Florida is emerging as one of the most promising new frontiers for data center growth — combining power availability, policy alignment, and strategic geography in ways that mirror the early success of Northern Virginia.
In this episode of The Data Center Frontier Show, Editor-in-Chief Matt Vincent sits down with Buddy Rizer, Executive Director of Loudoun County Economic Development, and Lila Jaber, Founder of the Florida’s Women in Energy Leadership Forum and former Chair of the Florida Public Service Commission. Together, they explore how Florida is building the foundation for large-scale digital infrastructure and AI data center investment.
Episode Highlights:
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Energy Advantage: While Loudoun County faces a 600-megawatt deficit and rising demand, Florida enjoys excess generation capacity, proactive utilities, and growing renewable integration. Utilities like FPL and Duke Energy are preparing for hyperscale and AI-driven loads with new tariff structures and grid-hardening investments.
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Tax Incentives & Workforce: Florida’s extended data center sales tax exemption through 2037 and its raised 100-megawatt IT load threshold signal a commitment to hyperscale development. The state’s universities and workforce programs are aligned with this tech growth, producing top talent in engineering and applied sciences.
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Strategic Location: As a digital gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, Florida’s connectivity advantage—especially around Miami—is attracting hyperscale and AI operators looking to expand globally.
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Market Outlook: Industry insiders predict that within the next year, a major data center player will establish a significant footprint in Florida. Multiple campuses are expected to follow, driven by the state’s power resilience, policy stability, and collaborative approach between utilities, developers, and government leaders.
Why It Matters:
Florida’s combination of energy abundance, policy foresight, and strategic geography positions it as the next great growth market for digital infrastructure and AI-ready data centers in North America.
