The Florida Public Service Commission signed off on an agreement, which FPL negotiated with several business groups and large energy users. The deal includes base-rate hikes of $945 million in 2026 and $705 million in 2027, with additional charges in 2028 and 2029 tied to solar and battery-storage projects.

The draft ordinance proposes financial incentives for developers and homeowners, introducing a point-based system that awards reductions in building permit fees for incorporating environmentally friendly design features such as passive solar design, natural ventilation, and sustainable materials.

The settlement has drawn opposition from the state Office of Public Counsel—which by law represents consumers—as well as several consumer advocacy groups.

Data centers have become the physical backbone of the AI revolution—but their growth comes with complex trade-offs. As they reshape landscapes, communities, and natural resources, the question isn’t just how big this boom will get—but what it will cost.