Subject:
Title
Legislative Intent and Permission to Advertise an Ordinance Amend Amending Chapter 102, Article IV, Division 3 of the Brevard County Code of Ordinances to Exclude Data Centers from Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption/Abatement Eligibility
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Fiscal Impact:
N/A
Dept/Office:
District 1
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the Board of Commissioners approve the Statement of Legislative Intent below, direct staff to prepare an ordinance amending Chapter 102, Article IV, Division 3 of the Brevard County Code of Ordinances to add data centers to the list of businesses which are ineligible for economic development ad valorem tax exemption or abatement, and schedule and advertise the ordinance for public hearing.
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Summary Explanation and Background:
Statement of Legislative Intent: Chapter 102, Article IV, Division 3 of the Brevard County Code of Ordinances establishes the County's Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Program and defines eligibility criteria, including categories of businesses that are not eligible for incentives. This proposed amendment would add data centers to the list of ineligible uses.
Background: The County's incentive program is designed to attract and retain industries that provide substantial economic benefit, with particular emphasis on high-wage job creation, workforce participation, and long-term return on public investment. While data centers often involve significant capital investment, they typically generate a limited number of permanent jobs once operational. As a result, the cost per job created is comparatively high relative to other targeted industries.
Beyond employment considerations, data centers can place notable demands on public infrastructure. These facilities require substantial and continuous electrical capacity, may utilize significant water resources for cooling, and often occupy large parcels of land while generating limited secondary economic activity. This c...
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