On Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, Florida lawmakers gave final approval to legislation that would rename Palm Beach Airport (PBI) after President Donald Trump. The proposal now heads to Governor Ron DeSantis’s desk amid debate over cost and symbolism.
Legislative Approval and Republican Support
State Republicans claim that the name change is a fitting way to honour Trump, who is the first American president with residency in Florida. Trump often meets with world leaders at Mar-a-Lago, his home in Florida, and owns Trump International Golf Course in South Florida as well.
Republican State Senator Debbie Mayfield, who is the bill’s sponsor, stated:
“Regardless of your personal view on the president, his record speaks for itself – President Trump has delivered meaningful results for Florida and the United States.”
The State Senate passed on Thursday the legislation FL HB919 (26R) in favour of changing Palm Beach International’s name to “President Donald J. Trump International Airport” by a 25-11 vote.
On Tuesday, House Members voted 81-30 in favour of a bill which would give the state authority to name major commercial airports and prevent local officials from doing so.
This is one of the only six bills that have passed the full Legislature this year, as House and Senate leaders cross the midway session, with major issues such as property tax cuts and congressional redistricting still needing to be taken up.
Democratic Opposition and Financial Concerns
Democrats fought against the measure, as they say the president is unworthy of such a recognition due to his divisive rhetoric. They highlighted incidents such as the now-deleted Truth Social post depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as monkeys.
Democrats also argued that the state should wait until Trump’s current term ends, as there could be more fallout from the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Trump has denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.
Democrats also introduced failed amendments to keep the airport’s abbreviation as “PBI” instead of possibly “DJT” and add President John F. Kennedy’s name on the Palm Beach airport alongside Trump’s, similar to “Donald J.Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Centre for the Performing Arts” in Washington.
Democrat State Senator LaVon Bracy Davis commented:
“This bill renames Palm Beach County International Airport after one of the most polarising figures in modern history. And when we attach a name to a major airport, we’re not simply naming a building, we are endorsing a legacy. This legacy includes calling Mexican immigrants rapists and criminals, referring to African and Haiti as ‘s-hole’ countries.”
The Florida Senate’s initial budget recommendation would carve out $2.45 million to help the airport pay for signage, branding elements and website updates associated with the renaming.
The Florida Senate’s initial demand was $5.5 million, which indicates that the Legislature could ultimately ask for more funding, even though the state House has yet to recommend any. Lawmakers are set to negotiate the spending over the next few weeks.
The Trump family company filed three trademark applications ahead of Florida’s legislation for “DJT”, “Donald J. Trump International Airport”, and “President Donald J. Trump International Airport”. These wide-ranging trademarks could cover watches, jewellery, clothing and more, emblazoned with the airport’s potential new name.
What do you think about this renaming of Palm Beach International Airport? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
