Balancing act: Bills to both regulate, promote AI data centers in Florida advance to final committee

By Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix

Florida state Sen. Bryan Avila acknowledges his pair of AI bills present a quandary: Attempt to regulate data centers enough that they don’t harm the environment, but not too much that they’re not built within the state.

And although the Miami Republican believes he’s struck the right balance with SB 484 and SB 1118, he told the Senate Community Affairs Committee Tuesday afternoon, he’ll also have to span the widening AI policy rift between President Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Republicans who have taken nearly opposite stances on the rapidly growing artificial intelligence industry.

“It’s important that we have some parameters in place to protect these natural resources, especially as it pertains to water, but also maintain that balance with being a leader in technology,” Avila said. “We want to maintain that we are at the forefront of technological advances, but … we want to make sure we also strike that balance and make sure that we protect our ratepayers from higher electricity costs.”

SB 484 would require Florida’s Public Service Commission to ensure big customers — like data centers — pay for their own utilities, not the general body of ratepayers. It also would retain local governments’ authority to regulate land development with respect to large-load customers.

And although the bill would prevent AI agencies from entering into non-disclosure agreements regarding potential data center developments, SB 1118 — controversially — ensures some secrecy remains. It envisions a one-year public records exemption for information relating to the plans, intentions or interests of an entity looking to build a data center.

Trump, DeSantis, AI

But Avila doesn’t just have to contend with business and environment with his legislation. He needs to balance Trump’s pro-AI stance with DeSantis’ acutely cautious position.

Although Trump has allied himself with tech lords like Elon…

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