TALLAHASSEE, FL — In a move that has sparked both celebration and sharp political debate, the Florida Legislature has officially approved a bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) as the “President Donald J. Trump International Airport.” The decision came after a final vote in the Florida Senate on Thursday, February 19, 2026, following earlier approval by the House. The bill now heads to the desk of Governor Ron DeSantis, who is widely expected to sign it into law.
Legislative Path and Timeline
The proposal was pushed through by a Republican-led legislature with the following margins:
- House Vote: 81–30
- Senate Vote: 25–11
Sponsored by Senator Debbie Mayfield (R-Melbourne), the bill honors the current 47th President as the first Florida resident to be elected to the nation’s highest office. If signed, the rebranding is slated to take effect on July 1, 2026, though the transition will be a multi-step process involving federal coordination.
Funding and Implementation
Renaming a major international hub is no small feat. Lawmakers have discussed an allocation of approximately $5.5 million to cover the logistical overhaul. This budget will address:
- Physical Infrastructure: Replacing massive exterior signage, roadway markers, and terminal branding.
- Digital Systems: Updating global aviation databases, FAA records, and emergency messaging systems.
- Branding: Re-skinning airport vehicles, uniforms, and marketing materials.
Controversy and “Political Billboards”
The move has faced stiff resistance from Democratic lawmakers and some local residents. Critics point out that Palm Beach County did not vote for Trump in the 2016, 2020, or 2024 elections. Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman voiced her opposition, stating, “Public airports are not political billboards. Airports are infrastructure, and they deserve to be treated that way.”
The bill awaits Governor DeSantis’ signature. Once signed, the state will begin coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to update the facility’s official designation.
U.S. Airports Named After Presidents
Currently, there are 12 airports in the United States named after presidents. Some are major international gateways, while others are smaller regional or general aviation strips.
The “Big Five” (International/National Hubs)
| Airport Name | Code | City | Year Renamed | Fun Fact |
| John F. Kennedy | JFK | New York, NY | 1963 | Renamed just one month after his assassination. |
| George Bush | IAH | Houston, TX | 1997 | Honoring George H.W. Bush while he was still living. |
| Ronald Reagan | DCA | Washington, D.C. | 1998 | Formerly “Washington National”; renamed via federal law. |
| Gerald R. Ford | GRR | Grand Rapids, MI | 1999 | Ford represented this district in Congress for 25 years. |
| Bill & Hillary Clinton | LIT | Little Rock, AR | 2012 | The only one to include a First Lady/Secretary of State. |
