Florida Legislature Passes Bill to Rename Palm Beach Airport After Trump

The proposed name change to "President Donald J. Trump International Airport" awaits approval from the FAA and Governor DeSantis.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 11:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Florida Legislature has passed a bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport as the "President Donald J. Trump International Airport". The bill, sponsored by Republican state senators, now heads to Governor Ron DeSantis and the Federal Aviation Administration for final approval. Democrats have criticized the proposal, citing concerns over the estimated $5 million in rebranding costs and the precedent of naming an airport after a sitting president.

Why it matters

The renaming of the airport closest to Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort is the latest effort to affix the former president's name to public infrastructure. While supporters see it as an honor, critics argue it is politically motivated and could financially benefit the Trump family.

The details

The bill amends existing Florida law to designate the airport in West Palm Beach as the "President Donald J. Trump International Airport". It also provides funding to the county for the rebranding effort. The proposal still requires approval from the FAA and Governor DeSantis before it can be implemented.

  • The Florida Senate and House have both passed the bill.
  • The bill now heads to Governor Ron DeSantis for his review.

The players

Florida Legislature

The state legislature that passed the bill to rename the airport.

Governor Ron DeSantis

The Florida governor who must approve the bill before it can take effect.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The federal agency that must also approve the name change for it to be implemented.

Rep. Lois Frankel

A Democratic U.S. Representative whose district includes the airport and who has criticized the proposal.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung

A White House official who said the proposed name "has a great ring to it".

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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.”

— Rep. Lois Frankel, U.S. Representative

“Decisions... should wait until after an honoree's service has concluded, and [they] should include meaningful input from the local residents and communities most directly affected.”

— Rep. Lois Frankel, U.S. Representative

“The name 'has a great ring to it'.”

— Steven Cheung, White House Communications Director

What’s next

The bill must now be approved by Governor Ron DeSantis and the Federal Aviation Administration before the name change can be implemented.

The takeaway

The proposed renaming of Palm Beach International Airport after former President Trump is the latest effort to commemorate his legacy, but it has drawn criticism from Democrats who argue the decision should wait until after his presidency and include more input from the local community.