DeSantis receives bills on AI data centers, 'Free Cuba' bills

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis received 10 bills from the Legislature on Wednesday, including two key measures addressing artificial intelligence data centers and foreign government restrictions. The data center bill (SB 484), the sole surviving AI-related proposal from DeSantis’ priorities, requires the Florida Public Service Commission to set tariffs ensuring large data center customers bear their full service costs, preventing cost shifts to general ratepayers. Local governments will also retain confidentiality over tech company plans for up to 12 months. DeSantis acknowledged the bill was watered down but noted it would prevent power cost increases for consumers. The second bill (HB 905) restricts state contracts with seven ‘foreign countries of concern’—China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria—while proposing a pathway to ease business restrictions with Cuba if the federal government alters its diplomatic status. The measure allows DeSantis to issue a temporary executive order suspending restrictions for 90 days if Cuba’s status changes. DeSantis has previously expressed hope that Cubans fleeing the communist government could return to help rebuild the nation under a more legitimate government. DeSantis’ push for an ‘artificial intelligence bill of rights’ was blocked by the House, which argued such legislation should be handled at the federal level. The governor now has until May 21 to act on the bills. The data center legislation faced opposition in South Florida, where a proposed center in Okeechobee County was recently scrapped amid rising concerns over infrastructure and environmental impacts.