Citrus County commissioners held a public hearing on Wednesday on a proposed temporary moratorium that would halt new zoning applications for artificial intelligence data centers in unincorporated parts of the county.
County leaders said the pause would give them time to study the potential impacts of the facilities before approving any future projects.
In recent weeks, residents have packed county meetings to voice concerns about the growing industry. Many worry about the large amounts of electricity and water required to operate AI data centers, as well as potential impacts on local aquifers, the power grid, and nearby property values.
Commissioner Diana Finegan said the temporary delay would allow county leaders to gather more community input and develop safeguards to protect residents before any development moves forward.
If approved, the moratorium could remain in place for up to one year while officials continue studying the issue.
The proposal reflects a growing tension in communities across Florida as the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure collides with local concerns over environmental and quality-of-life impacts.
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