While communities across Florida continue pushing back against massive AI data centers, experts say Miami-Dade's smaller projects are unlikely to create the same environmental and infrastructure concerns. Even so, residents and advocates are calling for greater transparency as new facilities move forward.

Florida's new law regulating large-scale data centers is now in effect, but lawmakers from both parties say more work is needed. While the legislation includes consumer protections and allows local governments to reject proposed data centers, critics argue it does not go far enough in addressing transparency, energy use, water consumption, and the broader impact of AI infrastructure on Florida communities.

Rising electricity bills are prompting two Florida cities to consider whether to continue long-term agreements with Duke Energy or explore creating municipal utilities.

The next stop in the FPL bid for final acceptance of the $7 billion rate hike will be at the Florida Supreme Court. The challenge, led by the Office of Public Counsel, raised five objections to the Florida Public Service Commission's original decision to reconsider its November 2025 approval of the hike. Criticism from opponents argue the Commission failed to adequately scrutinize FPL’s proposal.