Frank Russo Challenges Mark Zuckerberg to Put $250 Million Toward Protecting Florida's Water
Florida gubernatorial candidate calls on Zuckerberg to help raise $1 billion more from Florida billionaires for data center modernization "If you're going to call Florida home, help protect it."
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla., Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida gubernatorial candidate Frank J. Russo today expanded his Florida Data Center Community Responsibility Act with a direct challenge to Meta founder and South Florida homeowner Mark Zuckerberg - personally commit $250 million and help raise another $1 billion from Florida's billionaire community to modernize data centers and protect the state's water and power infrastructure.
"Mark Zuckerberg built a $170 million home in Florida. If you're going to call Florida home, help protect it," Russo said. "I'm not asking him to write a check to Tallahassee. I'm asking him to lead. Put your name on it. Put your money where your home is. Get other people who have benefited enormously from technology to join you."
Russo is proposing a voluntary Florida Data Center Modernization Fund that would operate as a public trust outside government control. Zuckerberg would personally commit $250 million and lead an effort to raise an additional $1 billion from Florida billionaires in technology, finance and other industries.
The money would help existing Florida data centers modernize water and energy systems within five years - the same deadline included in Russo's broader data center proposal.
"This isn't anti-technology. It's pro-Florida," Russo said. "I want AI investment here. I want the jobs. I want Florida leading the next generation of technology. But Florida families should not have to subsidize that growth through higher electric bills, greater pressure on our water supply and taxpayer-funded incentives."
A PERSONAL CHALLENGE TO ZUCKERBERG
Zuckerberg recently purchased a South Florida home reportedly valued at approximately $170 million.
Russo said the challenge is not about criticizing wealth - it is about asking people who have benefited enormously from the technology economy and chosen Florida as their home to invest in protecting it.
"Rights come with responsibilities," Russo said. "If your family gets to enjoy our water, our beaches and our quality of life, then help us protect those things for the families who have been here for generations. That's not left or right. That's basic responsibility."
Russo, who spent more than 40 years in business, said that principle has shaped both his career and his campaign.
"I've spent decades in business. I believe in making money. I believe in competition. But good business means paying your own way," Russo said. "That applies to corporations, and it applies to billionaires."
FLORIDA FAMILIES SHOULD NOT PAY FOR THE AI BOOM
Russo has spent recent months visiting data center facilities across Florida and examining the industry's growing demands on the state's power grid, water supply and infrastructure.
His Florida Data Center Community Responsibility Act is built around five principles:
- Community Responsibility Tax - Large data centers would contribute based on electrical capacity so facilities with the largest footprints pay proportionately toward the communities and infrastructure supporting them.
- Host-Community Fund - Revenue generated from data centers would remain in the cities and counties hosting them and support local priorities including roads, water infrastructure, parks, baseball fields and Boys & Girls Clubs.
- Five-Year Modernization Deadline - Existing facilities would have five years to upgrade to modern, water- and energy-efficient technology, with annual progress requirements.
- Energy Self-Sufficiency - New and upgraded facilities would move toward providing their own power instead of placing additional strain on Florida's public grid and electric customers.
- End Taxpayer Subsidies - Existing state tax credits and incentives for data centers would be reviewed and eliminated so Florida taxpayers are not subsidizing a highly profitable industry.
"Bring the investment. Bring the innovation. Bring the jobs," Russo said. "But don't bring higher electric bills and expect Florida families to pick up the tab."
IF TALLAHASSEE WON'T ACT, LET FLORIDA VOTERS DECIDE
Russo said his first choice is to work with lawmakers from both parties, local governments and industry leaders to enact the proposal.
If Tallahassee refuses to act, Russo said he would pursue taking the issue directly to Florida voters through a ballot initiative.
"I would rather get Republicans, Democrats, local leaders and the industry around the same table and solve this," Russo said. "But if Tallahassee won't deal with it, let the people decide. Florida's water belongs to Floridians, and protecting it is not optional."
Russo said Florida should welcome technological growth without forcing families to choose between innovation and protecting the resources that make the state livable.
"Technology must serve humanity - not the other way around," Russo said. "I want Florida leading in AI. But I am not willing to trade away our water, overload our power grid or make life more expensive for Florida families to get there. We can grow and protect our communities at the same time."
Russo • Rodriguez 2026
The People's Choice. The Caring Capitalists. Humanity Over the Dollar.
About Frank J. Russo:
Frank J. Russo is a lifelong Floridian, entrepreneur, insurance executive, real estate developer, and humanitarian with more than 40 years of business leadership, including over 30 years in the insurance industry. Based in New Smyrna Beach, Russo is running for Governor to restore affordability, strengthen Florida's economy, and build a government focused on practical solutions that put Floridians first. For more information, or to volunteer or donate, visit Russo2026.com.
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SOURCE Frank J. Russo for Governor
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