New FPL-Linked Group Launches to Sell Florida on Data Centers—Just Weeks Before Escambia’s Ban Hearing

A statewide “nonpartisan” trade association stacked with utility and industry executives says it wants to help communities make informed decisions on data centers. Its spokeswoman was in Putnam County recently pitching commissioners on the economic upside. Escambia’s public hearing on its own data center ban is Aug. 6.

A new organization with ties to Florida Power & Light and other utilities in the state has launched to promote data center development across the state, positioning itself as a neutral resource for local governments just as Escambia County moves to formalize a ban on large-scale data centers in unincorporated areas.

• The Florida Digital Infrastructure and Security Alliance (FDISA) launched July 27, describing itself as Florida’s first statewide, nonpartisan coalition dedicated to “secure, sustainable and thoughtfully planned digital infrastructure.” It is organized as a Florida nonprofit trade association based in Hollywood, Fla., and is currently seeking 501(c)(6) status—the same tax designation used by chambers of commerce and industry lobbying groups.

What FDISA Does

FDISA frames its mission around Senate Bill 484, which took effect July 1, and created a statewide framework for how data centers get sited and overseen in Florida. The group says it will offer research, best practices and technical expertise to help local officials and communities evaluate data center proposals.

“Communities deserve clear information and thoughtful planning as they consider projects that will shape their future,” said FDISA Board Chair Tim Center. “Florida has an opportunity to lead the nation’s digital economy.”

But: FDISA is, by its own registration, a trade association—an industry advocacy group. “Nonpartisan” and “trusted resource” language is common in that space, but it doesn’t mean neutral on the underlying question of whether more data centers should get built.

• FDISA’s stated purpose is advancing digital infrastructure development, not weighing whether communities should say no.

The Founding Board

The leadership list leans heavily toward the utilities and industries that stand to profit from data center growth:

Staff: Imran Siddiqui, Executive Director, formerly CEO of South Florida Tech Hub; and Brittany Wise of B.Wise Communications, serving as lead spokesperson.

• Three utilities—FPL, Duke Energy and TECO/Peoples Gas—sit on the board alongside industry government-relations shops from MasTec and the Florida Chamber, and one member, Hailey Miller, who directly represents a data center operator.

Already Making the Rounds

FDISA’s spokeswoman, Brittany Wise, has already taken the pitch on the road. According to Jason Garcia of Seeking Rents, Wise appeared before the Putnam County Commission recently to make the case for data centers’ economic development value.

“FDISA believes that thoughtfully planned and well-developed digital infrastructure is essential to Florida’s continued success, competitiveness and security,” Wise told Putnam County commissioners. “Communities should not have to choose between protecting their quality of life and welcoming economic opportunity. Both are possible.”

Read more.

The Escambia Question

Escambia County’s Board of County Commissioners has already voted unanimously to ban large-scale data centers in unincorporated Escambia County. A public hearing on Aug. 6 is scheduled to formalize that ban through ordinance. Read Clean_Data Center Ord_CRS Legal Sign-Off 7-16-26.

• Will Brittany Wise, or anyone from FDISA, show up in Escambia County? Given the group’s approach in Putnam County and its stated mission of shaping how local governments think about data center proposals, it wouldn’t be a surprise.

We will be watching the Aug. 6 hearing and watching for FDISA.