Florida Bill Would Rename Palm Beach Airport for Trump
Florida lawmakers approved a bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport for Donald Trump; it awaits the governor and FAA and could take effect July 1.
Overview
The Florida House passed the bill 81-30 and the Senate approved it 25-11 to rename Palm Beach International Airport as President Donald J. Trump International Airport.
The bill would take effect on July 1 if signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis and approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, according to reports.
U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel said the Republican-controlled legislature ignored Palm Beach County residents and called the renaming "misguided and unfair."
Sen. Debbie Mayfield said the president would not receive financial consideration and the name would be royalty-free, while Democrats warned that Trump Organization trademark filings raise concerns about potential merchandising profits.
The bill includes funding for rebranding and officials estimated roughly $5 million to $5.5 million in renaming costs, and the change still hinges on FAA approval and a trademark agreement, officials said.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the renaming as a contested fiscal and procedural issue by foregrounding the $5.5–$6 million rebranding cost and the Trump Organization’s trademark filing, privileging skeptical local lawmakers’ concerns and community-input complaints while still reporting the organization’s no-fee claim and historical naming precedents, producing cautious scrutiny.
Sources (9)
FAQ
The Florida House passed the bill 81-30 and the Senate approved it 25-11; it now awaits signature from Gov. Ron DeSantis and approval from the Federal Aviation Administration, with a potential effective date of July 1.
Officials estimated $5 million to $5.5 million for rebranding, including signage, branding elements, and website updates; the Senate initially recommended $2.75 million in state funding.
Democrats criticized the lack of input from Palm Beach County residents, called it misguided to honor a sitting president, and warned about potential financial benefits to the Trump family from trademark filings despite claims of no royalties.
Yes, the Trump Organization filed trademarks for 'DJT,' 'Donald J. Trump International Airport,' and 'President Donald J. Trump International Airport,' potentially covering merchandise like watches and clothing, though they state no financial benefits will be received.[1]
A DeSantis spokeswoman stated the governor has not yet received the bill but will review it in its final form once delivered.[2]
History
4 sources