Source: Orlando Weekly

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed SB 484 into law on May 10, 2026, at Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland, directing the Florida Public Service Commission to adopt tariffs and service requirements that “reasonably ensure that each large load customer bears its own full cost of service” so costs from hyper-scale AI data centers are not shifted to general ratepayers. The law is tied to DeSantis’s broader effort to regulate AI; a separate proposal focused on consumer protections did not secure legislative approval during the regular or special sessions referenced in the piece.

The statute reinforces local governments’ authority to refuse data center construction in their jurisdictions while also permitting city and county governments to enter into non-disclosure agreements with tech companies for up to 12 months, temporarily concealing proposals from public view. Lawmakers and witnesses debated energy and water impacts, with business lobbying groups arguing the centers may be overregulated compared with other large industrial users, and Sen. Bryan Avila citing concerns about rate increases seen in other states; the DeSantis administration also criticized a proposed 4.4 million sq. ft. Fort Meade center for its anticipated heavy water use.