Marion County to hold workshop on how to handle future data center proposals

MARION COUNTY, Fla. (WCJB) - The conversation about large-scale data centers is growing across North-Central Florida, and Marion County commissioners are moving to prepare for any future proposals.

After Tuesday’s board meeting, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved holding a public workshop Sept. 1 to discuss how the county should approach potential data center developments.

County leaders said they want to get ahead of the issue, while residents said they want to ensure they have a voice before any decisions are made.

Commission Chair Carl Zalak said the workshop is intended to bring in experts in planning, engineering and permitting to explain what data centers could mean for Marion County.

“I don’t care whatever comes to Marion County or somebody applies to because I believe in property rights — people have the right to apply for something,” Zalak said. “But I want to make sure that legally we are in the best defensive position to always make sure that the citizens and the community of Marion County come first and to make sure that we continue to prosper.”

County leaders emphasized they are not taking a position on data centers at this time. They said the September workshop is meant to educate both commissioners and the public before any proposal is brought forward.

The discussion comes as other counties in the region consider how to regulate the growing industry.

In Alachua County, large-scale data centers are not allowed under the county’s land development code. Clay and Levy counties have approved moratoriums.

The Marion County discussion also follows the passage of Senate Bill 484, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The bill preserves local governments’ zoning authority over data centers while establishing statewide standards for issues including utility cost allocation and the use of reclaimed water for cooling.

Residents who spoke to commissioners said they share county leaders stated goal of protecting Marion County’s future, but they want more transparency about how commissioners are approaching the issue.

E.J. Nieves, an Ocala resident, said leaders should consider whether new development benefits the community.

“We have to take into consideration what is for the betterment,” Nieves said. “Is whatever we’re building for the betterment of our city, our county, and the people that live within that city, county, etc.”

Commissioners said if the county ever considers data centers, there would be multiple additional opportunities for public input, including two public hearings and a land development regulation meeting.

Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.