- July 27, 2026
Volusia County officials are considering a temporary pause on new artificial intelligence data centers, directing staff to prepare a proposed six-month moratorium while the County Council studies how the rapidly expanding industry could affect water resources, utility infrastructure and environmentally sensitive areas.
The discussion took place during the County Council's July 21 meeting, where members emphasized that no AI data center projects are currently proposed in Volusia County. Instead, council members said the county should be proactive and develop policies before an application is submitted.
Councilman David Santiago said increasing national attention on AI data centers prompted him to suggest the county consider a temporary pause while officials gather more information.
"I think it's just getting so much more attention that I wanted to consider the thought process of — and I usually don't say these words — but a six-month moratorium on data centers in Volusia while we get an understanding of what the trends are and understanding what protocols we can put in place to protect our community," Santiago said.
Councilman Danny Robbins agreed that the county should base any future decisions on facts rather than speculation.
"There's a lot of misinformation," Robbins said. "We need factual information for the public. A lot of what I see is flashlight under the chin. I want to get by that. We want to deal in facts and not emotions."
Robbins said he was not aware of any AI data center proposals currently before the county, making this an appropriate time to study the issue before one arrives.
"I don't think there's been one proposed in Volusia," Robbins said. "But we do need to look at it and make sure if we do go forward ... my biggest concern was in accordance with our charter because there were water resources in our sensitive areas."
AI data centers have become a growing topic of discussion across the country because of their substantial electricity demands and, in many cases, the large volumes of water needed to cool computer servers. Council members said they want a better understanding of those impacts before considering any future projects in Volusia County.
Santiago said additional research since the topic was first raised has reinforced his belief that the county should take time to evaluate its options.
"I've had more opportunity to look into it more since we last talked," Santiago said. "I agree with you. There's information on both sides of this. But maybe it may be prudent to put a six months out there, give us time to make some wise decisions and if we have to make any changes to protect us."
County staff reminded council members that they had already requested information on data center regulations and that the issue was scheduled to return for discussion at an upcoming meeting.
Santiago said he wanted staff to go a step further by preparing a draft moratorium that council members could consider if they determine additional time is needed to study the issue.
"I want staff at that time to have prepared for us, if this council decides, a resolution ... for a six-month moratorium on that," Santiago said before making the motion.
The motion received unanimous support from the County Council.
The action does not immediately halt AI data center development in Volusia County. Instead, it directs county staff to return with information on the industry's potential impacts, possible regulations and a proposed six-month moratorium for the council's consideration at a future meeting.
If ultimately adopted, the moratorium would temporarily pause approvals for new AI data center projects while county officials evaluate whether additional development standards are needed to protect Volusia County's water resources, utility systems and environmentally sensitive lands.
