Florida Lawmakers Approve Renaming Palm Beach Airport After Trump

The $5.5 million rebranding effort is expected to honor the former president's ties to the area.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Florida lawmakers have approved renaming the Palm Beach International Airport to the President Donald J. Trump International Airport, a move that is expected to cost up to $5.5 million. The legislation, sponsored by Republican Senator Debbie Mayfield, will now go to Governor Ron DeSantis for final approval. While some state Democrats have criticized the high price tag, local officials in Palm Beach County have expressed support for the renaming as long as the state covers the costs.

Why it matters

The renaming of the airport is seen as a political move to honor the former president, who has deep ties to the Palm Beach area as a longtime resident of Mar-a-Lago. The decision has sparked debate, with Democrats arguing the costs could be better spent on infrastructure needs, while supporters say it is a fitting tribute to Trump's legacy.

The details

The Florida Senate and House have both approved the legislation to rename the airport, with the total rebranding costs estimated at up to $5.5 million. This includes $250,000 for rebranding consultants and another $250,000 for updating signage, equipment, vehicles, and other materials. While the final costs may vary, the Trump Organization has stated it will not charge the county for the required licensing agreement.

  • On February 17, 2026, the Florida House approved the bill to rename the airport.
  • On February 19, 2026, the Florida Senate approved the legislation.

The players

Debbie Mayfield

A Republican state senator who sponsored the bill to rename the Palm Beach International Airport after former President Donald Trump.

Ron DeSantis

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

Shevrin Jones

A Democratic state senator who criticized the $5.5 million price tag for the renaming, arguing the funds could be better spent on infrastructure needs.

Lois Frankel

A U.S. Representative who called the approval of the bill "misguided and unfair", arguing that decisions about naming major infrastructure should wait until after an honoree's service has concluded.

Maria Sachs

A Palm Beach County Commissioner who welcomes the renaming as long as the state pays for it, though she believes the focus is misplaced compared to other pressing issues.

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What they’re saying

“The $5.5 million could pay for the infrastructure in my district that's so desperately needed. But we found that money to be able to pay for the name change on the airport, and it's disheartening to me because when I go back home into my district, the one thing that I have to tell them is that we could not bring this money home again, but we could pay $5.5 million to change the name on the airport.”

— Shevrin Jones, State Senator (sun-sentinel.com)

“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. 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 (sun-sentinel.com)

“I really do not see the name on our airport right now as a priority. I've got so many other issues that are pressing and that affect my residents directly. Sometimes we make much ado about issues that are really not priority. It's like (worrying about) what do you make for dinner when the oven is on fire.”

— Maria Sachs, Palm Beach County Commissioner (sun-sentinel.com)

What’s next

Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to sign the bill into law in the coming weeks, officially renaming the Palm Beach International Airport to the President Donald J. Trump International Airport.

The takeaway

The renaming of the Palm Beach airport after former President Trump is a politically-charged decision that has divided state lawmakers, with Democrats criticizing the high costs and lack of local input, while supporters see it as a fitting tribute to Trump's ties to the area. The debate highlights the ongoing partisan tensions around how to honor political figures, especially those with controversial legacies.