What is a data center?

A data center is a physical room, building or facility that houses IT infrastructure for building, running and delivering applications and services. It also stores and manages the data associated with those applications and services.

Is there a data center application in North Port?

The City received a Site and Development Plan application for a data center and office project on the evening of July 20, 2026. This application is currently under review. In accordance with Florida Statutes 288.075(2)(a), the applicant requested confidentiality for the project through a non-disclosure agreement, which expires on August 28, 2026.

Why aren't there more details about this application?

The application is under an NDA, which is not uncommon in Florida. Under Florida State Statutes 228.075, records concerning a private business’s plans to locate, relocate or expand in the state are confidential and exempt from public disclosure upon a written request for confidentiality.

Is there a moratorium in place for data centers?

No. The City Commission is set to discuss this topic at an Aug. 31 Special Commission Meeting and the Sept. 8 Regular Meeting.

How can I learn more about data centers in North Port?

The City is holding a Commission Workshop on data centers on Sept. 3 at 6 p.m. Subject matter experts will present on what data centers are, the different types that exist, and the legal and procedural processes governing them in North Port.

How can I participate in the discussions?

Residents are encouraged to share their input as North Port considers data center development. You can make your voice heard by providing public comment at upcoming Commission meetings and workshops, or by completing the survey available on this page. Your feedback helps shape how the City approaches this important issue.

decorative background of technical equipment

Data Center Info

This page is a central resource for residents, businesses and stakeholders seeking information about data centers in our region. As this industry grows and evolves, we're committed to providing clear, accurate and accessible information to support informed public dialogue.

You'll find resources covering how data centers operate, their role in the local economy, land use and zoning, energy and water usage, environmental review and relevant local policies.

We present balanced, fact-based information and will update this page as new resources become available. We encourage you to explore these materials, ask questions, take the survey and stay engaged as our community considers this topic.

Help us shape the Sept. 3 workshop discussion

Open

Data Center Community Survey

Project:Data Center Info

Participate Now

FAQs

Previous data center Commission discussions

Upcoming meetings related to data centers

Aug 2026

Commission Special Meeting

The City Commission will work through the first reading of the data center moratorium ordinance.

6 p.m., Commission Chambers, 2nd floor of City Hall

Submit a public comment

Sep 2026

City Commission Workshop

This workshop focuses on providing more information to the City Commission and the public about data centers. Subject matter experts will be available to answer Commission questions.

6 p.m., Commission Chambers, 2nd floor of City Hall

Submit a public comment

Sep 2026

City Commission Meeting

The second reading of the data center moratorium ordinance will be voted on at this meeting. If a second reading is approved, that is the final decision.

10 a.m., Commission Chambers, 2nd floor of City Hall

Submit a public comment

Relevant State Legislature

Senate Bill 484

Florida Senate Bill 484, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 7, 2026, regulates large-scale data centers and protects everyday utility ratepayers from absorbing infrastructure costs, preserves local zoning and land-use control and sets strict environmental and water-use permit rules.

Senate Bill 180

Florida's Senate Bill 180 is an emergency response and land-use law that temporarily restricts local governments in disaster-declared areas from enacting construction moratoriums or burdensome development rules.

Bert Harris Act

The Bert Harris Act is a Florida State Statute that lets a property owner sue the government for money compensation when a law, rule or ordinance significantly restricts what they can do with their property — even if it's not a formal "taking" under the Constitution.