# Florida Gubernatorial Candidates Clash Over AI Regulation and Data Centers
*Byron Donalds and David Jolly outline diverging policies on technology, local control, and property tax relief ahead of the November election.*

- Medio: Orlando Ledger News (https://orlandoledgernews.com)
- URL: https://orlandoledgernews.com/noticia/florida-gubernatorial-candidates-clash-over-ai-regulation-and-data-centers
- Sección: Politics
- Autor: Orlando Ledger News Staff
- Publicado: 2026-09-18T08:38:31.120Z
> Candidates differ sharply: Jolly wants a state ban on data centers; Donalds favors local control. Both discuss targeted tax relief as alternatives to full homestead repeal.

## Las claves

- David Jolly proposes banning AI data centers due to health and community concerns, while Byron Donalds supports local government decision-making power
- The candidates outlined their positions during events in Orlando less than two months before Election Day on Nov. 4
- Both support targeted tax relief for seniors and working families if Amendment 3's full property tax repeal fails to balance the budget

With Election Day less than two months away, the race for Governor of Florida is intensifying in Central Florida as major-party candidates Byron Donalds and David Jolly present contrasting visions for the state's future. Republican candidate Byron Donalds recently hosted a town hall in Orlando, while Democratic candidate David Jolly participated in a one-on-one interview with FOX 35. The events highlighted significant divergences on artificial intelligence regulation, the placement of data centers, and property tax policy.

### Diverging Views on AI Regulation

Both candidates agree that artificial intelligence requires some form of regulation, but they disagree sharply on who should lead those efforts. Jolly expressed a preference for federal leadership, stating he hopes Washington establishes a national standard first. However, he emphasized that Florida must act independently if the federal government fails to provide clear guidelines.

Donalds took a different approach, arguing that Florida should move forward with its own regulations rather than waiting for action in Washington. He stated his belief that state-level control is preferable to relying on external decisions. Neither candidate provided specific details regarding what those regulatory frameworks would entail during their respective appearances.

### Data Centers and Local Control

The candidates also offered opposing perspectives on the expansion of data centers within Florida's borders. Jolly argued against building these facilities in the state, citing concerns about public health, noise pollution, and the destabilization of communities. He noted that such developments can lead to real estate devaluation and serve as visual symbols for broader anxieties regarding job loss and wage disruption.

Conversely, Donalds advocated for local autonomy, stating that decisions regarding data centers should remain with local governments. He emphasized that these entities are the communities most affected by such developments and argued against preempting their authority to make final decisions on land use and zoning, a story we covered in [David Jolly Seeks to Flip Florida Governorship Amid Affordability Crisis](/noticia/david-jolly-seeks-to-flip-florida-governorship-amid-affordability-crisis).

### Property Tax Relief Strategies

Tax policy remains a central theme, particularly regarding Amendment 3, which seeks to eliminate property taxes. Jolly opposes the amendment, arguing that the financial math does not work out for the state budget. Instead, he supports targeted relief measures for seniors and individuals based on income levels, calling for a statewide conversation about local control of exemptions.

Donalds also indicated support for targeted relief if full homestead property tax repeal proves unfeasible. He stated his intention to direct that relief toward working families and seniors living on fixed incomes. As the election approaches, mail-in ballots are scheduled to be sent out next week, with voter registration deadlines set for October 5.
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Fuente original: https://orlandoledgernews.com/noticia/florida-gubernatorial-candidates-clash-over-ai-regulation-and-data-centers