Tallahassee Airport Renamed After Legendary Coach Bobby Bowden

Governor DeSantis signs bill to honor the late Florida State University football icon.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:03am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football stadium, players, and coaches in a palette of garnet, gold, and navy blue, conceptually representing the legacy of legendary Florida State University coach Bobby Bowden.A cubist reimagining of the iconic Bobby Bowden era at Florida State University, honoring the legendary coach's lasting impact on the program and the Tallahassee community.Tallahassee Today

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a bill to officially rename the Tallahassee International Airport as the Bobby Bowden-Tallahassee International Airport. The move honors the late legendary Florida State University football coach, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 91 after a storied career leading the Seminoles for over 30 years.

Why it matters

Bobby Bowden is considered one of the greatest college football coaches of all time, leading Florida State to two national championships and 12 ACC titles. Renaming the Tallahassee airport after him is a fitting tribute that recognizes his immense impact on the university and the local community.

The details

The name change was made official when Governor DeSantis signed Senate Bill 628 at a ceremony in Tallahassee. The bill was passed by the Florida legislature earlier this year. Bowden coached the Florida State Seminoles from 1976 to 2009, compiling a record of 377 wins, the second-most in major college football history.

  • The bill to rename the airport was signed into law by Governor DeSantis on April 15, 2026.
  • Bobby Bowden passed away in August 2021 at the age of 91.

The players

Ron DeSantis

The current Governor of Florida, who signed the bill to rename the Tallahassee airport after Bobby Bowden.

Bobby Bowden

The legendary former head football coach of the Florida State University Seminoles, who led the team to two national championships and 12 ACC titles during his 34-year tenure.

Florida State University

The public research university located in Tallahassee, Florida, where Bobby Bowden coached the Seminoles football team for over three decades.

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What they’re saying

“Bobby Bowden is a Florida icon, and it's only fitting that the Tallahassee airport now bears his name. This is a lasting tribute to his incredible legacy and impact on the game of college football.”

— Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida

What’s next

The renaming of the Tallahassee airport to the Bobby Bowden-Tallahassee International Airport will take effect immediately, with new signage and branding to be installed in the coming months.

The takeaway

The renaming of the Tallahassee airport honors the enduring legacy of Bobby Bowden, cementing his place as one of the most revered figures in Florida sports history and ensuring his name will be associated with the city and university he helped elevate to national prominence.