Frank Russo Unveils Florida Data Center Community Responsibility Act
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla., Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida gubernatorial candidate Frank J. Russo today unveiled the Florida Data Center Community Responsibility Act, a plan to welcome technology and AI investment to Florida while ensuring data centers pay their own way, protect the state's natural resources, and deliver real benefits to the communities where they operate.
"I am not against data centers. I am against Florida families paying for them," Russo said. "Bring the investment. Bring the innovation. Bring the jobs. But do not bring higher electric bills and expect Florida families to pick up the tab."
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 plan is designed to address those impacts before rapid expansion creates larger problems for Florida communities.
"This is pretty simple," Russo said. "I have spent 40 years in business. If your company creates a cost, your company pays that cost. You do not hand the bill to somebody else. Data centers should play by the same rules."
Russo said Florida should compete aggressively for technology investment and position itself as a national leader in AI and innovation - but not by giving highly profitable companies taxpayer-funded advantages while families and small businesses absorb the costs.
"I want Florida to win the AI race," Russo said. "But winning does not mean giving billion-dollar companies a blank check. We can be pro-business, pro-innovation and pro-Florida family at the same time."
THE PLAN
Russo's Florida Data Center Community Responsibility Act is built around five principles:
- Community Responsibility Tax - Establish a statewide charge on large data center operations based on electrical capacity, so facilities with the largest footprints contribute proportionately to the communities and infrastructure supporting them.
- Host-Community Fund - Return revenue directly to the cities and counties hosting data centers for local priorities including roads, water infrastructure, parks, baseball fields, Boys and Girls Clubs and other community needs. The money would stay in the communities generating it rather than disappearing into general government spending.
- Five-Year Modernization Deadline - Give existing data centers five years to upgrade to modern, water- and energy-efficient technology, with annual progress requirements and consequences for facilities that fail to comply.
- Energy Self-Sufficiency - Require new and upgraded facilities to move toward providing their own power rather than placing additional strain on Florida's public grid and potentially driving up electric bills for families and small businesses.
- End Taxpayer Subsidies - Review and eliminate existing state tax credits and incentives for data centers, ending taxpayer-funded subsidies to a highly profitable industry.
"I believe in business. I believe in competition. And I want companies investing in Florida," Russo said. "But good business means paying your own way. Florida taxpayers should not be subsidizing a profitable industry while wondering whether their own electric bill is going up because of it."
MAKE SURE COMMUNITIES BENEFIT
A central piece of Russo's proposal is ensuring communities hosting data centers receive a direct benefit from their presence.
Under the plan, revenue generated through the Community Responsibility Tax would go back to the cities and counties hosting these facilities and be dedicated to tangible local needs.
"If you are going to build a massive facility in a Florida community, use its power, use its water and put additional pressure on its infrastructure, then you have a responsibility to that community," Russo said. "Fix the roads. Invest in the water system. Support the Boys and Girls Club. Build the baseball field. Let people actually see what their community is getting in return."
Russo said the revenue would be publicly tracked and subject to independent audits to prevent politicians from redirecting the money toward unrelated priorities.
"No blank checks. No political slush funds," Russo said. "If a dollar comes in because of a data center in your community, you should be able to see where that dollar went."
TWO PATHS FORWARD
Under the Florida Constitution, new state taxes generally require approval from two-thirds of both chambers of the Legislature. Russo said his first choice would be to work with lawmakers from both parties 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 bring everybody to the table and get it done," Russo said. "Republicans, Democrats, local leaders, the industry - everybody. Look at the facts and do what is right for Florida."
"But if Tallahassee will not deal with it, let the people decide. I trust Floridians to decide what is best for their communities and their families."
TECHNOLOGY MUST SERVE HUMANITY
Russo said his proposal is ultimately about ensuring Florida can embrace the next generation of technology without sacrificing the people and communities that have made the state successful.
"Technology must serve humanity - not the other way around," Russo said. "I want Florida leading in AI. I want the investment. I want the jobs. But I am not willing to trade away our water, overload our power grid or make life more expensive for Florida families to get them."
"We can grow and protect our communities at the same time. That is what responsible leadership looks like, and that is what I will demand as Governor."
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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