Florida Lawmakers Approve Renaming Palm Beach Airport After Trump

The bill now heads to the governor's desk for final approval, sparking debate over the decision.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 9:48pm

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The Florida State Legislature has passed a bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport after former President Donald Trump. The White House celebrated the move, but Democrats have criticized the decision, arguing it should wait until after Trump's service has concluded and include more input from local residents.

Why it matters

The proposed name change has become a politically charged issue, with supporters arguing it reflects Trump's status as the first Florida resident to serve as president, while critics view it as an endorsement of Trump's polarizing legacy.

The details

The bill passed the state House 81-30 and the state Senate 25-11. If signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, the airport would be renamed the 'President Donald J. Trump International Airport' and the change would take effect on July 1. Lawmakers are still negotiating the estimated $2.75 million cost to rebrand the airport.

  • The Florida State Legislature passed the bill on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • The bill was approved by the state Senate on Thursday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Ron DeSantis

The Republican governor of Florida who will decide whether to sign the bill into law.

Lois Frankel

A Democratic U.S. Representative whose district includes Palm Beach, who criticized the decision as 'misguided and unfair'.

LaVon Bracy Davis

A Democratic state senator who slammed the bill's passage, arguing it endorses Trump's 'polarizing' legacy.

Meg Weinberger

A Republican state representative who co-sponsored the bill, arguing the airport is in Trump's 'hometown'.

Steven Cheung

The White House communications director who praised the legislature's approval of the name change.

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What they’re saying

“It's misguided and unfair that the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature ignored the voices of Palm Beach County by pushing forward a bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport without giving county residents a real opportunity for input.”

— Lois Frankel, U.S. Representative

“This legacy includes calling Mexican immigrants, rapists and criminals, referring to African nations and Haiti as 's—hole' countries.”

— LaVon Bracy Davis, State Senator

“This is the President's hometown, he lives five miles away from the airport.”

— Meg Weinberger, State Representative

“Has a GREAT ring to it... President Donald J. Trump International Airport”

— Steven Cheung, White House Communications Director

What’s next

The bill now heads to Governor Ron DeSantis's desk for final approval. If signed into law, the name change would need to be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration before taking effect on July 1.

The takeaway

The proposed renaming of Palm Beach International Airport after former President Trump has become a politically divisive issue, with supporters arguing it reflects his status as a Florida resident who served in the White House, while critics view it as an endorsement of his polarizing legacy and want more input from local residents.