Commercial and industrial electricity prices continued to climb in May, strengthening the case for businesses to scrutinize utility bills, rate classifications, usage patterns and peak-demand charges.

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.