The Florida House of Representatives has given the green light to bill HB 919, which aims to rename Palm Beach International Airport as “President Donald J. Trump International Airport.” This legislative move brings the southern Florida facility one step closer to officially adopting the name of the former U.S. president.
On Tuesday, a vote took place in the Republican-led state house, resulting in 81 votes in favor and 30 against the proposal.
Before this name change can be finalized, the state Senate must also approve the measure. Furthermore, it requires the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) approval and the execution of a formal agreement with the trademark holder.
Financial Implications and Political Debate
The proposed renaming has sparked significant controversy.
The Palm Beach County Department of Airports estimates the name change would incur costs exceeding $5 million. This figure includes expenses for redesigning and replacing signage, updating technological systems, uniforms, promotional materials, and adjustments to passenger processing platforms.
A budget proposal in the House allocates $2.75 million, while the Senate has suggested a provision of up to $5.5 million, with specific allocations such as $250,000 for image renewal consultants and another $250,000 for updating equipment, vehicles, and uniforms.
“The airport will need resources to complete the name change,” the Senate proposal states.
The document outlines that, in addition to signage and branding elements, “necessary technological updates, including air messaging and emergency systems,” must be implemented.
Republicans have defended the initiative, emphasizing Trump's connection to Palm Beach, where his Mar-a-Lago residence is located.
“This is the president's hometown; he lives five miles from the airport,” stated Representative Meg Weinberger, a co-sponsor of the project.
Representative John Snyder added, “After we all vote ‘yes’ on this bill, it will officially become a great airport.”
Meanwhile, Republican Senator Debbie Mayfield argued that, despite recent controversies, “one cannot deny he has done extraordinary things for our country. He has put America first again.”
Democratic Opposition
The Democratic minority has criticized both the symbolic nature of the measure and the use of public resources to fund it.
“His legacy is incomplete,” stated House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell, citing two impeachment trials, court convictions, and other controversies associated with Trump.
Representative Ashley Gantt commented, “I believe naming this airport after this man is unfounded and ill-advised.”
In the Senate, Democrat Shevrin Jones expressed “ethical concerns,” especially after it was revealed that an entity linked to the Trump Organization submitted applications to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to register names like “President Donald J. Trump International Airport” and “Donald J. Trump International Airport.”
“This is about generating revenue from a public entity or private enterprise, an enterprise that serves Donald Trump's interests, not the people of Florida,” Jones argued.
During the debate, some legislators also questioned the president’s recent social media posts, which heightened the discussion's intensity.
Trademark Considerations
Parallel to the legislative process, the former president's family business, through DTTM Operations LLC, has filed trademark applications to protect the use of the name for airports and various associated elements like shuttle buses, flight uniforms, and promotional items.
The company assured that the president and his family would not receive financial compensation for the potential airport name change near his residence.
“The president and his family will not receive royalties, licensing fees, or any financial compensation for the proposed name change,” the company stated in a release, adding that the intent is to prevent misuse of the trademark.
Weinberger affirmed in the legislative chamber that there was no coordination between lawmakers and the president's company, stating that the family agreed to “completely cede the Trump trademark to Palm Beach International.”
Federal Approval Needed
The bill also grants the Legislature the authority to name the state's seven major commercial airports, although the only proposed change currently is for Palm Beach.
If the Senate approves the measure and the governor signs it into law, the final step will be obtaining FAA authorization and formalizing the trademark usage agreement with the county.
Should this be realized, Palm Beach International Airport—handling approximately 8.6 million passengers annually—would join other public infrastructures named after U.S. presidents, although traditionally, such recognitions occur years after they leave office.
The recent House vote marks a significant step forward for the southern Florida airport to officially adopt the name “Donald J. Trump International Airport,” amidst a debate intertwining political recognition, partisan controversy, and questions regarding public fund usage.
Key Questions About the Renaming of Palm Beach Airport
What are the next steps for the airport name change to be finalized?
The proposal must be approved by the state Senate, signed by the governor, and then receive authorization from the FAA. Additionally, a formal agreement on trademark usage needs to be established with the county.
How much is the estimated cost for renaming the airport?
The estimated cost for the name change is over $5 million, covering expenses for signage redesign and replacement, technological updates, uniforms, and promotional materials.
Why is there controversy surrounding the airport renaming?
The controversy arises from the symbolic nature of the measure, public resource allocation, ethical concerns about trademark applications, and the political figure's contentious legacy.