SB 484 – Data Centers

On Tuesday, February 17, SB 484  by Senator Bryan Avila (R-Hialeah Gardens) was heard by the Senate Rules Committee and was reported favorably. AIF spoke for information only. 

Senate Bill 484 establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for large-scale data centers and other large electric load customers in Florida, focusing on transparency, local land-use authority, utility ratepayer protections, and water resource management. Additionally, the bill creates detailed permitting standards for large-scale data centers’ water use, emphasizing conservation, reclaimed water utilization, public hearings, and protection of Florida’s water resources. The bill also prohibits government agencies from entering into nondisclosure agreements that limit public disclosure of data center developments. 

SB 484 will now go to the Senate Floor for consideration. 

AIF supports most of the language throughout SB 484 as it sets reasonable guardrails and direction for the development of a data center in Florida. AIF does have concerns regarding a portion of the language limiting NDA use. NDA's, or Non-Disclosure Agreements, especially in the pre-development stages of large projects, are extremely important in protecting proprietary information. AIF will continue to work with the sponsor to improve the bill and continue to push pro-business policies for Florida. 

HB 691 - Agricultural Enclaves

On Tuesday, February 17, HB 691 by Representative Adam Botana (R-Bonita Springs) was heard by the House State Affairs Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation. 

HB 691 significantly expands and clarifies Florida’s agricultural enclave framework by creating a faster, more predictable pathway for certain agriculturally used parcels surrounded by development to transition to residential use, while limiting local government discretion. The bill allows qualifying landowners to seek certification as an agricultural enclave, imposes firm timelines on local governments to act, and provides automatic approval if deadlines are missed, along with judicial review if an application is denied.

HB 691 will now go to the House Floor for consideration.

AIF supports responsible growth by allowing limited, well-planned development on land surrounded by existing infrastructure to help ease the housing shortage in Florida.