Tallahassee, Florida — The Florida House voted 81-30 on Tuesday to approve a bill that would rename Palm Beach County International Airport after President Donald J. Trump, sparking sharp debate over cost, legacy, and political symbolism.
House Bill 919 would authorize millions in funding for the rebranding. Estimates range from $2.75 million in the House proposal to $5.5 million in the Senate version. According to Palm Beach County’s Department of Airports, the higher estimate would cover new signage, uniforms, technology updates, and other rebranding expenses, with funding potentially drawn from airport revenues unless lawmakers allocate state funds.
Republicans argued the designation is fitting, noting Trump is the first Florida resident elected president. Rep. John Snyder, R-Stuart, credited Trump with elevating Palm Beach’s global profile. Democrats countered by citing Trump’s impeachments, legal controversies, and prior civil liability in a New York case involving writer E. Jean Carroll.
Concerns were also raised after reports that a Trump-affiliated company filed trademark applications related to airport branding. Rep. Meg Weinberger, R-Palm Beach County, said the Trump family indicated it would waive trademark rights if the renaming proceeds.
The Senate version of the measure has cleared committee and now heads for a full vote before potentially reaching Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk.
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