In this episode: Data center interests have spent more than $5 million supporting Byron Donalds, the Trump-endorsed Congressman from Naples who is the heavy favorite to win the Republican nomination for Florida governor in next month’s primary election. But all that industry money is morphing from a strength to a liability amid a rising bipartisan backlash to data center development around the state. Meanwhile, James Uthmeier, Florida’s never-elected attorney general, is using his office to help Elon Musk’s Tesla try to get out of paying $243 million to victims of a fatal car crash involving Tesla’s Autopilot technology. Plus: Updates on big battles over property insurance, growth management and home rule.
Show notes
To make a donation in support of Seeking Rents, click here.
Stories discussed in today’s show:
Data center donors have spent more than $20 million in Florida ahead of the 2026 elections
Meta Begins $65 Million Election Push to Advance A.I. Agenda
Florida’s attorney general is trying to help Elon Musk’s Tesla get out of a $243 million verdict
Group tied to influential Ruane Cunniff sues Reinhold Corporation over Clay County land sale dispute
Ron DeSantis is helping real estate developers exploit a hurricane relief law
The Florida Legislature made a mess. The Florida House refused to clean it up.
Bills discussed in today’s show:
Senate Bill 484 — Data Centers
Senate Bill 1616 — Liability of Advanced Driving System Manufacturers and Developers
Senate Bill 1028 — Citizens Property Insurance Corp.
House Bill 299 / Senate Bill 354 — Blue Ribbon Projects
Senate Bill 840 — Land Use Regulations for Local Governments Affected by Natural Disasters
Senate Bill 180 (2025) — Emergencies
Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.com
Listen to the show: Apple | Spotify
Watch the show: YouTube
