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NewsWUSF (NPR Tampa Bay) — PoliticsAugust 4, 2026Hillsborough

Manatee County Board of County Commissioners approves data center moratorium

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously on July 28 to implement a moratorium on new data center developments. The board also directed county staff to evaluate and potentially revise the existing land development code regarding these facilities.

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Why It Matters

This halts the approval of new data center projects in Manatee County while officials review zoning regulations, impacting developers and property owners interested in this sector.

Key Facts

  • The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to enact a moratorium on data centers.
  • The vote took place during a meeting on July 28.
  • The board directed county staff to review and potentially update the land development code.
  • Manatee County is joining Hernando and Pasco counties in implementing similar restrictions on data centers.

Who's Mentioned

organizationMicrosoft“Company using hyperscale facilities”personByron Donalds“Republican gubernatorial candidate”locationManatee County“Local government enacting the moratorium”personAmanda Ballard“Manatee County Commissioner”organizationMeta“Company using hyperscale facilities”personTal Siddique“Manatee County Commissioner”personBob McCann“Manatee County Commissioner”locationPasco“A neighboring county that has also taken action on data centers.”locationHernando“A neighboring county that has also taken action on data centers.”organizationGoogle“Company using hyperscale facilities”organizationManatee County Board of County Commissioners“The governing body that voted for the moratorium.”