Commission adopts ordinance making data centers ineligible for county ad-valorem tax abatement

The board voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance that would amend Brevard County Code to define "data center" (drawing on federal and state definitions) and to make data centers ineligible for the county economic-development ad valorem tax exemption program. "This has been hanging out since April — I'm glad to see it finally show up," said public commenter Rick Heffelfinger, who urged careful study and suggested a moratorium might be appropriate while county staff complete environmental and infrastructure analyses.

Public commenters listed other concerns including water use, electricity demand and potential future derelict properties; one speaker cited other Florida local governments that have imposed moratoria or bans. Staff told the board the ordinance corrects a prior codification issue and provides a clear definition to prevent future incentives for hyperscale data center projects. The motion to adopt the ordinance carried unanimously.