Florida lawmakers advanced legislation Tuesday that would tighten oversight of large-scale data centers and other high-demand electricity users, unanimously approving a proposal aimed at increasing public transparency, protecting utility ratepayers and strengthening state review of major power and water use projects.
The Florida Senate Regulated Industries Committee voted 8-0 to approve SB 484, which targets what the bill calls “large load customers,” including data centers expected to reach a monthly peak electric demand of 50 megawatts or more at a single location.
One of the bill’s central provisions would prohibit state and local government agencies from entering nondisclosure agreements that prevent public disclosure of information related to potential data center development projects. Agreements that violate the restriction would be void and unenforceable, and agencies could face civil penalties.
The measure also directs the Florida Public Service Commission to establish minimum tariff and service requirements for large load customers to ensure they pay the full cost of infrastructure and service needed to support their demand, rather than shifting those costs to the general body of ratepayers.
In addition, the bill would restrict utilities from providing electric service to certain foreign-controlled large load customers and would expand permitting requirements for “large-scale data centers” seeking high-volume water withdrawals, including reclaimed water use requirements when feasible and mandatory hearings before permit approval.
If enacted, the measure would take effect July 1, 2026.
