Florida Senate Panel Sends Data Center Regulation, Records Exemption Bills to Rules Committee

Overview

• SB 484 and SB 1118 cleared the Senate Community Affairs Committee and now await consideration in the Senate Rules Committee, with the House yet to move a companion bill.
• SB 484 directs the Public Service Commission to set tariffs and service rules ensuring large load customers pay their full cost of electric service, a move backed unanimously in committee.
• The measure establishes a water‑permitting framework for large data centers, including use of reclaimed water where feasible and public hearings for major allocations or modifications.
• An amendment to SB 484 bans utilities from splitting large users’ bills to evade cost rules, authorizes service interruptions for reliability or safety risks, bars serving foreign‑controlled large loads, and voids nondisclosure agreements by public agencies on proposed projects.
• SB 1118 would keep prospective data‑center plans confidential for up to 12 months and protect proprietary business information with a sunset in October 2031, drawing support from consumer and county groups and sharp criticism from Sen. Jason Pizzo and business advocates over transparency and overreach.