# Florida data centre opposition could sway gubernatorial race

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/could-data-center-backlash-flip-florida/
- Published: 2026-11-02T15:05:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-02T15:13:13+00:00
- Original publisher: The Verge
- Original article: https://www.theverge.com/policy/1024357/florida-governors-race-donalds-jolly-data-centers
- Topics: Art, Culture, Elections, Government, Politics, Research, Science

## Key points

- Data centres are emerging as an issue in Florida’s governor’s race.
- Donalds backs development; Jolly pledges a one-year pause.
- Opposition may draw some Republican voters towards Jolly.

## Summary

Florida Republican gubernatorial nominee Byron Donalds faces opposition from some voters in his own party over his support for data centres. His Democratic rival, David Jolly, is seeking to win over those voters by promising a one-year pause on new developments, making the issue a possible factor in a closer-than-expected race.

Donalds has received $148 million in campaign funds, much of it from the tech industry, and has said Florida should welcome data-centre developers. Jolly cites concerns including pollution, health effects, water use and facilities becoming obsolete; Donalds points to a bill requiring projects to pay their fair share for water and electricity, and says local governments have authority over siting. A poll cited in the article found 68 per cent of Floridians oppose data centres in their communities.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.