Fishback Pledges to Block AI Data Center Construction in Florida

James Fishback announced he will block construction of AI data centers in Florida, citing the massive strain these facilities place on the state's electrical grid and the resulting cost increases for Florida families. "I've said I'm going to stop construction of any A.I. data center that threatens to jack up our electric bills," Fishback stated at a town hall in Orlando. "It's just common sense." AI data centers consume enormous amounts of electricity—sometimes as much as a small city—to power and cool the servers that run artificial intelligence systems. As tech companies race to build these facilities, communities across America are seeing their power bills spike. "The idea that we have to shoulder the burdens of what others are doing—there's a word for that," Fishback said. "It's called socialism." "Big Tech companies are making billions from AI. They should build their data centers somewhere else—not in Florida where our families are already struggling with the cost of living." The proposal is part of Fishback's broader affordability agenda, which focuses on reducing costs for Florida families rather than subsidizing corporate interests. "We won't subsidize Silicon Valley's ambitions at the expense of our families," Fishback concluded. "Florida is for Floridians." The policy has drawn support from consumer advocates and criticism from tech industry groups who argue that data centers bring jobs and investment.