By Trendsetter Tribune 
TALLAHASSEE, FL — The Florida Legislature on Thursday, February 19, 2026, officially approved a bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) as President Donald J. Trump International Airport. The measure, which passed the state Senate in a 25–11 party-line vote just two days after clearing the House (81–30), now heads to the desk of Governor Ron DeSantis.
The renaming honors the President in his adopted hometown, located less than six miles from his Mar-a-Lago resort.
The Details: HB 919 / SB 706
The legislation does more than just rename a single airport; it shifts the power of naming rights for Florida’s seven largest commercial hubs from local counties to the state legislature.
- Effective Date: If signed, the name change is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.
- The Cost: Republican sponsors have requested $5.5 million in state funding to cover the rebranding. This includes replacing all physical signage, updating digital flight systems, rebranding employee uniforms, and modifying FAA-linked databases.
- The “Trademark” Controversy: The bill moved forward just days after the Trump Organization filed trademark applications for the name “President Donald J. Trump International Airport.” While the company stated it would waive licensing fees for the county, Democrats criticized the move as a potential “presidential shakedown” or an “unprecedented grift.”
Debate: “Hometown Hero” vs. “Political Billboard”
The floor debate in Tallahassee was described as “vitriolic,” reflecting the deep partisan divide over the President’s legacy.
| Argument for Renaming | Argument Against Renaming |
| Local Ties: Supporters, like Rep. Meg Weinberger, noted Trump is the first Florida resident to serve as President and lives “just down the street.” | Conduct Concerns: Democrats cited Trump’s two impeachments and 34 felony convictions, arguing he has a legacy of “divisiveness.” |
| Infrastructure: Rep. Kim Kendall praised the administration’s investments in modernizing U.S. aviation facilities. | Local Overrule: Critics noted that Palm Beach County voters did not support Trump in the 2016, 2020, or 2024 elections. |
| Border Results: Sen. Debbie Mayfield cited the deportation of over 400,000 undocumented migrants as a key “result” for the nation. | Financial Burden: Some lawmakers argued the $5.5M would be better spent on local member projects or community services. |
The Final Hurdles
While the legislature has spoken, two final steps remain before the new signs go up:
- Gubernatorial Signature: Governor DeSantis’s office stated he will review the “final form” of the bill. He is widely expected to sign it.
- FAA Approval: The Federal Aviation Administration must bless the change. This is typically a formality, but given the political climate, the process will be closely watched.
The “Dulles” Comparison
This move in Florida is being seen as a victory for the President’s supporters after a similar effort to rename Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia faced significant legislative pushback in Congress earlier this year. With the Florida bill passed, Palm Beach is poised to become the first major international airport to bear the 47th President’s name.