Tallahassee Airport Renamed After Legendary FSU Coach Bobby Bowden

Governor DeSantis signs bill dedicating airport, highway to honor late football icon and community leader

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:53am

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A serene, cinematic painting of the Tallahassee airport terminal building bathed in warm light, with a lone figure standing in the foreground, conveying a sense of nostalgia and the airport's significance to the community.The renaming of Tallahassee's airport after legendary FSU coach Bobby Bowden reflects his enduring legacy and impact on the local community.Tallahassee Today

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a transportation bill that includes renaming the Tallahassee International Airport as the 'Bobby Bowden-Tallahassee International Airport' to honor the legendary Florida State University football coach who passed away in 2021. The bill also dedicates a highway in South Florida to former President Donald Trump and names other roads after notable figures.

Why it matters

The renaming of the Tallahassee airport after Bobby Bowden, who coached FSU for over 30 years and led the team to two national championships, is seen as a fitting tribute to the beloved coach's legacy and impact on the local community. The decision to also name a highway after former President Trump is more politically charged and reflects the governor's close alignment with the former president.

The details

The transportation bill (SB 628) includes 16 road and facility dedications, including renaming the Tallahassee International Airport as the 'Bobby Bowden-Tallahassee International Airport'. Bowden coached FSU from 1976 to 2009, winning two national titles and 12 ACC championships. The bill also designates 124 miles of State Road 80 in South Florida as the 'President Donald J. Trump Highway'. Other dedications include 'Warrior Sacrifice Way' in Escambia County and 'Dickey Betts Memorial Highway' in Sarasota County.

  • The bill (SB 628) takes effect on July 1, 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 transportation bill into law.

Bobby Bowden

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

Corey Simon

A Republican state senator who was a defensive lineman on FSU's 1999 national championship team, and described Bowden as more than just a football coach.

Ginger Bowden Madden

Bobby Bowden's daughter, who is the state attorney for Florida's First Judicial Circuit, and said the family is proud of the airport dedication.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who will have a highway in South Florida named after him as part of the transportation bill.

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What they’re saying

“I can think of no better person from this community, that people looked up to for decades, to name Tallahassee International Airport after, than our renowned head coach of Florida State University, after all those years, Bobby Bowden.”

— Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida

“Coach is what he did part-time. He was dad to a lot of players like myself, because there was never a time that I couldn't walk into his office and talk about issues that I was going through. Family issues. And he would listen.”

— Corey Simon, Former FSU football player

“As of today, we can add another 'F' to that moniker, and that's 'flights'.”

— Corey Simon, Former FSU football player

“Coach Bowden's legacy will continue with the airport where his teams were often welcomed by crowds of fans.”

— Ginger Bowden Madden, Bobby Bowden's daughter

What’s next

The airport renaming will officially take effect on July 1, 2026 when the transportation bill goes into law.

The takeaway

The decision to rename the Tallahassee airport after the iconic Bobby Bowden is a fitting tribute that honors his decades-long impact on Florida State University and the local community. However, the bill's other dedications, like the highway named for former President Trump, reflect the political dynamics at play in Florida.