Citrus County commissioners are preparing to hear a proposal for a large artificial intelligence data center, but say they want local guidelines established before any project moves forward.

The proposal involves the development of an AI data center on roughly 800 acres near County Road 491 and Tram Road in the Lecanto area. Commissioners are seeking to set new standards for such facilities before engaging in further discussions about bringing one to the county.

The debate is also playing out at the state level. Florida lawmakers have approved SB 484, which would impose stricter regulations on new data centers — including public disclosure requirements — due to their high demand for water, energy, and other resources. The bill would also restrict the construction of data centers near large residential areas and schools.

The broader push comes as tech companies race to build infrastructure to support the growing demand for AI products. Data centers can require more power than a small city, and the surge in electricity demand can ripple through local utility rates.

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