Florida gubernatorial candidate Frank J. Russo has proposed the Florida Data Center Community Responsibility Act to requ

Frank J. Russo, a lifelong Floridian and entrepreneur with over 40 years of business leadership including more than 30 years in the insurance industry, unveiled his Florida Data Center Community Responsibility Act on behalf of his gubernatorial campaign. Russo's central argument is that while he welcomes technology and AI investment in Florida, data centers must bear the costs they create rather than passing them to state residents.

"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." He emphasized his business experience, saying that in 40 years of business, companies that create costs must pay those costs rather than passing bills to others.

Russo has spent recent months visiting data center facilities across Florida and examining the industry's demands on the state's power grid, water supply and infrastructure. He proposes that Florida should compete aggressively for technology investment and position itself as a national leader in AI and innovation, but not through taxpayer-funded advantages to highly profitable companies 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 proposal rests on five main principles. First, a Community Responsibility Tax would establish a statewide charge on large data center operations based on electrical capacity, ensuring facilities with the largest footprints contribute proportionately to supporting communities and infrastructure. Second, a Host-Community Fund would return revenue directly to cities and counties hosting data centers for local priorities including roads, water infrastructure, parks, baseball fields and Boys and Girls Clubs, keeping money in the communities that generate it rather than in general government spending.

Third, a Five-Year Modernization Deadline would require existing data centers to upgrade to modern, water and energy-efficient technology with annual progress requirements and consequences for non-compliance. Fourth, an Energy Self-Sufficiency requirement would mandate that new and upgraded facilities move toward providing their own power rather than straining Florida's public grid and potentially raising electric bills for families and small businesses. Fifth, Russo would review and eliminate existing state tax credits and incentives for data centers, ending taxpayer-funded subsidies to a profitable industry.

Russo stressed that communities hosting data centers deserve direct benefits from their presence. Under his plan, revenue from the Community Responsibility Tax would go back to cities and counties 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." He said revenue would be publicly tracked and subject to independent audits to prevent political redirection toward unrelated priorities.

Under the Florida Constitution, new state taxes generally require approval from two-thirds of both chambers of the Legislature. Russo indicated his first choice would be working with lawmakers from both parties to enact the proposal. If the state legislature does not act, he 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."

Russo framed his proposal as ensuring Florida can embrace next-generation 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."