NewsWUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)August 4, 2026Hillsborough
Manatee County Board of County Commissioners approves data center moratorium
The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to pause all new data center development. The board also directed county staff to evaluate and potentially revise the existing land development code regarding these facilities.
Read the full story at WUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)Why It Matters
This halts new data center projects in Manatee County while officials review zoning regulations, impacting property owners and developers interested in the sector.
Key Facts
- The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to implement a moratorium on data centers.
- The vote took place during a meeting on July 28.
- County staff are directed to review and potentially update the land development code as a result of the vote.
- Manatee County is joining Hernando and Pasco counties in restricting data center development.
Who's Mentioned
organizationMicrosoft“Company that utilizes hyperscale data centers.”personByron Donalds“Republican gubernatorial candidate who opposes statewide moratoriums.”locationManatee County“The local government enacting the moratorium.”personAmanda Ballard“Manatee County Commissioner who presented a moratorium proposal.”organizationMeta“Company that utilizes hyperscale data centers.”personTal Siddique“Manatee County Commissioner who presented a moratorium proposal.”personBob McCann“Manatee County Commissioner who presented a moratorium proposal.”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 that utilizes hyperscale data centers.”organizationManatee County Board of County Commissioners“The governing body that voted for the moratorium.”