Florida Lawmakers Approve Renaming Palm Beach Airport After Trump

The $5.5 million name change awaits the governor's signature and FAA approval.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 1:18am

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Florida lawmakers have approved renaming the Palm Beach International Airport to the President Donald J. Trump International Airport. The legislation, which awaits the governor's signature, would change the name of the airport near Trump's Mar-a-Lago home. The name change is expected to cost up to $5.5 million for new signage and branding.

Why it matters

The renaming is controversial, with critics arguing it ignores public input and is premature given Trump's ongoing political involvement. However, supporters say the change reflects Trump's close ties to the Palm Beach area.

The details

The legislation gives the state of Florida the power to name large commercial airports, allowing lawmakers to keep the names of six other major airports the same while changing the one in West Palm Beach. The Trump Organization also recently filed trademark applications seeking exclusive rights to use the president's name on airports and related items.

  • The Florida Senate approved the name change legislation on Thursday.
  • If signed by the governor, the new name would take effect in July.

The players

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

The Republican governor has not yet received the bill and will review it in its final form.

U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel

A Democratic congresswoman whose district includes the airport, she called the name change "misguided and unfair" and said it lacked proper public input.

Trump Organization

The company recently filed trademark applications seeking exclusive rights to use the president's name on airports and related items.

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What they’re saying

“Decisions about naming major infrastructure should wait until after an honoree's service has concluded — and should include meaningful input from the local residents and communities most directly affected.”

— Lois Frankel, U.S. Representative

What’s next

If the governor signs the legislation, the name change would still need to be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration before taking effect in July.

The takeaway

The proposed renaming of Palm Beach International Airport after former President Trump is a politically charged move that highlights the ongoing debate over how and when to honor public figures, especially those still actively involved in politics.