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NewsSuncoast SearchlightJune 24, 2026DeSoto

DeSoto County Moves Toward One-Year Ban on New Data Centers

DeSoto County commissioners have voted to draft an ordinance that would pause the acceptance of new data center applications for one year. The proposed moratorium follows significant public opposition to a large-scale, gas-powered data center project currently under review.

zoningdata centersland useeconomic developmentlocal government
Read the full story at Suncoast Searchlight

Why It Matters

The proposed would prevent new data center applications from being filed for one year, though it would not stop projects already in the county's review process, such as the 800-acre DCIP Group complex.

Key Facts

  • DeSoto County commissioners voted unanimously to direct the county attorney to draft an ordinance for a one-year moratorium on new data center applications.
  • The proposed moratorium would not apply to projects already in the county's application pipeline.
  • A pending rezoning application for an 800-acre gas-powered data center complex by DCIP Group remains under review.
  • In March, commissioners previously approved a 34-acre rezoning request for an initial DCIP Group facility on Roan Street.
  • The county is currently reviewing the DCIP Group project under a 'Rapid Response' pilot program designed to accelerate economic development.
  • DCIP Group's proposed project could eventually span up to 1,300 acres.
  • DCIP Group CEO Jon Brown stated that daily water usage for the project could range from zero to 3 million gallons.
  • Four commissioners voted in favor of the moratorium; one commissioner recused himself.

Who's Mentioned

organizationDCIP Group“Company proposing a large-scale, gas-powered data center complex.”locationRoan Street“Site of a previously approved 34-acre data center facility.”personElton Langford“DeSoto County Commissioner.”organizationDeSoto County Commission“Local governing body responsible for zoning and land use decisions.”personJon Brown“CEO of DCIP Group.”personWilson Trilha“Chairman of DCIP Group.”personAlice Herman“Reporter for Suncoast Searchlight.”