TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida House of Representatives on Tuesday afternoon approved legislation that would rename Palm Beach International Airport to “President Donald J. Trump International Airport,” marking a significant cultural and political moment in the state’s modern history.
The Republican-led chamber voted 81-30 in favor of House Bill 919, advancing the proposal to the Florida Senate after the measure cleared the Rules Committee earlier in the day.
The proposal, championed by Palm Beach Gardens Republican Representative Meg Weinberger, asserts that President Trump’s profound impact on Florida’s economy and national policy warrants permanent recognition. “This is the President’s hometown,” Weinberger said on the House floor, noting that Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate lies a short distance from the airport.
Rep. Kim Kendall, R-St. Augustine and a former air traffic controller, underscored Trump’s contributions to aviation infrastructure. “He deserves this recognition,” Kendall said, referencing recent federal investments that helped modernize airport facilities.
Republican lawmakers argued that renaming one of Florida’s busiest commercial hubs — which serves more than 8.6 million passengers annually — would enshrine Trump’s legacy in a way that endures for decades.
House Republican Rep. John Snyder said the change would elevate the airport’s profile and symbolically link its success to the broader resurgence of American commerce and global influence. “With the renaming of this bill, after we all vote yes, it will officially become a great airport,” Snyder said.
⚖️ Legislative Language and Legal Framework
Under the bill’s provisions, the state Legislature — not local authorities — would have the exclusive authority to designate names for the seven major commercial service airports in Florida. The proposal preempts local control and centralizes naming decisions in Tallahassee.
The bill specifies that the renaming would apply only to Palm Beach International Airport; all other major airports in the state — including Miami International, Orlando International, Tampa International, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International — would retain their current appellations.
Implementation of the name change is contingent upon regulatory approval by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and an executed agreement between Palm Beach County and the trademark holder authorizing commercial use of the new designation.
Funding for the transition is already part of the Senate’s proposed budget. The Senate Appropriations Committee attached approximately $2.75 million for signage changes, media updates, and rebranding across terminals and support facilities.
Senate sponsor Debbie Mayfield defended the funding request, stating that logistical preparations are a necessary step in effectuating any major renaming effort and that Trump’s administration has left “remarkable achievements” in its wake.
⚡ Controversies and Opposition
While the bill advanced with strong Republican support, Democratic lawmakers raised objections on the House floor, urging restraint and caution in linking public infrastructure with a sitting president.
House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa, referenced recent trademark filings by an entity connected to the Trump Organization — DTTM Operations LLC — which has applied for trademark rights to several variations of the airport’s name.
“It feels like the grift is happening,” Driskell said, warning that the intersection of public facilities and private branding could set a troubling precedent.
Representative Ashley Gantt, D-Miami, argued that the airport renaming should be postponed until after Trump leaves office, contending that his conduct and legal history have left his legacy “incomplete.”
Despite these objections, the Republican majority maintained that the renaming project is a fitting tribute to a president with deep connections to the region and a record of prioritizing American jobs, border security, and economic growth.
📌 Next Steps
The bill now proceeds to the Florida Senate, where transportation and appropriations committees are expected to consider it in the coming weeks. Final passage by the Senate followed by signature from Republican Governor Ron DeSantis would cement the airport’s new name into law.
The unprecedented move has garnered national attention — and is likely to remain a point of political discussion as Florida positions itself at the intersection of state policy and national identity.
📌 Embedded Social and Video Posts
X Post — Rep. Meg Weinberger:
“America’s greatest President deserves an airport that bears his name — a tribute to extraordinary leadership and hometown roots.”
Video: Florida House Floor Vote on HB 919 — Members cast their votes to rename PBI to President Donald J. Trump International Airport. (Embedded video snippet)
Instagram Reel Teaser:
@stephruhle reports that the Trump Org. has filed for trademark as Legislature fast-tracks renaming bill.
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