Florida Renames State Road 80 as 'President Donald J. Trump Highway'

Gov. DeSantis signs bill to honor former president across 124-mile stretch from coast to coast

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:21am

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A vibrant, abstract painting of a winding highway road in bold, overlapping geometric shapes and strokes of red, white, and blue, conveying the divisive political energy surrounding the decision to rename the road.The politically charged renaming of a major Florida highway after the former president sparks debate over how to commemorate controversial political figures.Palm Beach Today

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill renaming State Road 80, a 124-mile east-to-west road stretching from Palm Beach County to Lee County, as 'President Donald J. Trump Highway'. The legislation also renames Tallahassee International Airport as 'Bobby Bowden Tallahassee International Airport' after the late Florida State University football coach.

Why it matters

The move to rename a major state road after the former president is seen as a political gesture honoring Trump's legacy, particularly in Florida where he maintains a strong base of support. However, the decision has drawn criticism from those who view it as an inappropriate use of taxpayer funds to glorify a controversial political figure.

The details

The bill, which passed the state House and Senate, directs the Florida Department of Transportation to install signage along State Road 80 bearing the new 'President Donald J. Trump Highway' name. In Palm Beach County, the road is also known as Southern Boulevard and includes the area near Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort. The legislation also renames Tallahassee International Airport after the late Florida State University football coach Bobby Bowden.

  • The bill was signed into law by Gov. DeSantis on April 15, 2026.
  • The new highway name and airport name will go into effect on July 1, 2026.

The players

Ron DeSantis

The Republican governor of Florida who signed the bill renaming State Road 80 and Tallahassee International Airport.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president after whom State Road 80 will be named.

Bobby Bowden

The late College Football Hall of Fame head coach at Florida State University, after whom Tallahassee International Airport will be named.

Meg Weinberger

A Republican state representative who co-sponsored the bill in the Florida House of Representatives.

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What they’re saying

“Today, [Gov. Ron DeSantis] signed legislation renaming SR 80 as 'President Donald J. Trump Boulevard.' Proud to see this lasting tribute honoring President Trump's leadership. State Road 80 will now carry his name from coast to coast across Florida, from the Atlantic to the Gulf of America.”

— Meg Weinberger, State Representative

“Florida is making it official! President Donald J. Trump Highway - from Palm Beach to Lee County! Florida is honored to be home to this landmark tribute to President [Donald Trump].”

— Republican Party of Florida

What’s next

The new highway and airport names will go into effect on July 1, 2026 after the bill is signed into law.

The takeaway

The decision to rename a major state road and airport after former President Trump is a politically charged move that highlights the ongoing debate over how to commemorate controversial political figures. While supporters view it as a lasting tribute, critics argue it is an inappropriate use of taxpayer funds to glorify a polarizing leader.