The Governor’s Race: Two Different Approaches

Byron Donalds and David Jolly

The governor has a significant role in setting policy priorities, proposing legislation, signing or vetoing bills, directing executive agencies within the law, and shaping appointments. In the 2026 race, Republican Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly have publicly discussed AI and data-center development in different terms. The positions below are based on their public comments as reported by News4JAX in October 2026. They should be understood as candidates’ stated positions, not as enacted policy or guarantees of what an administration could accomplish unilaterally.

David Jolly: A pause on hyperscale data-center development

Jolly has described himself as optimistic about AI’s potential while raising concerns about the pace and consequences of adoption. In an October 2026 interview, he emphasized potential job displacement, children’s privacy and the use of AI in classrooms. He argued that AI should assist teachers rather than replace them and suggested Florida may need retraining and worker-assistance programs if displacement occurs and the federal government does not adequately respond.

On data centers, Jolly proposed a moratorium on hyperscale development beginning on his first day in office. He has argued that the state should better understand potential public-health and environmental effects before allowing further development at that scale. The details of any moratorium would matter. Its legal and practical reach would depend on the facilities covered, the duration and exceptions, the treatment of projects already approved or under construction, and the authority available to the governor versus the Legislature and local governments. A campaign commitment alone does not resolve those questions.

Byron Donalds: Local siting authority and infrastructure safeguards

Donalds has taken a different approach. He has argued that local governments should retain the principal role in land-use and siting decisions, while the state focuses on ensuring that data centers do not increase utility bills and that existing water-use permitting requirements remain in place.

On AI more broadly, Donalds has emphasized that the technology is already being adopted and that policy should focus on protecting children, supporting parental authority, safeguarding name, image and likeness rights, and capturing economic opportunities. He has pointed to the potential for AI-related industries to support high-paying jobs. Donalds has also said he would release a state-commissioned study on data centers when it becomes available. That commitment provides a potential point of comparison for voters: what the study concludes, what actions follow, and whether state and local governments have sufficient information to assess the costs and benefits of new facilities.

What the contrast means

The candidates’ approaches reflect different starting points. Jolly has called for a pause on hyperscale data-center development while the state evaluates potential effects. Donalds has emphasized local siting decisions and safeguards involving utility costs and water, alongside continued development.

Neither position, standing alone, answers every legal or policy question. A moratorium would raise questions about scope, implementation and existing projects. A local-control approach would still require decisions about state standards, utility cost allocation, permitting, public disclosure and coordination among local governments and state agencies.

For Florida lawyers, businesses and local officials, the practical issues include:

• Who has authority to approve, restrict or pause a proposed facility?
• How are electricity-system costs allocated between large-load customers and other ratepayers?
• What environmental review and water-use permits apply?
• What public information should be available about proposed projects and their projected effects?
• What state legislation would be required to implement a candidate’s commitments?

The candidates’ publicly stated positions are summarized in News4JAX’s October 2026 comparison. Readers should consult the candidates’ current campaign materials and subsequent statements for any updates.