US Development Plans Massive Data Center Campus in Osceola County
October 2024 – A significant data center development may soon reshape the rural landscape of Osceola County, Florida. US Development, a prominent real estate and infrastructure firm, has submitted plans to rezone 434 acres of agricultural land for industrial use. The proposal, which aims to create a sprawling data center campus, is set for a pre-application meeting with county officials on October 15.
The proposed site is strategically located along US 441, just north of the Florida Turnpike's interchange with State Road 60. Growth Spotter first reported the development plans, which include constructing nine three-story data centers, each encompassing 675,000 square feet. In total, the project would yield over seven million square feet of data center space.
Site Details and Infrastructure Plans
The land, owned by Yeehaw Ranch LLC and Patricia and Clyde Luke, already has over 100 acres previously zoned for industrial use, earmarked for a warehouse. According to site plans prepared by engineering consultancy Kimley Horn, the development will also allocate 15 acres for a dedicated electrical substation and water treatment center.
Florida Power & Light is expected to supply electricity to the campus, with water services provided by the Toho Water Authority. AT&T, CenturyLink, and Lumen will service the campus's fiber network, ensuring robust connectivity for the anticipated facilities. Despite these detailed plans, US Development has yet to name an end-user for the site.
Impact on Osceola County and Florida’s Data Center Market
Osceola County is positioned approximately 50 miles south of Orlando and has been traditionally recognized for its agricultural and rural charm. The proposed rezoning could signify a pivotal shift toward industrial and technological development in the area.
Florida's data center market is currently concentrated in major hubs such as Tampa, Miami, Orlando, and Jacksonville. Leading operators in the state include EdgeConnex, 365 Data Centers, and RadiusDC. If realized, this project would establish Osceola County as a new contender in the state’s growing data center infrastructure landscape.
Next Steps
The October 15 pre-application meeting will determine the feasibility of rezoning the land and advancing the project. If approved, the development could mark a transformative step for central Florida, bringing both economic opportunities and technological advancements to the region.
Stay tuned for updates on this landmark project as it progresses through the planning and approval stages.
