Florida Gov. DeSantis Signs Bill Requiring AI Data Centers to Cover Utility Costs
Gov. DeSantis signed a compromise bill requiring AI data centers to pay their own utility costs, though it allows companies to keep expansion plans secret for a year.
LAKELAND, FLORIDA — Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation Thursday requiring artificial intelligence data centers to pay for their own utilities rather than shifting those costs to Florida consumers, though the final bill was less comprehensive than what the governor originally sought.
DeSantis appeared at Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland alongside Florida Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly to sign SB 484 into law. The governor thanked state lawmakers for passing the measure despite its limitations compared to his initial proposal.
“Thanks to the folks in the Legislature for passing this. I think it’s good. I think it’ll make a difference. And I know a lot of people in Florida can breathe a sigh of relief, given what they’ve seen happen in other parts of the country,” DeSantis said during the signing ceremony.
Key Provisions of the New Law
The legislation places responsibility on Florida’s Public Service Commission to ensure data centers cover their own utility expenses without passing costs to consumers. The law also allows data centers planning to expand or relocate to Florida to keep their intentions confidential for up to one year through nondisclosure agreements with state agencies.
This secrecy provision represents a departure from DeSantis’s original vision. The governor had championed regulations to increase transparency and prevent AI companies from consuming Florida’s financial and environmental resources without oversight.
Legislative Compromise
While the Florida Senate supported the governor’s more expansive regulatory approach, the House of Representatives was not willing to approve the stricter measures DeSantis initially advocated. The final version represents a compromise between the two chambers.
The new law mandates that the Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability conduct a study of data center construction and operations. The office must submit its findings to the governor, Senate president, and House speaker by July 1, 2027.
The legislation continues to allow local governments to regulate land development related to data centers, maintaining existing municipal authority over zoning and planning decisions.
Background on Data Center Concerns
DeSantis had previously proposed what he called strict regulations as part of efforts to prevent AI companies from overwhelming Florida’s infrastructure. The governor expressed concerns about data centers’ potential impact on the state’s electrical grid and utility costs for ordinary consumers.
The signing ceremony took place as Florida continues to attract technology companies seeking favorable business climates. The new law attempts to balance economic development opportunities with consumer protection and transparency requirements.
SB 484 takes effect immediately, establishing new oversight mechanisms for an industry that has rapidly expanded across the United States. The legislation represents Florida’s effort to regulate AI data centers while still encouraging business investment in the state.
