Florida Bill Proposes Renaming Palm Beach Airport After Trump

The legislation would also give state lawmakers power to rename other major airports across Florida.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 3:55pm

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A Florida state senator has introduced a bill that would rename Palm Beach International Airport to Donald J. Trump International Airport. The bill would also allow state lawmakers to rename other major airports across the state, subject to approval by the Federal Aviation Administration. Some Democratic lawmakers have expressed concerns about the proposal, arguing that local governments should have a say in any name changes.

Why it matters

The proposed name change for Palm Beach International Airport is seen as a political move to honor the former president, who has a residence in Palm Beach. The broader implications of the bill, which would give state lawmakers authority over airport names, have raised concerns about local control and the potential for further politically-motivated name changes.

The details

The bill, sponsored by Republican state Sen. Debbie Mayfield, would give the Florida legislature the power to name the state's seven major commercial airports. The only immediate change proposed is renaming Palm Beach International Airport to Donald J. Trump International Airport, subject to FAA approval and an agreement with the Trump trademark holder. Some Democratic lawmakers, such as Sen. Barbara Sharief and Sen. Shevrin Jones, have voiced opposition to the bill, arguing that local governments should have a say in any airport name changes.

  • The bill was introduced in the Florida state legislature on February 4, 2026.

The players

Barbara Sharief

A Democratic state senator representing Davie, Florida, who has expressed concern about the bill's potential to change the name of Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport without local input.

Shevrin Jones

A Democratic state senator from Miami Gardens, Florida, who suggested the bill be amended to require discussions with local officials before any airport name changes.

Debbie Mayfield

The Republican state senator who sponsored the bill that would give the Florida legislature authority to name the state's major airports.

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What they’re saying

“Our county wants to keep the name of their airport.”

— Barbara Sharief, State Senator (cbsnews.com)

“I would think that if someone was to come through the legislative process and want to change the names of those current airports, that it might be with resistance, and that it would be the legislative will whether to do it or not to do it.”

— Debbie Mayfield, State Senator (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The bill still needs to pass through the Rules Committee before reaching the full Florida Senate for a vote. The House version of the bill also awaits a floor vote.

The takeaway

The proposed legislation to rename Palm Beach International Airport after former President Trump and give state lawmakers authority over other major airport names has sparked concerns about political influence over local infrastructure and the potential for further politically-motivated name changes across Florida.