Florida Legislature Approves Renaming Palm Beach Airport After Trump

The bill now heads to Governor DeSantis's desk for final approval.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The Florida State Legislature has passed a bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport as the 'President Donald J. Trump International Airport'. The legislation now awaits the signature of Governor Ron DeSantis. White House communications director Steven Cheung praised the approval, saying the new name 'has a GREAT ring to it'.

Why it matters

The proposed name change has drawn criticism from Democrats, who argue the decision should wait until after Trump's presidency and include more input from local residents. However, Republicans supporting the bill note that Trump is the first Florida resident to serve as president and that the airport is located near his Mar-a-Lago resort.

The details

The bill passed the state House 81-30 and the state Senate 25-11. If signed into law by Governor DeSantis, the name change would go into effect on July 1 and require approval from the Federal Aviation Administration. The Florida Legislature is also working to determine the cost of rebranding the airport, including a potential rights agreement to allow commercial use of the new name.

  • 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 name change would go into effect on July 1, 2026, if signed into law.

The players

Ron DeSantis

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

Steven Cheung

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

Lois Frankel

A Democratic U.S. Representative whose district includes Palm Beach, who criticized the lack of local input on the decision.

LaVon Bracy Davis

A Democratic state senator who slammed the bill, saying it endorses Trump's 'legacy' of controversial statements.

Meg Weinberger

A Republican state representative who co-sponsored the bill, arguing that Trump is the first Florida resident to serve as president.

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What they’re saying

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

— Steven Cheung, White House Communications Director (X)

“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 (Statement)

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

— LaVon Bracy Davis, State Senator (Politico)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

The proposed renaming of Palm Beach International Airport after former President Trump has become a politically divisive issue, with Democrats arguing the decision should wait until after his presidency and include more local input, while Republicans see it as a fitting tribute to the first Florida resident to serve as president.