Florida Lawmakers Pass Bill to Rename Palm Beach Airport After Trump

The bill now awaits Governor DeSantis' signature, but the name change still requires FAA approval.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Florida lawmakers have passed a bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport after former President Donald Trump. The bill, approved by the state Senate with a 25-11 vote, follows an 81-30 vote in the Florida House of Representatives earlier this week. The move has drawn criticism from some local officials, who argue the renaming was done without adequate input from Palm Beach County residents. The bill now awaits the signature of Governor Ron DeSantis, but the name change would still require approval from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Why it matters

This decision reflects Trump's ongoing efforts to brand his name on various buildings and government initiatives, a practice described as unprecedented for a sitting president. The potential renaming of the Palm Beach airport could also complicate ongoing efforts in Congress to rename Dulles International Airport after Trump, as having two airports bearing his name could create confusion.

The details

The bill requires a license agreement with the Trump Organization, but a spokesperson stated the organization would not receive any royalties or licensing fees from the renaming. However, trademark applications were filed for phrases including 'DONALD J. TRUMP INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT,' 'PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT,' and 'DJT,' sparking scrutiny over potential financial benefits to the Trump Organization.

  • The Florida Senate approved the bill on Thursday with a 25-11 vote.
  • The Florida House of Representatives approved the bill earlier this week with an 81-30 vote.
  • The name change would officially take effect in July, pending FAA approval.

The players

Ron DeSantis

The Governor of Florida who must sign the bill for the name change to become official.

Lois Frankel

A Democratic Congresswoman who represents West Palm Beach and has criticized the Legislature for pushing forward with the renaming without adequate input from local residents.

Meg Weinberger

A Republican Florida Representative and co-sponsor of the bill, who stated that Palm Beach is Trump's hometown and the fitting location for the honor.

Kimberly Benza

A spokesperson for the Trump Organization who stated that Trump and his family would not receive any royalties or licensing fees from the renaming.

Donald Trump

The former President who has increasingly sought to brand his name on various buildings and government initiatives.

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What they’re saying

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

— Meg Weinberger, Republican Florida Representative (CNN affiliate WLUK)

“Ignoring the voices of Palm Beach County”

— Lois Frankel, Democratic Congresswoman (Statement)

“Trump and his family would not receive any royalties or licensing fees from the renaming.”

— Kimberly Benza, Trump Organization Spokesperson (Statement)

What’s next

The bill now awaits the signature of Governor Ron DeSantis. However, the name change is not final and would still require approval from the Federal Aviation Administration.

The takeaway

This decision reflects Trump's ongoing efforts to brand his name on various government initiatives, a practice that has drawn criticism and scrutiny over potential financial benefits to the Trump Organization. The renaming of the Palm Beach airport could also create confusion with ongoing efforts in Congress to rename Dulles International Airport after Trump.