Local Governments Still Matter

State Requirements and Local Land Use

SB 484 expressly preserves local government authority over comprehensive planning and land development regulation involving large-load customers. The new statewide utility framework, therefore, does not create a statewide siting approval process that replaces local land-use regulation. Proposed facilities may still require consistency with the comprehensive plan, zoning, development orders, site-plan requirements, infrastructure conditions, and other local development regulations.

Local governments may continue to address data-center development through applicable comprehensive plans, zoning and land-development regulations, and other lawful development controls, subject to state and local law. For Florida land-use practitioners, the distinction is important: state law now establishes significant requirements concerning large loads and infrastructure, while local governments retain authority over land development.