodgers released the ordinance on data centers that does not include a ban.
Instead of a ban, the county drafted a resolution stating data centers are "not an appropriate form of development" in unincorporated Escambia County. The move comes ahead of the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners meeting scheduled for July 23, where data centers are on the agenda.
OpGov.News reached out to Escambia County Commissioner Steve Stroberger, District 1, and spoke with his aide, Hassan Hill. Hill reiterated the resolution.
“The land development code does not allow data centers," Hill said. “There is no interest from the County in data centers.”
The resolution does not change the Land Development Code.
It states that under the current code, data centers are not listed as a permitted or conditional use in any zoning district. The language cites public concern and infrastructure impacts as the basis for the board’s position.
County staff found that data centers require major resources. The document notes facilities may need "extraordinary electrical capacity, significant water resources, expanded wastewater capacity, substantial utility infrastructure, and transmission improvements" while creating "comparatively few permanent employment opportunities."
The resolution also states: "The Board recognizes that the Escambia County Land Development Code authorizes only those principal uses identified as permitted or conditional within each zoning district and that data center facilities are not identified as a permitted or conditional principal use in any zoning district."
It also states the board finds that no amendment to the Land Development Code is presently necessary. It concludes: "The Board further memorializes its position that data center facilities are not an appropriate form of development within the unincorporated area of Escambia County.
The resolution is not a code amendment and does not create new enforcement. It is a formal statement of the board’s position. Because data centers are not currently listed as an allowed use, the county argues no code change is needed to prevent them.
That distinction matters to residents who asked for a ban. A ban would amend the code to prohibit data centers outright. A resolution expresses intent but does not add new restrictions.
This response follows weeks of residents organizing protests, even in heavy rain, to oppose data center proposals. The first protest detailed concerns about water use and transparency. A second protest brought more residents out, calling for a full ban on large, medium, and small facilities.
Francesca Yabraian, candidate for Florida House District 1, said residents will "not allow big tech to move into our community; we want a ban on all data centers in Escambia County."
“I am fighting for and alongside the people in my district to protect the community from this devastation," Yabraian said, adding she encourages residents to do the same.
Petition organizer Brandy Johnson said the resolution is an insult to the public's intelligence.
“We are looking for an ordinance to be written into law; we are not willing to accept anything less," Johnson said. “I hope this very resolution is what inspires the community to show up and speak out at the next Board of County Commissioners meeting.”
(Photo: June Escambia County Board of Commissioners was packed with dozens of protesters against the data center here)
The Board will consider the resolution at its July 23 meeting at 5:30 p.m., with public comment at 4:30 p.m.
The debate in Escambia mirrors discussions in other Florida communities. The City of Pensacola has also scheduled a July 16 public hearing on a proposed moratorium on large-load data centers. That proposal would pause facilities with 50 megawatts or more while staff conduct a review.
For now, Escambia County maintains that the Land Development Code contains no language that is inclusive of data centers; therefore, the ban is unnecessary.
(Photo: Ordinance approved by the Escambia County Legal Department on Tuesday, July 14, which goes into effect upon adoption at the July 23 meeting)
To add to or correct any information in this report, please get in touch with me at c.wimer@lead4earth.org
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