Lakeland data center moratorium approved

On August 3, 2026, the Lakeland City Commission voted 4-3 to approve a one-year moratorium on new data centers and large-scale industrial developments with a peak electrical load of 50 megawatts or more. The moratorium, which took effect immediately, was prompted by public concern over 'Project Swan,' a proposed 600,000-square-foot data center by Ryan. near Old Tampa Highway and Wilkinson Road. During the pause, city staff will study potential guidelines for data center development, and Lakeland, Florida will draft policies for large power users. The moratorium exempts server rooms and computer systems that support a business's primary purpose, such as hospital data storage, but prohibits expansion of existing data centers like Cologix. Commissioners Stephanie Luo, Mike Musick, and Ashley Troutman voted against the measure, arguing the language was too broad and could hinder smaller data center projects. The moratorium can be lifted early if studies are completed sooner. The decision follows Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signing SB 484, which sets state-level requirements for data centers but does not apply to municipally owned Lakeland, Florida.