Holmes County moves to restrict data‑center development, approves Safe Haven Baby Box contract

Holmes County commissioners approved a temporary moratorium on Tuesday, June 16 that pauses county approvals for large‑scale data centers and large‑load customer facilities in unincorporated areas of the county.

The ordinance temporarily prohibits the county from accepting, processing, reviewing, or issuing development applications, development orders, development permits, building permits, and other approvals related to those facilities.

County Attorney Nate Nolin said the measure was added as a safeguard while officials consider a proposed permanent ban. The moratorium would prevent artificial‑intelligence data centers from moving forward with approvals or permits while the permanent ban is under review or if any issue arises with the proposed ban.

The ordinance, listed as Ordinance No. 2026‑23, applies to large‑load customer facilities and all data centers within unincorporated Holmes County. It also directs county staff to review and prepare potential comprehensive‑plan and land‑development‑code amendments for commissioners to consider at a later date.

The ordinance includes findings, definitions, applicability, exceptions, vested‑rights, and hardship‑relief provisions. It also states the county action does not regulate matters under the jurisdiction of the Florida Public Service Commission.

Commissioners are expected to discuss the proposed permanent ban during a public hearing July 7. The Holmes County Planning Commission is scheduled to review the proposal June 23.

In other business, the board approved and signed a contract to place a Safe Haven Baby Box at the county’s new EMS station.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, safe‑haven laws allow parents or someone acting on a parent’s behalf to safely surrender an infant at designated locations while remaining anonymous. The laws are intended to ensure infants can be safely left in the care of individuals who can provide immediate assistance.

Sheriff John Tate said he would follow the board’s direction regarding oversight of the baby box.